There’s much to love about Kangaroo Island. Sitting off the coast of South Australia, this wondrous little island is one of the best places to spot wildlife, from koalas to sea lions. Despite its raw and relatively untouched landscape, the island is fostering a local food and beverage scene, drawing visitors every year to its sparkling shores. It’s the kind of place that will leave you inspired.
Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, almost deserted beaches with geological wonders, and friendly locals. Find an off-grid cabin to bunker down in with an outdoor tub or soak up your own private beach house tucked behind a coastline—there are endless options for travellers. Here are a few of our favourite places to stay on Kangaroo Island.
Stowaway Kangaroo Island
This luxe self-contained lodge sits on 80 hectares of private land in the Stokes Bay area. Your only neighbours are the resident kangaroos grazing in the misty mornings and bouncing around in the afternoon. There are four Stowaways to choose from, each offering a unique character and incredible views. For a bush escape, book The Snug, which happens to be the most private and secluded lodge on the property. The outdoor spa is a highlight. The Hide has a cosy fireplace for cooler months, a glass-fronted sauna, and a big bath to soak in. Every lodge has an incredible bath because, let’s face it, a bath in a bush escape is a must. Each lodge is perfect for couples looking for a romantic and luxurious break.
CABN X Cape St Albans
CABN X Cape St Albans on Kangaroo Island provides a sanctuary where guests can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. It’s a destination that combines sustainable living, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquillity and a deeper connection with the natural world. Unwind in the comfort of a plush A.H. Beard king-sized bed, ensuring a truly rejuvenating slumber for two. The luxurious outdoor bathtub is just the sweet cherry on top.
Hamilton and Dune
Regarding stylish design, you can’t beat Hamilton and Dune. These two properties sit north facing over Emu Bay. Hamilton House is a 1960s-inspired beach house, offering guests access to the beach just 100 metres away. Dune House is a striking, architecturally designed structure filled with light that commands views from every corner. Both houses sleep up to six guests, but four is ideal. Guests will find a well-equipped kitchen, an outdoor deck to lounge on, a BBQ, and modern amenities such as a TV and Sonos speakers. Nearby, take up fishing, paddle boarding, or swimming with dolphins. Think of Hamilton and Dune as your own impeccably designed beachside home.
One Kangaroo Island
If you’re looking for privacy, look into One Kangaroo Island. Hiding on its own stretch of coast, One KI is the island’s best private luxury beachfront accommodation. The house has five bedrooms, four with en-suite, internal and external entertaining spaces, an outdoor bath and shower, and an infinity deck to take in those fantastic views. Guests will be treated to a full breakfast, a list of local wines, and three-course dinners prepared by a local chef, so you don’t have to cook. Although, should you choose to leave your abode, there are great restaurants nearby, including Sunset Food and Wine, as well as local wineries to explore, such as Pennington Bay and Prospect Hill.
Ecopia Retreat
Did someone say eco-luxury? Ecopia Retreat sits on over 60 hectares of natural wilderness in the island’s centre. This position gives guests a unique opportunity to experience untouched bushland and all the friendly native animals that live there. For guests, there are two villas and one residence, each designed to be gentle on the planet by collecting local rainwater and an off-grid solar energy system. Each villa sleeps two and is packed with a suite of amenities, including a wood fireplace, self-contained kitchen, freestanding bath, coffee machine, complimentary wifi, and a special torch for nighttime exploring. The residence houses three bedrooms and two bathrooms, perfect for larger groups. Either way, guests are only 15 minutes from Seal Bay and a 45-minute drive from Flinders Chase National Park.
Wander Kangaroo Island
After a successful run in the Scenic Rim, QLD, WanderPods have landed on Kangaroo Island, offering guests a unique luxury off-grid experience. The four WanderPods on Kangaroo Island overlook the Great Australian Bight and are named after constellations only seen in the southern skies. Each sleek, black pod has one bedroom and one bathroom with a rain shower. You can cook up a storm on the BBQ or deep soak in the sexy outdoor stone bath. The pods are deliberately positioned to offer a unique view, with Columba being best for views of Snelling Beach and Carina perched up high for spectacular sunrises.
Copperstone Kangaroo Island
Copperstone is a new architecturally designed beach house, quickly becoming known for its striking shape and sweeping, uninterrupted views of Emu Bay. The holiday home sleeps a maximum of eight people, with a minimum three-night stay. Everything inside the house screams luxury coastal living, with large sliding doors, an open living kitchen area with underfloor heating, and a sunken courtyard perfect for entertaining. There are two master bedrooms, each with an ensuite and walk-in robe, two other bedrooms, a second lounge room, and a separate main bathroom. Despite feeling remote, Copperstone is only 15 minutes from the main town of Kingscote, where you can source groceries, dine at restaurants, or shop. Guests are also close to Emu Bay, where you can swim in shallow waters, walk, jog, or fish from the jetty.
Oceanview Eco Villas
Another villa with a bathtub with a view is Oceanview Eco Villas. This cluster of off-grid villas offers a five-star experience whilst providing peace of mind for guests worried about their eco-footprint. Each villa has two bedrooms with a private ensuite and a generous living space to soak up the coastal views of Nepean Bay. The design incorporates solar power, natural gas heating, and Viridian smart glass windows. The highlight is the OEV Sky Windows, allowing guests to stargaze from the comfort of their beds. During your stay, a chef will prepare breakfast and cook a nightly three-course dinner using local produce and served with Kangaroo Island wines and spirits.
Related: Inside a New Luxury Tiny Home on a Secret Cliffside Spot in South Australia
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