Cool change
There’s a cool change afoot at Southern Ocean Lodge with a selection of new signature experiences appearing in guest itineraries from September 1, 2024. Discover the subterranean magic of Kelly Hill Caves, meet koalas and kangaroos in their own neighbourhood and take a deep dive into South Australia’s fine wines in our feel-at-home cellar.
Widely acclaimed as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island (or ‘KI’ as the locals know it), is home to diverse native wildlife each thriving in its domain, as well as a swag of spectacular natural attractions.
Centrally located between key landmarks, the Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park, Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxurious base for adventures. A series of guided signature experiences shared with fellow guests is included in the tariff comprising must-do adventures alongside fun and interesting options designed to showcase the island for new and returning guests.
Guests are encouraged to tailor their own perfect getaway and can opt to participate in as many scheduled experiences (or as few) as they wish. A three-night stay allows time to lounge in the Great Room and explore the help-yourself bar, step from Baillie Bed to bath in-suite and relax into a treatment in the Southern Spa, mixed with adventures in the great outdoors.
Signature experiences operate at scheduled times and are included in guests’ itineraries based on length of stay and arrival and departure times. At a minimum we recommend guests participate in our much-loved tours, the Wonders of Kangaroo Island and Seal Bay Safari, which are morning excursions. Optional activities are scheduled in the afternoon segueing into early evening.
1
Wonders of Kangaroo Island
4 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
Discover spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating maritime heritage on a wilderness expedition in Flinders Chase National Park.
2 Seal Bay Safari
2.5 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
Walk amongst Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions on the shores of the Southern Ocean at Seal Bay Conservation Park. For two-night stays, guests must depart on afternoon flight to allow time for this excursion.
3 Kelly Hill Caves
1.5 HOURS AFTER LUNCH
Explore a labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns in the subterranean Kelly Hill Caves with guided commentary and a dynamic lightshow. Involves a steep staircase to access, confined spaces and bright lights.
4 Koalas and Kangas
2.5 HOURS LATE AFTERNOON
Spot koalas snoozing at the Hanson Bay Sanctuary and later, soak up the history of the early settlers at Grassdale with drinks and snacks as kangaroos venture out to graze.
5 Coastal Clifftop Walk
1.5 HOURS AFTER LUNCH
Traverse the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay while learning about the diverse coastal ecology and the resilience of the Australian bush. This walk may be enjoyed on a self-guided basis at any time of day.
6 A Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
A discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session each evening exploring the viticultural regions of South Australia.
Breakfast –
Recommended morning signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
The most direct option for travel to Kangaroo Island is the 40-minute QantasLink flight between Adelaide (ADL) and Kingscote (KGC). Where possible we recommend arriving on the morning flight (QF2142) and departing on the afternoon flight (QF2145). Guests are greeted in Kangaroo Island Airport's arrivals hall prior to the scenic 50-minute transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge.
Breakfast is served from 7–9.30am. Breakfast is served from 7–9.30am. Breakfast is served from 7–9.30am.
Wonders of Kangaroo Island
4 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
Discover spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating maritime heritage on a west-end wilderness expedition in Flinders Chase National Park. Wander among the Remarkable Rocks and spy on fur seals at Admirals Arch, a spectacular coastal grotto.
Seal Bay Safari
2.5 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
Join a lodge guide on the shores of the Southern Ocean at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a walk amongst Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Learn about the sea lions’ seafaring lifestyle and the research programs implemented onsite.
Spend time at leisure or at the Southern Spa Only available if departing on an afternoon flight.
Guests departing on the QantasLink morning flight (QF2143) are provided with access to the lodge’s exclusive airport lounge to relax in before their outbound flight.
Lunch Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm. Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm. Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm. Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm.
Recommended afternoon signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
Coastal Clifftop Walk
1.5 HOURS AFTER LUNCH
Step out for a guided walk traversing the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Southern Ocean swell below while learning about the diverse coastal ecology and the resilience of the Australian bush. Only available if arriving on a morning flight.
Koalas and Kangas
2.5 HOURS LATE AFTERNOON
As the sun dips down, visit Hanson Bay Sanctuary, a mecca for furry and feathered native wildlife. Later, journey to Grassdale, a nearby historic property to sip South Australian beverages and nibble on snacks as shy-by-day marsupials venture out to graze.
Kelly Hill Caves
Guests departing on the QantasLink afternoon flight (QF2145) are provided with access to the lodge’s exclusive airport lounge to relax in before their outbound flight. EVENING
Recommended evening signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
A Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
After a day of adventures, a discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session highlighting the remarkable diversity of South Australia’s wines with a different region explored every night. Only available if arriving on a morning flight.
Dinner Dinner is served from 7–9pm. Enjoy the open bar in the Great Room after dinner.
A
Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
After a day of adventures, a discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session highlighting the remarkable diversity of South Australia’s wines with a different region explored every night.
Dinner is served from 7–9pm. Enjoy the open bar in the Great Room after dinner.
1.5 HOURS AFTER LUNCH
Step back in time and discover a labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns in the subterranean Kelly Hill Caves with guided commentary and a dynamic lightshow. Marvel at the illuminated stalactites, helictites and more.
A
Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
After a day of adventures, a discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session highlighting the remarkable diversity of South Australia’s wines with a different region explored every night. –
Dinner is served from 7–9pm. Enjoy the open bar in the Great Room after dinner.
Signature experiences are provided on an intimate shared basis with fellow guests at scheduled times. Private touring can be arranged at additional cost, subject to availability (excluding Kelly Hill Caves).
Indicative itinerary (2 nights)
Breakfast –
Recommended morning signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
The most direct option for travel to Kangaroo Island is the 40-minute QantasLink flight between Adelaide (ADL) and Kingscote (KGC). Where possible we recommend arriving on the morning flight (QF2142) and departing on the afternoon flight (QF2145). Guests are greeted in Kangaroo Island Airport's arrivals hall prior to the scenic 50-minute transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge.
Breakfast is served from 7–9.30am. Breakfast is served from 7–9.30am.
Wonders of Kangaroo Island
Discover spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating maritime heritage on a west-end wilderness expedition in Flinders Chase National Park. Wander among the Remarkable Rocks and spy on fur seals at Admirals Arch, a spectacular coastal grotto.
Seal Bay Safari
2.5 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
Join a lodge guide on the shores of the Southern Ocean at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a walk amongst Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Learn about the sea lions’ seafaring lifestyle and the research programs implemented onsite. Only available if departing on an afternoon flight. AFTERNOON
Lunch Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm. Lunch is served from 12.30–2.30pm.
Recommended afternoon signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
EVENING
Recommended evening signature experience (or opt for time at leisure or at the Southern Spa)
Coastal Clifftop Walk or Kelly Hill Caves
1.5 HOURS AFTER LUNCH
Step out for a guided walk traversing the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay OR explore a labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns in the subterranean Kelly Hill Caves. Only available if arriving on a morning flight.
A Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
After a day of adventures, a discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session highlighting the remarkable diversity of South Australia’s wines with a different region explored every night. Only available if arriving on a morning flight.
Dinner Dinner is served from 7–9pm. Enjoy the open bar in the Great Room after dinner.
Koalas
and Kangas
2.5 HOURS LATE AFTERNOON
As the sun dips down, visit Hanson Bay Sanctuary, a mecca for furry and feathered native wildlife. Later, journey to Grassdale, a nearby historic property to sip South Australian beverages and nibble on snacks as shy-by-day marsupials venture out to graze.
A Taste of SA
45 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER
After a day of adventures, a discovery of a new kind awaits in the cellar with an optional guided wine tasting session highlighting the remarkable diversity of South Australia’s wines with a different region explored every night.
Guests departing on the QantasLink morning or afternoon flight (QF2143 or QF2145) are provided with access to the lodge’s exclusive airport lounge to relax in before their outbound flight.
Self-drive options
For self-drive island excursions, Sealink operates a 45-minute ferry service between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, which is a 90 minutedrive from the lodge. Cape Jervis is a picturesque two-hour drive from Adelaide.
More to explore
Southern Ocean Lodge offers a range of off-the-beaten track options for guests looking to explore more or perhaps pursue a special interest. Hike from Remarkable Rocks back to the lodge, visit local providores and meet producers at the source, cuddle a koala or discover the island’s nightlife on a nocturnal tour. These bespoke experiences generally operate on a private basis for an exclusive safari feel.*
A range of excellent, full day private experiences is also available from renowned island operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island and Kangaroo Island Touring.* A series of self-guided hiking trails commence from the lodge doorstep, offering exploration at leisure. To view the full selection of hikes and walks, please refer to our interactive trail map
*Additional charges apply; bookings subject to availability and required in advance.
Dinner is served from 7–9pm. Enjoy the open bar in the Great Room after dinner.