Insider Journeys: Southern Ocean Lodge

Property Overview

Perched on a remote clifftop at the far western end of Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge offers a unique luxury experience amidst the dramatic coastal landscape of wildlife-rich Flinders Chase National Park. With just 25 guest suites, the newly rebuilt lodge features a modern architectural design in keeping with the original (yes the Great Room and floating fireplace remain), but with enhanced sustainability measures and even better ocean outlooks from the lodge rooms.

Lodge facilities include a cliffside infinity pool, cold plunge pool and sauna, and onsite Spa that uses local botanicals in its treatments. The hero of the lodge though is the Great Room, where we enjoyed a glass of bubbles on arrival. With its magnificent floating fireplace, comfortable lounges, and Southern Ocean backdrop, we were instantly drawn into the landscape and in awe of the power of the waves crashing into the cliffs outside.

Guest rooms are both private and spacious, featuring impressive ocean outlooks with the view from our deep-soaking tub as impressive as the one from bed. Our room featured a supremely comfortable king bed, personal minibar, ensuite with heated floors and a great shower, private deck, and a lovely lounge with curved sofa around a fireplace.

Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge was a true celebration of South Australian produce, from fresh seafood to local lamb and cheeses. Breakfast was a highlight, with a selection of pastries and continental options, followed by alacarte cooked selection which was expertly prepared. Great barista coffee and tea selection, as you’d expect too. Lunch was a two-course affair with wines, though we liked the flexibility offered by the lodge, with its casual menu also available if we felt like something lighter. Dinner was three courses, all excellent, and complemented by premium local wine matches. The all-inclusive dining concept and open bar made it easy to relax and enjoy. The evening wine tastings were a special way to get to know the region and connect with guests, and we enjoyed a chat with the bartender after dinner who was always encouraging of a nightcap and ready with a recommendation.

What we loved

It is probably no surprise that the lodge’s direct access to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail was a key draw for us, and we found it to be the perfect base for exploring the island on foot and away from the crowds. We loved the sections of the trail that hugged tightly to the sheer clifftops giving us dramatic views over the Southern Ocean and bays below, which we had to ourselves.

The experiences offered by the lodge also helped to connect us to the landscape, with evening walks around the property, wine tasting at the bar, and visits to conservation land to spot koalas, just some of the hosted options. We also loved the nods to the destination within the F&B menu– from local fish farmed by the kids at the island’s school, to the freshly baked lamingtons in our room on arrival with a note about the history of these Australian favourites – there was a definite sense of place. The remoteness of the lodge and its design, with constant view of ocean waves rolling in, was almost meditative at times and completed our sense of immersion in the landscape.

The other favourite aspect of our stay was the warm hospitality and all-inclusive approach – the same one we have come to love at all of the Baillie Lodges. We wanted for nothing, and found there was always someone around to help with a question or prepare a barista coffee. Nothing was too much trouble. We equally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and being able to help ourselves to a glass of wine or beer to take onto the terrace at sunset. It felt like we were staying with friends – very generous friends.

What surprised us?

The generosity of the lodge’s inclusions pleasantly surprised us, with premium spirits, cocktails and French Champagne all part of the open bar offering. And then there was the wine cellar... We were shown the cellar on day 1, and informed we could enter as we please and select (almost) any bottle. The range was significant, and the options premium. Just imagine being able to browse the rows of great reds – several in the $100-$150 per bottle range - in the atmospheric cellar before sitting down to dinner. It made dinner a real experience and had us pondering whether we needed a cellar – or at least a good wine fridge – in our life back at home.

Another surprise highlight, was the loop walk from the lodge taking in Hanson Bay and crossing a river by rowboat before joining a peaceful trail back up to the lodge. The varied landscape and abundant birdlife was unexpected, and we didn’t see another soul for the duration of the two hour walk. Returning to the lodge to a warm drink by the fire on a cool day, made it all the more memorable.

Recommended experiences

We found the lodge to be the perfect base for discovering Kangaroo Island’s abundant wildlife and trails, with easy access to nearby Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, among other must visit sites in and around Flinders Chase National Park. We hiked the KI Wilderness Trail from Remarkable Rocks along the clifftops back to lodge – 13 kilometres in all, about 5 hours at an average pace with stops and lunch on the trail. The views and wildlife we spotted were impressive for such a short hike – we saw kangaroos and seals in the first hour, and took in turquoise bays and wild dramatic clifftops.

A visit to Seal Bay, where sea lions laze on the beach, is a must, and one you can enjoy with a lodge host to get you up close to the seals. We include this on our signature 6 day South Australian journey, timed for the morning which is generally the best time to visit. Other experiences we recommend include the Hanson Bay loop walk, with its coastal scenery and river crossing adding a sense of adventure and chance to tick off a second section of the KI Wilderness Trail. If you have time, also consider joining the guided nature walk to Hanson Bay Conservation Park – this is on private land and gets you up close with koalas and kangaroos in the wild, before a sunset drink to finish. What better way to end a day on Kangaroo Island.

Final thoughts

Southern Ocean Lodge offers a perfect balance of remoteness, luxury, and connection with nature. The panoramic ocean views and beautifully designed suites are a pleasure to return to each day, but you will want to get out and explore the walking trails and wildlife whilst here. It is a unique place, with opportunities you will not find anywhere else. The generosity of inclusions and the care from the staff elevate the whole experience and make this one of our favourite Australian lodges.