Aussie island’s comeback after New York Times, Time magazine accolades

Since fires ravaged South Australia’s Kangaroo Island in 2020, the community has been determinedly rebuilding, the bush is regenerating and in recent times, there’s been good news.

On the world stage, Kangaroo Island, or KI, has received some great accolades. It was named one of 50 destinations in The World’s Greatest Places of 2023 by Time, and appeared in The New York Times′ Top 10 Places to Visit in 2023 list. Locally, its Stokes Bay was named Best Australian Beach by Tourism Australia.

Cabn X Cape St Albans.

While infrastructure strains continue, tourist numbers are rising as people head to the South Australian island (Australia’s third largest) for its rugged coastline, wildlife, gourmet delights and authentic country welcome.

The latest good news story is the opening of a collection of luxury cabins at Cape St Albans, a 162-hectare private property with sweeping ocean views that was otherwise inaccessible to visitors.

Cabn X St Albans is part of the Cabn group, a network of off-grid, sustainable, eco-friendly tiny house tourism offerings.

Already operating in a growing number of picturesque, secluded spots in South Australia and Queensland, Cabn CEO and founder Michael Lamprell says it’s “a privilege” to bring like-minded guests to Cape St Albans, which inhabits a promontory on the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island looking back towards the South Australian mainland.

Each cabin has an outside bath with spectacular views.

Kangaroo Island regional tourism manager Megan Harvie says: “The Cabn property is an incredible addition to accommodation on Kangaroo Island and offers an experience like nowhere else. Cape St Albans is unique, takes in a spectacular coastline and connects visitors to the island’s stories, produce and people.”

Cabn X Cape St Albans comprises five eco-cabins, each positioned for privacy. Each one includes an indoor private sauna, indoor and outdoor full-size baths and king-sized beds.

The property is fully solar-powered, and the cabins were prefabricated off site to minimise disruption to the environment.

The snug interior.

Cabn is working with Kool Tours and Intrepid Travel to offer experiences highlighting the importance of the First Nations story to the island.

Ngarrindjeri elder Mark Koolmatrie says his family was delighted when Ngarrindjeri women were invited to conduct a blessing ceremony before its opening and the first tourism operator on Kangaroo Island to do so.

“Kangaroo Island is a very sacred place … we look forward to working with Cabn to share the history, creation stories and Indigenous interpretation of all the wonderful experiences Cape St Albans has to offer.”

Meanwhile, the rebuild of Kangaroo Island’s legendary Southern Ocean Lodge, which was lost in the fires, comes to an end soon with the new property set to open in December.

Cape St Albans is a less than 30-minute drive from the Kangaroo Island SeaLink ferry terminal at Penneshaw, and less than an hour’s drive from Kingscote airport.

See cabn.life tourkangarooisland.com.au