Just off the coast of South Australia lies Kangaroo Island – a place so rich in native wildlife and unspoiled nature, it’s often called “Australia’s Galápagos.” And rightly so. Kangaroos laze in the tall grasses, koalas perch in eucalyptus trees, and sea lions bask on wide, windswept shores. It’s raw, beautiful, and refreshingly untamed.
At Seal Bay, a small and precious colony of wild Australian sea lions makes its home – and walking among them, guided by someone who knows their rhythms and stories, was as awe-inspiring as the landscape itself. In Flinders Chase National Park, you’ll find yourself dwarfed by the sculptural Remarkable Rocks and the dramatic curves of Admirals Arch. All around, the rugged coastline tells a story written in wind and sea.
Kangaroo Island’s beaches are among the clearest I’ve ever seen – pristine waters, often entirely to yourself, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply gazing. But it’s not all wild terrain. The island quietly boasts boutique wineries, small-batch distilleries, honey farms, and exceptional artisanal producers. Everything here feels close to the earth, crafted with pride, and always an invitation to taste and connect.
Southern Ocean Lodge: A Beauty Reborn
Southern Ocean Lodge has long held a special place in the hearts of adventure seekers – ours included. After its heartbreaking destruction in the 2020 bushfires, the lodge reopened in December 2023 with grace and grandeur. Dubbed “SOL 2.0,” the reborn property is as striking as ever, seamlessly blending into the coastline while offering uninterrupted views of the wild Southern Ocean. (The image above was provided by Southern Ocean Lodge)
Each of the 25 suites is designed to draw you into nature with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm timbers, tactile textures, and terraces that open to a stage of crashing waves and infinite sky. It’s impossible not to slow down here. The architecture gently insists on it. (The three suite images below were provided by Southern Ocean Lodge)
A Day on the Coast
While the island offers no shortage of wildlife excursions, Gil and I were most drawn to the solitude of the coastline. Long walks along empty beaches, silent moments at cliff’s edge, and that incredible sense of vastness you only feel when the land truly falls away into the sea. Kangaroo Island invites you to wander, and rewards you when you do.
Dining at SOL
Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge captures the essence of Kangaroo Island on every plate. Driven by a commitment to provide a real ‘sense of place’ for guests, SOL’s culinary philosophy is to source local produce for its daily changing menu . Each meal – artfully prepared and elegantly presented – celebrates ingredients that are locally grown, caught, and foraged. You’ll find just-picked herbs, the freshest seafood, and South Australian wine pairings that reflect the richness of the region.
Lunch and dinner arrive in elegant, three-course form, but always in the relaxed rhythm of the lodge. Guests are welcome to browse the wine cellar, pour their own drinks, and enjoy that rare feeling of being completely at ease while utterly indulged.
Spa Time, Island Style
For those craving true restoration, the lodge’s Southern Spa offers a serene retreat perched above limestone cliffs, with views that stretch to the horizon. Treatments are tailored using native botanicals and Kangaroo Island’s own Ligurian honey – thoughtful touches that root every massage and facial in the landscape itself. (The three spa images below were provided by Southern Ocean Lodge).
A Full-Circle Moment
Over the years, I’ve arranged countless RTLM client stays at Southern Ocean Lodge – each one met with glowing reviews and a quiet sense of awe. The property has long been a benchmark in luxury hospitality, consistently ranked among the best in the world, and even earning the title of Australia’s top hotel. I followed its story closely, especially after the devastating bushfires of 2020 that brought heartbreaking loss to Kangaroo Island and completely destroyed the original lodge.
After a month exploring Southeastern Australia, staying at Southern Ocean Lodge was the most fitting and unforgettable finale. Every view, every meal, every moment felt like a gift.
As our time in the land Down Under came to a close, I left with a full heart, deep gratitude, and the quiet thrill of knowing we’d find our way back.
