Wildly beautiful: Southern Ocean Lodge reopens on Kangaroo Island

The Kangaroo Island icon is back better than ever.

Bigger, better, bougier.

In January 2020, one of Australia's most storied hotels was lost to bushfires. The Southern Ocean Lodge was (and is) one of the lynchpins in the Ballie Lodges portfolio - think Longitude 131 in the NT and Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland. But out of the literal ashes has arisen something new. Truth is, the Southern Ocean Lodge could have probably been rebuilt in a couple of years but that’s not how Baillie Lodges roll. 

Jump on in to the new pool area at The Southern Ocean Lodge. Photography by George Apostilidis.

This was an opportunity for consideration and contemplation. To sieve through the debris for the most beloved aspects of the hotel and add some new ones. Which is why the rebuild - from original architect Max Pritchard - took four years.  The bougie Great Room overlooking the roiling surf is still the heart of the property but now has an infinity pool and 23 suites ease along the coastline from it. If you’ve stayed here before, you will notice a slight difference. The rooms have all been slightly shifted towards the southeast to make better use of the vistas towards both ocean and island. Smart.

The Great Room is aptly named. Photography by George Apostilidis.

Add private decks, EcoSmart fireplaces and sink-in bathtubs and you’ve got one of the best suites in the country. Fact. If you want something ultra private here, might we suggest the Ocean Pavilion which can be configured to a four bedroom villa or two two-bedroom suites. The spa has also had a reboot with three treatment rooms, a gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools. 

The Remarkable Suite at Southern Ocean Lodge. Photography by George Apostilidis.

A nod to the sustainability of the project is also due. Most notably a reinvigoration of the surrounding natural environment with some 45,000 biodiverse native plants propagated onsite and planted in a natural buffer from the wilderness.  The packages, which include all dining, an open bar, five signature Kangaroo Island experiences and airport transfers – start at $3,400 per couple per night. 

For more information, go to  www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

Originally published as Wildly beautiful: Southern Ocean Lodge reopens on Kangaroo Island