Top Luxury Stays on Kangaroo Island for a Perfect Getaway

· 5 min read
Top Luxury Stays on Kangaroo Island for a Perfect Getaway

Constructed over more than a decade, the Balinese-inspired home is our family’s labour of love. It is pure barefoot luxury, with peaceful living rooms opening to decks, a cosy wood fire, outdoor shower, fire pit, day beds and ocean views from every bedroom. There is also a fully kitted kitchen and three beautiful bathrooms supplied with quality eco products. The luxury getaway Eastern Kangaroo Island eco-friendly holiday accommodation is the ultimate retreat; a place of natural beauty, indulgence, and solitude, with nothing but ocean between you and Antarctica. Switch off from civilisation, watch mother nature put on a show, and enjoy the comforts of this one-of-a-kind house. Overlooking the iconic Seal Bay, these bungalows offer front-row seats to nature’s spectacle – the frolics of sea lions.
With modern amenities, a comfortable seating area and flexible bedding options, these rooms are ideal for couples, friends or small families. For wine lovers, The Islander Estate Vineyards offers a luxurious accommodation experience in the heart of Kangaroo Island’s wine country. This stunning property features beautifully designed villas surrounded by vineyards and lush gardens. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including luxurious suites and lodges. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made from fresh local ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. With a focus on eco-tourism, the retreat provides guided wildlife tours, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching.

The cottages are perfect for families or couples looking for a peaceful retreat near wildlife and natural wonders. The hotel’s on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fresh local produce and seafood. Guests can also relax by the pool or indulge in spa treatments  for a truly pampering experience. With its central location and luxurious accommodations, the Aurora Ozone Hotel is perfect for those looking to explore Kangaroo Island in style. For eco-conscious travelers, KI Eco Villas offer a luxurious yet sustainable accommodation option. These stylish villas are designed with the environment in mind and are located in the picturesque area of Penneshaw.
Connect direct at a lavender-inspired cafe, a heritage-rich wool shed, a buzzing honey farm and the island’s only 5-star Halliday-rated winery. One of the most essential experiences of Kangaroo Island is the half day guided tour of the magnificent Flinders Chase National Park, a wild and rugged wilderness boasting an array of remarkable attractions. Hop down to Kangaroo Island and unwind in style and enjoy all dining and beverages daily and an itinerary of signature guided excursions. Discover our range of specially tailored packages each with generous inclusions. Explore iconic attractions like Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park and Remarkable Rocks, discover award‑winning food and spirits, or simply relax by the tranquil waters of American River.

Our retreats can also be booked for larger family groups, or friends. Josie Kelsh is South Australian, born and bred, living here for her whole life. Travelling all over the world has shown her exactly how amazing South Australia is to live and travel in and she uses her passion to show it to you the way a local sees it.
With its contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Rebuilt with care after the 2020 bushfires, the lodge keeps its signature curved lines, organic finishes, and sweeping ocean views, while adding sustainable design and thoughtful enhancements. Perched on the cliffs, the suites are luxurious and private, perfect for solo travellers, couples, or groups.
There are no neighbours in sight at Wild Side Ocean Retreat, but we are close enough to civilisation to allow you to explore all the gems of Kangaroo Island. False Cape Wines is our nearest neighbour, located a 10-minute drive down the dirt road from the house. Also in the area is Dudley Wines – a must-visit for the view alone.

Located on the eastern end of Kangaroo Island, not too far from Penneshaw, all the accommodation comes with incredible ocean views surrounded by pristine wilderness. From one-bedroom villas for a cosy getaway for two, to an apartment that can house up to 8 guests – perfect for a girls’ weekend away or a small family reunion. Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Enjoy the Fully Tailored Experience with three-course dinners prepared by private chefs, full breakfast and refreshments, including local produce, and premium Kangaroo Island and South Australian wines.
Your lodging offers bespoke wildlife, nature as well as their signature tours at an additional cost to make the most of your stay. The lodge is approximately a 50-minute drive from Kingscote Airport (KGC). Airport transfers are not included in your package, please plan accordingly.

Situated in Kingscote, the Aurora Ozone Hotel offers a blend of luxury and convenience. This elegant hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay while being close to local attractions, including shops, restaurants, and beaches. The view from the Cliff House, perched like an eyrie overlooking the curve of Snelling’s Beach, is everything. After a day spent enjoying superlative food and wine, you can bed down at this architect-designed house on a remote section of KI’s sun-soaked north coast.
We loved waking up to the sounds of the bush and seeing the sun rise and set through the large picture frame windows. We will definitely be factoring a return trip to this idyllic bush villa. Tucked away down an unsealed road on Kangaroo Island, Sheoaks Villa stuns with its charm. For couples seeking a romantic escape, a self-contained studio bedroom awaits, while larger families or groups of friends can fill the space. The exclusive retreat takes it further than sister property Walcowrie, with an all-inclusive, beachfront paradise experience that few dwellings could hope to capture.
Experience premium Kangaroo Island Luxury Accommodation at Oceanview Eco Villas. Oceanview Eco Villas is a fully-hosted, private accommodation located on a 500-acre rural property, nestled atop the stunning Kangaroo Island coastline known as ‘Redbanks’. The villas use solar-passive design to hold a comfortable temperature with almost no energy input, so sustainability here isn't a marketing line bolted onto a conventional build - it's how the place actually works. For travellers who want a luxury stay that doesn't cost the environment, that's the difference between greenwashing and the real thing. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience.

Featuring accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a patio, The River Suites, Kangaroo Island is located in American River. Drawing inspiration from the nearby natural wonder, Admiral’s Arch Alcoves are architectural masterpieces. Built from native stone and timber, they sit harmoniously within their rugged surroundings. Each alcove boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing vistas of the roiling ocean and the majestic arch itself. Personalised cave tours, rock fishing excursions, and seal watching are just a few of the adventures awaiting guests. For guests not wanting to travel far, spend the day walking, swimming, paddle boarding, snorkelling and picnicking on magnificent Emu Bay beach.
Often considered Australia’s very own Galápagos, this paradise doesn’t just promise azure waters and sun-kissed beaches. There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from on Kangaroo Island including simple lodgings, lighthouse keepers' cottages, stunning hotels, lodges and retreats. Reopened in December 2023, the highly acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge has kicked things up a notch. Exquisite contemporary suites — some with plunge pools — overlook the sparkling waters of Hanson Bay, whilst outdoor adventures, a soothing spa & gourmet delights await. Most travellers arrive by ferry from the mainland to Penneshaw, on the Dudley Peninsula, or by plane to Kingscote Airport. Penneshaw has a real buzz, with pubs and hostels, whilst postcard-perfect Kingscote feels appealingly laid-back and welcoming.