See the plans: Inside proposed tourism development set to take KI by storm

Imagine waking up to stunning views of wild, uninterrupted coastline and the ocean – check out the plan for these proposed new short-stay cabins.

The cabins would be built on land south of the Cape Willoughby lighthouse on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Nic Design Studio

Twenty tiny short-stay cabins would be built on Kangaroo Island’s easternmost point, offering sweeping views of Backstairs Passage and rugged shoreline under a proposal by AUTRA Resort.

The tourism accommodation venture would be made up of 20 cabins with attached decks on empty land off Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, home to South Australia’s oldest operational lighthouse.

Each cabin would accommodate two people for a period of two to five days, offering about 50 sqm floor space with a height of 3.2m.

The cabins would include bed, living space, kitchenette, bath and even a sauna, documents show.

Artist impression of the cabins, which would be built as part of the tourism development on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Nic Design Studio

A storage shed and supporting infrastructure will also be built during construction.

In a report published by Future Urban, they said the proposal would “complement the natural character” of the area.

“The holistic design of the proposed facility results in both the conservation and enhancement of the natural and rural character of the land,” the report said.

“The proposal complements the natural character of the locality (and) minimises disruption to the natural landform.

The short-stay cabins would have space for two people. Picture: Nic Design Studio

The cabins would offer views of the ocean from Kangaroo Island. Picture: Nic Design Studio

Cape Willoughby as seen from the air. The cabins would be built on land to the left of the lighthouse. Picture: Department for Environment and Water

Render of the cantilever viewing platform overlooking Devil’s Kitchen on Kangaroo Island

“The development has been sited and designed to provide an authentic, natural experience for visitors to Kangaroo Island.”

In 2021, a $5m project to rejuvenate the area around the lighthouse was announced, including a spectacular cantilever viewing platform extending over the 10m-high chasm down to the ocean.

Upgrades to heritage accommodation and day visitor facilities, a cafe and visitor centre and new walking trails was also part of the revamp.

Community consultation is open until June 6.