SOL | Applicant Guide

Applicant Guide

About Baillie Lodges

Baillie Lodges is a growing portfolio of luxury lodges renowned for setting benchmarks in premium experiential travel. Set in exclusive locations of unique natural or cultural significance, the boutique properties appeal to the discerning global traveller seeking a remarkable experience.

The Australia-based collection was founded in 2003 by James and Hayley Baillie and includes Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Silky Oaks Lodge at Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest and The Louise in the Barossa Valley. Baillie Lodges’ Australian properties are honoured as members of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

In 2019, an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners acquired Baillie Lodges with the aim to further expand the unique collection of luxury lodges. The addition of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s Vancouver Island and New Zealand’s Huka Lodge marked the collection’s foray into international waters. Most recently, Baillie Lodges acquired a majority share in the Tierra Hotels trio of luxury lodges each in remarkable natural locations in Chilé, South America.

Our location

Kangaroo Island (KI) lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. Southern Ocean Lodge (SOL) is located at Hanson Bay, on the island’s south west coast. Flinders Chase National Park with its swag of natural attractions and wildlife is a 20-minute drive away, while the Seal Bay Conservation Park is around 30 minutes’ drive away. The lodge is 60 minutes from Kingscote Airport, 75 minutes from Kingscote town centre and 90 minutes from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw.

Our climate

The climate is variable and daytime temperatures range from 22-35°C in summer and 12-22°C in winter. Kangaroo Island has a Mediterranean-style climate: typically warm to hot dry summers (December–February) with very low humidity and cool, mild winters (June – August).

Travel for good

Baillie Lodges is committed to minimising its environmental footprint across each of its properties. Southern Ocean Lodge has been carefully designed to have minimal impact on the delicate natural environment on which it stands. The lodge is off grid with solar energy as the base power source.

The architectural design of Southern Ocean Lodge harnesses the energy of the sun and wind to heat and cool the building. All rainwater is harvested and stored for use. Recycling stations around the lodge ensure the lodge is proactive in managing waste. The lodge generates its own power and all areas are computer controlled to minimise usage.

Other initiatives include separation of recyclable goods, the use of recycled water for gardens and using food compost from the kitchen on garden beds. View our sustainability policy

Getting there

Kangaroo Island sits a mere 15km from the shores of mainland South Australia. QantasLink operates 40-minute flights connecting Adelaide to Kingscote Airport on most days.

SeaLink operates regular 45-minute ferry transfers between Cape Jervis the mainland and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, located 90-minutes from the lodge via self-drive journey. More details »

Working with us

Our environment

Set atop the wildly beautiful clifftops of Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is celebrated around the world as the pioneer of genuine, experiential luxury in Australia. Twenty-five luxurious guest suites ease along the coastline complete with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. The magnificent Great Room is the hub, where guests dine in the restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar and lounge overlooking the stunning sweep of Hanson Bay.

Our team

The team at Southern Ocean Lodge is relatively small, though quite diverse and unique. The most common roles are chefs, food and beverage attendants, housekeepers and tour (experiences) guides. Whilst position descriptions are provided to individuals, it is a team effort that makes the lodge operate effectively – this spirit of cooperation also allows our team members the opportunity to develop new skills in areas they have not previously worked in.

Our culture

Attention to detail is evident throughout the Baillie Lodges guest experience, from operational processes through to architectural and interior design and the broader product offering and is core to the overarching culture and values. Baillie Lodges’ commitment to product excellence and reinvestment is evident in the significant lodge refurbishments and routine maintenance closures at each property to ensure that they remain at their world-class standard.

Detailed process systems ensure Baillie Lodges delivers comprehensive, on-the-job training for the team and ultimately guarantees a consistently exceptional guest experience. Working at a Baillie Lodges property offers a chance to really work as part of a collegiate team, where departments work together to deliver an exceptional and personal guest experience and learning across departments is encouraged.

Our guests

The lodge’s target market is predominantly discerning guests seeking an exclusive Australian luxury experience. Approximately 50% of our guests are from overseas, with North America and Europe comprising the largest international markets. Key markets for domestic guests are New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Guests stay for a minimum of two nights and the lodge welcomes children 10 years and over.

Employee discounts

Employees at Southern Ocean Lodge are entitled to a number of concessions including a discount on Southern Spa treatments, spa products, purchases from the lodge boutique and discounted beverages. Team members also have the opportunity to dine in the lodge restaurant for a special price.

Tenure Bonus Scheme

Our Tenure Bonus Scheme highlights our commitment to rewarding employees for longer term tenure – depending on your role, you will be eligible for a one off bonus to be paid on the first anniversary of your employment, and then further potential bonuses at each anniversary thereafter.

Accommodation discounts

After six months of service, employees become eligible for the Baillie Lodges team member rate of $150 (AUD) per person per night (or the equivalent in local currency), for themselves and one travelling companion sharing the same suite. Rates are subject to availability and conditions apply. Advance reservations are essential and must be approved by the Lodge Manager.

What's provided

Accommodation

All employees of Southern Ocean Lodge live at the onsite staff village. There is a range of accommodation and this will be allocated for you prior to your arrival. In most instances you will have your own room with your own bathroom. Occasionally you may have to share with one other team member. There are three onsite laundry facilities with washing machines and dryers for staff use. Rooms are partly furnished. The staff village manager will contact you prior to your arrival to confirm your allocated accommodation.

Meals

Meals are provided daily in the staff canteen located in the main lodge building. We aim to provide good quality and healthy meals for our team. Breakfast is self-serve, continental style with whole fresh fruit, yoghurt, toast, cereal, coffee and tea available. A light lunch is served in the staff room; we offer a rotating menu of fresh salads, cold cuts and a hot option. Dinner is a more substantial meal.

Dietary requirements are catered for; please advise these before you arrive. Staff may also use the staff village kitchen and barbecue to cook their own meals if they wish.

Uniforms

Uniforms are provided for most staff at Southern Ocean Lodge. A uniform bond is deducted from your first wage and refunded at the end of your employment, subject to the return of your uniform.

Communications

Telstra Next G is the only mobile network available in the area. It is strongly recommended to choose Telstra as your service provider. WiFi is available to all staff, and it is beneficial to also have your own portable WiFi device.

Please note

• You are required to supply your own bed linen, towels and other personal effects. What to bring »

• You will be required to provide or purchase your own footwear - the type and style required varies by department.

• Utilities are provided on a complimentary basis.

Room categories

The staff village is located a short walk away from the main lodge and is comprised of 50 residences. The staff centre offers a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue area where staff are welcome to cook meals. The Phoenix Bar is the social hub for relaxing while nearby, the outdoor staff gym is set up for personal training.

Accommodation facilities

• Ensuite bathroom with shower/toilet

• Mounted wall heater and fan Telephone Internet connection

• Clothes line

YAKKA FLAT

BEDSIT

What's nearby

Staff lifestyle

Joining the Southern Ocean Lodge team can be a life-changing chance to discover not only the lifestyle on Kangaroo Island but meet people from all over the world. With all team members living onsite, the Staff Village becomes a small community of like-minded people, more of a large family than a work force.

Lodge activities

The lodge operates a number of guest experiences, including five signature tours which are included in the guest tariff. From time to time staff may be permitted to participate in these activities free of charge, subject to guest touring numbers and approval by the Lodge Manager.

Exploring beyond the lodge

Enjoying the great outdoors and vast landscape is a popular pastime with Hanson Bay Beach and Flinders Chase National Park on our doorstep. National Parks passes are available to you as residents of Kangaroo Island and offer discounted entry to all parks on the island.

Local tour operators offer a variety of charter based touring and adventures. Employee bookings can be made direct with operators.

Kangaroo Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife roaming freely in the 'zoo without fences'. Encounter wallabies and koalas, echidnas and birds along with the island's namesake. Marine life abounds with fur seals, dolphins and occasional whales all frolicking in the island's pristine waters. A walk among the colony of Australian sea lions at Seal Bay is a true island privilege.

A range of walking trails are available for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Please advise someone of your expedition to ensure your safety and whereabouts. We recommend wearing closed footwear and long pants.

Local shops, services & activities

Vivonne Bay Store – 30 mins away

Closest general store and sells fuel, a small range of groceries, alcohol and classic takeaway food. Eftpos available.

Kingscote – 60 mins away

The ‘big smoke’ of the island. Banks, bakeries, mechanics, supermarkets, hospital, schools, churches etc are all located here.

KI is blessed with some amazing produce and wines – the self-drive Cygnet River Artisan Trail takes in some of the island’s finest producers, where you can sample wines from the vineyards or spirits at the local distillery, or meet the Ligurian bees and their precious honey at Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co.

Wildlife Southern Ocean Lodge is surrounded by bushland and many animals live in the area. All you need is some common sense when it comes to wildlife encounters.

How to get there

Flights, ferry and transfers

Kingscote Airport is a 40 minute flight from Adelaide. New team members arriving into Kingscote Airport are transferred to the lodge where a manager will settle them into their accommodation.

QantasLink operates return flights between Adelaide and KI. This service can fluctuate depending on the day, so it is always good to double check. A baggage limit of 23kg applies to QantasLink flights.

SeaLink operates regular 45 minute car and passenger ferry transfers between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on KI. Cape Jervis is an easy two-hour drive from Adelaide. Penneshaw is a 90 minute drive from Southern Ocean Lodge.

There is a ring road around the island which is bitumen, while the cross roads on the island are mostly dirt and gravel. All roads on the island are maintained to be suitable for all vehicle types. It is also important to be aware that Kangaroo Island wildlife is prevalent and particularly active at dusk and dawn; great caution should be taken if driving at these times. We recommend employees bring their own vehicle to enjoy exploring KI on days off. Car parking for employee vehicles is provided in the employee car park.

Southern Ocean Lodge is located on Hanson Bay Road at Hanson Bay. Travel west along the South Coast Road for approximately 60 minutes from Kingscote. Cross the South West River and 50 metres onwards is the Hanson Bay Road turn off on the left. If you pass the Western KI Caravan Park you have gone too far.

Moving to Kangaroo Island

Postal & Contact Information

Southern Ocean Lodge PO Box 145

Kingscote SA 5223

Note: We recommend posting any personal items to Kangaroo Island Freight Arrangements

Southern Ocean Lodge c/o KI Cartage

10 Hooke Road, Elizabeth West SA 5113

Open 8am-5pm - Monday to Friday

Deliver prior to 10am on Monday Telephone: 08 8255 7447

What to bring

You are required to supply your own bed linen, towels, toiletries and other personal effects (TV, mountain bike, etc). Please confirm bed size with lodge prior to arrival, single or double may apply.

Please note

Flights are not provided as part of the onboarding process and need to be arranged by the arriving team member.

Car parking

An employee car park is provided on the site.

Freight costs

Associated freight costs are at employees’ own expense.

Useful links

southernoceanlodge.com.au baillielodges.com.au

luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au qantas.com.au

sealink.com.au

tourkangarooisland.com.au

How to apply

Your journey starts here

We consider our team to be our greatest asset and we’re looking for professional, motivated and dedicated people with a diverse range of skills and experience. Work opportunities range from experiences guides and spa therapists to front office, food and beverage attendants and housekeeping. We’re looking for people who are passionate about hospitality, committed to providing outstanding customer service, who have a can-do, positive attitude and great work ethic. We’re looking for people who see working and living in locations of unique natural or cultural significance as an opportunity not to be missed.

Express your interest

Don’t miss out! If joining the Southern Ocean Lodge team is of interest, please view our current opportunities and apply online. Or register your interest and we’ll be in touch should a suitable opportunity arise in the future.

If you’re looking to start sometime in the future, it’s best to send in your resume around eight weeks ahead of your ideal start date. If an advertised position interests you and your availability differs to this timeframe, please apply and indicate your specific availability on your application.

Next steps

Applications take a few days to process and if you’re a potential candidate for the role we’ll be in touch with you to discuss the next steps within one week of the closing date. Due to the high volume of applications only those selected for a short-list will be contacted. We hope to see you on the Southern Ocean Lodge team soon!

How to apply Apply online, email your application to careers@baillielodges.com.au or call on +61 2 9918 4355.

Minimum commitment

To deliver memorable experiences for our guests we’re committed to building a stable team. To be successful you will need to be able to commit to working with us for at least six months – and ideally more.

More questions?

Prospective employees can find answers to commonly-asked questions in our FAQ. If you can’t find an answer to your question please contact us