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Celebrated around the world as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia, the new iteration of Southern Ocean Lodge has returned to crown the wildly beautiful clifftops on Kangaroo Island. The new-look luxury lodge bears a similar footprint to its award-winning original, complete with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, magnificent Great Room and string of luxurious guest suites easing along the coastline. Combining contemporary design, world-class dining and a personal connection with nature, Southern Ocean Lodge celebrates the resilient spirit of Kangaroo Island, its wildlife and its community.
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We still could smell the fresh carpet when we stayed there in Sept 24 since it’s reopening in Dec 23. We stayed at Remarkable Suite, plenty of space for the 4 of us.
As we have come to expect from our previous stays at Baillie Lodges, the experience was outstanding in every way. The location, the quality of the lodge, attention to detail, everything we could possibly wish for had been thought of - - but most of all, the staff. In particular, the wonderful young people who took us on experiences - and especially Maddie and Kathleen - so knowledgeable, thoughtful, and delightful - they really made the experience so special for us.
We love fine dining but after four days of multiple courses and wines each meal, I was ready just to have salad for a change.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed 3 nights at the Southern Ocean Lodge. The weather was windy and cool but KI was empty which made our stay very special. Our room Osprey was $4000+ AU per night and it has a great view of the surf breaking on the beach. We were surprised at the lack of interest in our investment to stay in SOL’s top room on the property. The spa/pool a major feature of the room is heated to apx 75 degrees. DO NOT make my mistake and think of it as a special hot tub overlooking the majestic view. Management has decided you should enjoy your hot water in the shower. There is no recognition that you are paying 2.5 times the rate for your special suite. Same amenities, same options for activities, same expense to get to and from the lodge if you can’t make the twice a day transfer work. We rented a car so we were able to create our own schedule of activities. Recommend you check out the Wilderness park for close up animal experiences, Snake lagoon for a 2 hour hike, and the group nocturnal evening experience. The F&B program at SOL is one of the best we have encountered. If you enjoy fine cuisine you will find it at SOL. The Australia only wine list is complete, but for a three day stay we longed for some European wines to purchase. If we go back to SOL we would stay in a regular suite as the expense for Osprey is not a good value.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t spend the money on Osprey
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything about this experience was seamless, from the initial airport transfer all the way through to the lodge’s private airline lounge (at the small KI airport) at departure.
The lodge is perched on a hill. When you first arrive, there are simply views from everywhere. You can see amazing and unique vegetation from the driveway and entrance, and once you actually enter the lodge there are coastal and beach vistas from everywhere window.
The food and service are amazing. The three-course menu for lunch and dinner is a great example of fine dining and the wine and spirits on offer really are impressive. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
The activities are lots of fun and the guides are great. There’s something for everyone - from seeing seals up close, to exploring an underground cave and even longer walks / hikes if you’re up for that.
All in all the experience is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who loves nature and remoteness coupled with the finer things
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exceptional. There isn't much else to say about this lodge .. and that is using the term loosely. Everything was amazing. The food was gourmet, the rooms were beautiful and had amazing views, service was always friendly. We stayed there three nights and it was lovely. To walk around the beach and rocks is like another private world. The Inn is totally secluded so you will need your own transportation to visit anything. The hotel does arrange tours which are always on time and are all fun and well organized. Service in the restaurant was on point. We have to give special mention to two Canadian servers, both of whom were always so friendly and helpful. They were truly amazing. So much so that upon our departure we gave each of them a special tip, which we rarely do.
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Date of stay: December 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â All rooms have great views so need not worry. Some have private hot tubs (which are not really...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The QANTAS flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island is short and scenic, but a few passengers on the aircraft had come from as far away as New Jersey, Toronto and London to stay at the Southern Ocean Lodge. Within minutes of arriving at the premises, seeing the amazing building and dramatic view, we started to understand the global pull of Southern Ocean Lodge, and why people would come from the other side of the world to stay there. The backstory of the Lodge being burned to the ground during the horrendous Kangaroo Island Fires and then rebuilt better than ever gives it added mystique, and the builders and Architect have done a brilliant job. From the reception experience with the full Southern Ocean in view, to the service in the dining room, the staff exuded warmth and attentiveness. The rooms were so luxurious and it's hard to believe that just outside the walls it is one of the remotest locations around. We could have just stayed in the rooms for the whole time, but we did force ourselves out to do some tours and spend time at the bar. Definitely a bucket list experience, and worth the effort.
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Take the time to do some of the hikes. Not too arduous, but great scenery the whole way.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing in every way. Breathtaking views, fabulous food, superior staff, abundant and awesome activities. Every detail is really taken care of for you.
We were a family of 4, 2 adults and two teens traveling from North America. We crammed a lot into our days, but you could have easily stayed at the lodge and enjoyed all the amenities there.
Guides, such as Jack, were knowledgeable, funny and very engaging with adults and children alike. Staff in the dining area were also engaging, warm and friendly.
Suite was ideal for our family. Plenty of room for everyone's things, gorgeous views and the patio was perfect.
Our family made memories that will last us a lifetime and as the children get older, that is priceless to me.
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our 13th visit to SOL and our first to the newly rebuilt lodge. We weren’t disappointed. All the great aspects of the old lodge, prior to the fire, have been replicated down to the smallest detail. The food was wonderful and the staff provided a level of hospitality and friendliness that makes a visit so special. The new rooms are slightly different but still make the most of the incredible views of the Southern Ocean. We will certainly be back for visit number fourteen.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I are returning guests to SOL and it won’t be our last. The rebuild after the fire is stunningly beautiful w lighter stone work and a centralised spa. The hiking and swimming are exceptional but it’s the isolation and serenity that draws us back. The culinary cuisine and beverage selection is THE best and we felt in awe of the attention to detail and the international staff who can’t do enough to ensure your stay is enjoyable. We stayed 4 nights and felt that our batteries had recharged and we can take on the world.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They only allowed positive reviews. I hope the new hotel are more accommodating to their guests. We were actually moved from our room because a favored guest wanted her friends nearby. The food was less than adequate. I hope their new place is kinder and more considerate. They knew I was less than happy and I could tell they were waiting for my negative review which I did not write. I hope they checked everyday to write their negative reasons we were not to be believed. I know the hotel was burned to the ground. Yes, I did smile. As I am writing this review a decade or two later.
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Date of stay: February 2024
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t go back.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As advertised; excellent accomodation, food (Kieran made every meal special) and beverage's. The staff are outstanding and provide a personalised service that is unwavering in what they can do for you. Get into the Cliff Top Walk Tour (Dee is the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide on the planet), Wonders of KI and Seal Bay Tours.
The downside to this resort, which I was surprised by (but to be fair I didn't search out this information), is that THERE ARE MANY CHILDREN. Which during our stay were robust precocious high decibelled individuals from the northern part of the americas. The wildlife on the night tour shifted suburbs due to the racket. Question of the night was 'do koala's cheat on their wives', followed by the first (quite uncomfortable) pause in monologue on the tour.
I would go back if there was a child free dining room and tour option introduced.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â announce your romantic intent with a preference for peace and quiet
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Renee for your kind thoughts. The circumstances are devastating and the loss unfathomable... But while the lodge is gone, we cling to the relief that everyone is indeed safe. Also, we know that our beautiful island home and the community is resilient and together we will recover. We really appreciate your support.
The hallway to the rooms has a slight incline. I have lower back issues and I didn't have any issues but it would be best to book a room close to the dining area. Also, you will need to pick activities that are within you ability levels.
London, United Kingdom15 contributions11 helpful votes
Sorry, have only just seen your question so you may be on your way. We did the nocturnal tour but not the quad safari or the platypus hike (althoughI would do that hike if we went again). We found we were quite busy enough with the standard activities and a couple of walks we did. We particularly enjoyed the walk from I think it was Kelly’s Caves. We were dropped off there and walk back. Really beautiful and well worth doing if you like walking. It is a beautiful place and I am sure you will enjoy it. The trip (standard) to Remarkable Rocks etc was great so I would really recommend that. Otherwise, just enjoy and keep your eyes peeled. We saw a number of echidnas (a super spiny hedgehog type creature but a monotreme, am egg laying mammal) off the side of the boardwalk. Also a number of goannas and a koala right outside our room (you will see lots anyway). Have fun!
There are more places to choose from in the Karatta area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
southern ocean hotel kangaroo island
LOCATION
AustraliaSouth AustraliaKangaroo IslandKaratta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
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