Kangaroo Island’s resilience has been evident over the past few years. The destination has bounced back after the devastating bushfires in 2020. And today, the newly rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge and its surroundings are flourishing once again.
BY AMY VAN
PHOTOS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION AND SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE
Most people may not realise that Kangaroo Island is similar in size to Bali, and six times bigger than Singapore. Australia’s third largest island, located 13km off the mainland of South Australia, is blessed with rugged coastlines and pristine waters. A third of its area is protected nature reserves, home to diverse wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, fur seals, and echidnas. You might even encounter some of these animals roaming freely in their habitat.
The Black Summer bushfires of 2020 – the largest in Kangaroo Island’s recorded history – burned nearly half of the island and affected vast numbers of wildlife. Four years later, the landscape has returned to its natural glory.
The iconic Southern Ocean Lodge (SOL), set on the picturesque cliffs of the southwest coast, was razed in the fires. The owners committed to rebuilding the 25-suite property, which was successfully reconstructed and reopened in December 2023. The vegetation surrounding the resort have also regenerated, including the resilient yucca trees with their bushy palms, known for their ability to thrive after fires.
Even Sol, the lodge’s semi-blind and semi-wild resident kangaroo, has returned for a visit. Hand-raised as an orphan by the lodge, Sol was thought to have perished in the bushfire. However, he cleverly sheltered under the sprinkler system to save himself. Half a dozen staff members who remained at the lodge during the fires also survived by taking refuge in bunkers. When Sol reappeared after the bushfire, it reaffirmed to everyone that Kangaroo Island is a place of remarkable resilience and wonder.
Signature experiences
Today, guests of the luxury lodge are welcomed back to its brand new premises. The highlight of your stay will be participating in the various signature experiences and discovering the island’s natural attractions.
The guided tours organised by Southern Ocean Lodge include the Seal Bay Safari. For about two hours, wander among Australia’s third largest colony of sea lions along the shores of the Southern Ocean at Seal Bay Conservation Park. During the tour, the lodge’s expert guide will lead you along the boardwalk and down to the beach to observe the wild sea lions. Watch as the mothers rest after hunting for fish, while adorable, curious pups play in the sand.
Another spectacular highlight of the island is its stunning coastal rock formations. Flinders Chase National Park in the west is famous for the breathtaking sculpted Remarkable Rocks. To truly appreciate their beauty, you must be there to experience them firsthand. The granite boulders, streaked with orange-gold lichen, have been shaped by forces of nature – wind, water, etc. – over 500 million years. Enjoy a few minutes of “hide-and-seek” among the rocks, and snap your Instagram-worthy photos before the crowds ascend the rocky slopes.
In the area too is the impressive stalactite-covered Admirals Arch, which you approach via a series of zigzagging stairs. As you meander down the walkway, pause along the way to take in the sweeping ocean views.
Between these rock explorations, your guide will captivate you with stories from the era of sailing ships in the treacherous Southern ocean. While you listen to tales of shipwrecks and lighthouses of yesteryear, munch on homemade scones paired with tea.
If you’re eager for more encounters with furry wildlife, your guide can take you to the Hanson Bay Sanctuary, where koalas can be spotted snoozing in the treetops after feasting on eucalyptus leaves. In the evenings, you be immersed in the history of the early settlers at Grassdale, enjoying drinks and snacks as kangaroos venture out to graze.
Back in the lodge
After returning from the great outdoors, soak in the tranquillity of the lodge. You can head to the calming Southern Spa, which boasts three treatment rooms. Or unwind in the sauna or temperature-controlled hot and cold plunge pools.
Alternatively, simply lounge at the Great Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and seek out the inviting open bar laden with an extensive range of alcoholic drinks. Try the local honey liqueur or Baillies 9 wild gin (the lodge’s own small batch gin using fresh botanicals including the island’s native juniper, blended by Kangaroo Island’s resident distillers John and Sarah Lark of KI Spirits). The staff are on-hand to assist with concocting a cocktail – or three. Sunset drinks are served each evening to allow guests to mingle and share the day’s adventures.
A stay at the lodge is inclusive of all meals, help-yourself bar stocked with premium beverages, and an in-suite bar generously filled with a daily-replenished selection of local cookies, chocolates, nougat, cheese and beverages.
What’s even more exciting for wine enthusiasts is the opportunity to explore the walk-in cellar. Feel free to pick any bottle of wine you’d like to try and take it to the table to pair with your meals.The cellar wines are carefully curated, with many only available at South Australia’s cellar doors. Kangaroo Island is a relatively new and lesser-known wine region, so be sure to sample some of its vinous offerings, such as the elegant and refined wines from Islander Estate.
The gourmet food at the lodge is excellent to boot, offering a memorable Southern Australian culinary experience. The menu of locally sourced food and beverages is designed to connect guests with Kangaroo Island’s farmers and artisan producers. The chefs source fresh produce from nearby, including honey, olives, marron, oysters, fresh range eggs, and many others.
A four-course menu changes daily, incorporating the freshest island and regional ingredients with seasonal flavours. Expect to savour dishes like sweet local marron, line-caught whiting, pork with tamarind glaze, apple and celeriac, or Port Lincoln Kinkawooka mussels with green curry and roti. Dessert might include creations like cornflake ice cream sandwich with honeycomb and popcorn, followed by a selection of cheeses.
Rest & relax
Back in your suite, admire the golden summer sunset, or if you are extremely lucky, catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights during dark winter nights. Wake up to a glorious sunrise as you watch the waves break on the shore.
When the 25 suites were rebuilt, they were reoriented to provide even better views of the ocean and coastal wilderness. The new orientation of the modern architectural design now features generous indoor and outdoor lounging areas, as well as baths and cosy Eco-Smart fireplaces.
Environmental sustainability is a core of the lodge’s new design, with a significant hybrid solar and battery infrastructure that enables the luxury lodge to operate off-grid in its remote location while reducing diesel fuel consumption by more than 50 percent.
Finally, a journey to Kangaroo Island is made even more memorable thanks to the warm and affable staff who ensure that everyone is well-fed and pampered from the moment they arrive until they leave. Be warned however: saying goodbye to this stunning destination can be extremely difficult.