Best Kangaroo Island Accommodation Options

where to stay kangaroo island australia

Kangaroo Island, Australia, is a nature-based destination with spectacular nature and wildlife, stunning food and wine, and unique events. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from camping and caravanning to premium luxury stays. For those seeking a nature-immersive experience, there are tiny house stays, lighthouse keeper's cottages, and beachside shacks. For luxury seekers, Southern Ocean Lodge, Aurora Ozone Hotel, and One KI offer exclusive and indulgent experiences. With its diverse wildlife and natural attractions, Kangaroo Island provides a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.

Characteristics Values
Accommodation Lighthouse keeper's cottage, luxury villas, hotels, lodges, retreats, bed and breakfast, caravan parks, tents, beachside shacks, motels, private residences, eco-tourism lodges, eco-luxury villas, cottages, farmstays
Notable Accommodations Southern Ocean Lodge, Aurora Ozone Hotel, Stowaway Kangaroo Island, Sea Dragon Lodge, Seafront Holiday Park, Cliff House, River Suites, Providence Guest House, Stranraer Homestead, Immerse Kangaroo Island, Mr and Mrs Fish Cabins, Nora by Sol Hus, SS James Comrie Suite, Sabine's Place, Grass Tree, Lily May Suite, One KI
Activities Exploring nature and wildlife, wine tasting, culinary experiences, spa treatments
Attractions Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park

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Camping and caravanning

Kangaroo Island offers a wide range of caravan and camping sites, from national parks to council-owned campgrounds and privately-owned caravan parks. Camping is a great way to get closer to nature and experience the island's captivating coastline and wildlife.

Privately-owned caravan parks can be found in key towns and in rural or bushland settings. Most include powered and non-powered sites, and some even offer glamping for those who enjoy their creature comforts.

Council-owned campgrounds offer a more basic experience, with some having toilets and better-maintained roads leading to the site. There are seven council-owned parks on the island, and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

National parks and conservation areas offer the cheapest camping options, but they typically offer the fewest facilities and must be booked in advance. Out of all the island's conservation parks, camping is only permitted in Cape Gantheaume, Flinders Chase, and Lashmar.

Emu Bay Campground

Emu Bay is located on the north side of the island and features a beautiful white sandy beach with vehicle access. The campground is situated among coastal vegetation and is a short stroll from the beach. It offers picnic spaces, bird viewing, BBQ facilities, a playground, and a sheltered picnic area.

Stokes Bay Campground

Located on the north coast, this campground is a short walk from a secluded beach with rock pools that are ideal for swimming. The beach is accessible through a unique rock tunnel. The campground is surrounded by bushland, and native animal visitors include wallabies, koalas, and kangaroos.

Vivonne Bay Campground

Vivonne Bay is on the south coast, adjacent to the Harriet River, and a short walk from a U-shaped beach that is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking. The campground offers both powered and non-powered sites.

Discovery Lagoon Caravan & Camping Grounds

This campground is a short walk from Emu Bay and is part of 100 acres of forest where kangaroos and koalas roam freely. It is an excellent option for families, as it has a playground and basic facilities.

Duck Lagoon Campground

Birdwatchers will appreciate the purpose-built bird hide and observation platform at Duck Lagoon, which is a haven for migratory birds. The campground offers quiet walks along the banks of the lagoon and historical information about the area.

Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park

This is the only camping option in Penneshaw, located 300 metres from the SeaLink Ferry terminal. It offers glamping, camping, and caravanning, with stunning views of the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and mainland Australia. The park is pet-friendly, has laundry facilities, free WiFi, and local walking trails.

American River Caravan Park

Located roughly 30 minutes from Penneshaw, this park accommodates up to 15 campervans in powered sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Showers, drinking water, BBQ facilities, and beach access are available.

Brown Beach Campgrounds

Overlooking Nepean Bay and just a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw, this campground offers beautiful views, toilets, a picnic area, and barbecue facilities. It is also pet-friendly.

Western River Campground

This campground is situated on the rugged north coast, about an hour's drive from Kingscote. It is not suitable for caravans and has no powered sites or showers, but it does offer toilets, BBQ facilities, and a picnic area. The beach is just a short stroll across a bridge from the campground.

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Luxury lodges

Kangaroo Island in South Australia is a nature-based destination with spectacular natural attractions and diverse wildlife. There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, including luxury lodges that offer indulgence, privacy, and a connection to nature. Here are some notable luxury lodges on Kangaroo Island:

Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxury lodge located on the clifftops of Kangaroo Island, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. The lodge features a magnificent Great Room, luxurious guest suites, contemporary design, world-class dining, and a personal connection with nature. It has been recognised by TIME as one of the World's Greatest Places in 2023 and included in AFAR magazine's top accommodation picks in Australia. Southern Ocean Lodge provides a luxurious base for adventures and showcases local and regional produce in its dining experience.

One KI

One KI is a luxury retreat situated overlooking one of Kangaroo Island's most beautiful beaches. It offers fully tailored experiences for up to 10 guests and provides exclusive luxury and all-inclusive stays. One KI allows guests to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning surroundings of the island.

Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge offers privacy and escapism for those seeking a tranquil getaway from their everyday lives. It provides modern facilities and a peaceful environment for couples or romantics. The lodge is nestled in nature, surrounded by pristine beaches, sweeping farmland, and ancient trees.

Stowaway

Stowaway is comprised of two luxury self-contained lodges situated on 200 acres near Stokes Bay. It offers indulgence, privacy, and a connection to nature. Stowaway provides a true nature immersion for couples or travellers seeking a secluded and luxurious experience on Kangaroo Island.

Sea Dragon Lodge

Sea Dragon Lodge is another option for those seeking indulgence, privacy, and a connection with nature. It is known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning natural surroundings, offering guests a unique and unforgettable experience on Kangaroo Island.

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Boutique hotels

Sea Loft

Sea Loft is the ultimate boutique accommodation on Kangaroo Island. It is situated in a central location, perfect for touring the whole island. The property has been recently renovated and refurnished, offering a luxurious retreat with breathtaking ocean views.

Thorn Park

Thorn Park is a modern beach house situated in bushland above the village of Penneshaw. This boutique accommodation offers a tranquil and inviting space to relax and unwind, with visually appealing designs and spectacular views.

Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxurious and intimate lodge located on the wildly beautiful clifftops of Kangaroo Island. It offers breathtaking ocean views, abundant wildlife, unique tours, exquisite cuisine, and a range of activities. The lodge has been featured in prestigious travel publications and is known for its striking design, immersive connection to nature, and sense of calm.

CABN Kangaroo Island

CABN Kangaroo Island is a special place offering accommodations with a private beach area, free private parking, a terrace, and barbecue facilities. The location is quiet and remote, with amazing views and abundant wildlife. The property consists of only a few cabins that are well-spaced to provide guests with privacy and a unique connection to nature.

The River Suites

The River Suites is a recently renovated guest house in American River. It offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and excellent views, including exotic birds nesting nearby. The hosts provide a delicious continental breakfast, and guests can also enjoy a fabulous dinner upon request.

These boutique hotels offer a range of experiences, from intimate and secluded retreats to immersive natural escapes. Each provides a unique perspective on the beauty and charm of Kangaroo Island, Australia.

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Lighthouse cottages

Kangaroo Island, Australia, is a nature-based destination with spectacular nature, wildlife, food, wine, and unique events. The island offers various accommodation options, including lighthouse cottages, which provide a peaceful retreat and a connection to the island's history.

Cape Borda Lighthouse Keepers Cottages

Perched high above the vast ocean, the Cape Borda Lighthouse Keepers Cottages offer a tranquil escape in the ruggedly beautiful northwest corner of Kangaroo Island. These heritage cottages, named after the SS Karatta, a ship integral to the island's history, provide a central location for guests to explore the whole island. Due to bushfire activity in January 2020, the Cape Borda Lighthouse settlement is currently closed, but guests can still take a self-guided tour to learn about the early lighthouse keepers' living conditions and their isolated and demanding routines.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Cottages

Located at the breathtaking easternmost point of Kangaroo Island, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Cottages offer a secluded getaway. The fully furnished and spacious Thomas and Seymour cottages are self-contained and can accommodate up to eight guests across their five bedrooms. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunrises and the sound of waves crashing onto the nearby cliffs. Guided tours of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse provide fabulous 360-degree views of the rugged coastline and the ever-changing seas of Backstairs Passage.

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

While not a cottage, it is worth noting that the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse has stood guard over Kangaroo Island's southwest coast since 1909. The former lighthouse keepers' cottages here have been converted into holiday houses, providing another option for those seeking unique accommodation on the island.

These lighthouse cottages on Kangaroo Island offer a blend of history, stunning views, and peaceful retreats for visitors seeking a unique connection to the island's past and present.

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Beachside shacks

The shacks are an excellent option for couples, with a rating of 8.8 for two-person trips. They are also a good choice for families, with one guest commenting that the shack "was small but felt spacious, perfect for our family of 4". The location is ideal for those who want to experience the wildlife of Kangaroo Island, with kangaroos, pademelons, and goannas visiting the premises.

The Kangaroo Island Beach Shack is located in Island Beach and is rated 8.2 by recent guests. It offers a convenient private entrance and free private parking. The shack provides a terrace, garden views, and a seating area. The kitchen is well-equipped, and guests have access to a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.

The beachside shacks are an excellent option for those looking for a peaceful and comfortable stay on Kangaroo Island, with the convenience of a well-equipped kitchen and the charm of wildlife visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Some budget-friendly places to stay on Kangaroo Island include the Seafront Holiday Park, which offers caravan and camping options overlooking Hog Bay beach, and the Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel, which provides stylish coastal-themed rooms in Kingscote. You can also consider camping or staying in a fully decked-out tent or a cosy beachside shack.

Southern Ocean Lodge is a renowned luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island, featuring elegant design and spectacular clifftop views. Other luxury options include the Aurora Ozone Hotel, the highest-rated hotel in Kingscote, and the River Suites, a boutique hotel in American River. For a unique experience, One KI offers exclusive luxury in a hosted private holiday home.

Yes, Kangaroo Island offers a range of unique stays, such as the Grass Tree, a tiny house nestled in native bushland, and the SS James Comrie Suite, which is named after a historic ship. You can also stay in a lighthouse keeper's cottage or a heritage-listed stone cottage like Postman's Cottage. For a farmstay experience, Stranraer Homestead on a working sheep farm offers gracious hospitality and home-cooked meals.

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