First look inside the $55m rebuild of Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge

It will set you back a hefty $3400 a night, but every luxury touch has been thought of in the $55m rebuild of KI’s Southern Ocean Lodge. Take a look inside.

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is Australia's first true luxury lodge. Picture: Supplied

Four years after it was destroyed by Kangaroo Island’s devastating bushfires, the rebuilt $55 million Southern Ocean Lodge will open its doors today in what owners say will be an emotional moment for the team.

The world-renowned property has been recreated by original architect Max Pritchard, bringing back many of the same luxurious features but with several new additions, including an ultra-premium suite complete with wet-edge pool.

Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie said today’s relaunch was a special occasion for everyone associated with the award-winning resort, which was reduced to rubble during KI’s 2020 fires.

An outside fireplace takes in the breathtaking views on offer at the Southern Ocean Lodge. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a ‘full-circle moment’ for us and one that brings some closure to the past, as well as an optimistic look towards the future,” he said.

“We saw the chance to rebuild Southern Ocean Lodge as a special chance to return the property that seemed to touch so many guests over the years, and with some considered additions to take her to a next generation traveller and a sustainable future.”

The view from inside the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Supplied

The accommodation, located on a cliff in Hanson Bay overlooking the Southern Ocean, now features 23 luxurious suites – up from 21 – plus a 640 sqm Ocean Pavilion, featuring up to four bedrooms plus an outdoor terrace.

All guest suites feature private decks, an EcoSmart fireplace and sink-in bathtub.

The property’s buildings have also been upgraded with cutting edge solar technology and enhanced rainwater water capture, while additional bushfire-safe measures have been added.

These include a state-of-the-art sprinkler system, the use of fire-retardant native plants and a 20-metre vegetation “buffer zone”, clearing it free of coastal scrub to reduce the threat of radiant heat.

In its place is environmentally-friendly landscaping showcasing 45,000 native plants, among a range of species with fire-safe qualities.

The lodge’s fire bunker, where six staff members including managers Alison Heath and John Hird hid during the January 2020 blaze, is gone in favour of a remote sprinkler system, which will be activated and managed by onsite CCTV cameras and web-based software.

Guests are accommodated in 23 luxurious suites at the luxury lodge. Picture: Supplied

Baillie Lodges co-founder Hayley Baillie said the support of the local community during the rebuild was incredible.

“We’ve been buoyed by the unwavering support of so many of our guests and the broader tourism industry for which we’re very grateful, and we’re thrilled to be bringing Southern Ocean Lodge back today,” she said.

“We have a chance now to show the world the incredible depth and diversity of the regional Southern Australia and Kangaroo Island offering as its stands today and into the future.”

Stays at the lodge, including all dining, open bar and KI experiences and airport transfers, start at $3400 a night per couple. Bookings are now open at southernoceanlodge.com.au