$4 million Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail accommodation to be a new drawcard for nature-lovers
A $4 million plan for new accommodation on Kangaroo Island aims to draw more people to experience the island’s multi-day wilderness trail.
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A $4 million plan for new accommodation on Kangaroo Island aims to draw more people to experience the island’s multi-day wilderness trail.
Australian Walking Company has lodged plans with Kangaroo Island Council to build two ‘eco-sensitive’ lodges and upgrade the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages at Cape du Couedic.
The business’s co-owner Geoff Dixon said if approved, he hoped to begin operating high-end walking tours using the accommodation in the second half of next year.
“There’s a growing market around the world for up-market walking, where you have other facilities instead of camping out,” Mr Dixon said.
“There’s a growing expectation of people who are willing to really take advantage of being outdoors and see beautiful scenery but come back and relax in comfort.”
Mr Dixon said the accommodation would be sensitive to the environment, “hugely comfortable” and feature good wine and food served by a chef.
“Lodgement of the development application marks the next step forward in our quest to elevate Australia as a world-class walking destination,” he said.
The $5.8 million Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail through Flinders Chase National Park opened in 2016.
Mr Dixon said under his company’s plans, guests would walk the 61km trail over four days.
“We’ll start once we’ve got all the approvals but we’re confident we’ll be selling from early next year and starting in the later part of next year.”
More than 4000 people have walked the trail since it opened.
Australian Walking Company responded to a State Government call for expressions of interest from business interested in developing accommodation facilities and services associated with the trail.
The new wilderness lodges, accommodating up to 14 guests, have been designed to blend in with the sand dune landscape, with earthy-toned elements, timber joinery and locally-sourced artwork inspired by Kangaroo Island’s icons.
Bookings for the company’s Kangaroo Island Lodge Walk will open in January.
The company plans to use local expertise and resources to develop and revegetate the site.
michelle.etheridge@news.com.au