The hype
Reviewers are almost religiously devoted to the views, the 'Baillie Beds', and the free-flowing premium wine.
Southern Ocean Lodge
$2,200-12,000/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'Australia's Galapagos' experience where luxury meets raw, cliff-edge wilderness.
Why People Love It
- Unrivaled cliff-top views of the Southern Ocean from every single suite
- All-inclusive tariff covers gourmet dining, premium open bar, and guided island expeditions
- The 'Great Room' with its suspended fireplace and 24/7 self-serve bar is legendary
Quick Take: It is spectacularly expensive and remote, but for eco-luxury purists, it is the closest thing to heaven on earth.
Reviewed by @nicole_erm: I’ve never felt so small yet so pampered. Waking up to the Southern Ocean pounding the cliffs right outside my floor-to-ceiling windows was a spiritual experience. The Great Room’s suspended fireplace is the coziest spot I’ve ever found to watch a storm roll in.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some recent guests found the fine-dining menus 'pretentious' with small portions, and the Great Room can get drafty and chilly.
- You want to see kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions without fighting crowds
- You appreciate an open bar that includes top-shelf Australian gin and wines
- You prefer the sound of crashing waves to a hotel TV
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service including evening turndown with signature treats.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate limestone bathrooms with heated floors and rain showers.
- Maintenance: Brand new (reopened Dec 2023), so wear and tear is non-existent.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count linens and heavy, soft towels.
- Odors & scents: Scented with 'Nothing but Sea and Sky'—a custom fragrance of bergamot and sandalwood.
Sleepability™
9.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Howling wind during storms
- Crashing waves (soothing for most)
Before you book
Good to know
- Transfers from Kingscote Airport are included, but you must book them in advance
- There is no cell service in many parts of the island, though the lodge has Wi-Fi
- The 'open bar' really is open—guests can help themselves to bottles from the cellar
What to pack
- Windbreaker/puffer jacket (it gets windy and cold even in summer)
- Sturdy hiking boots for the cliff walks and guided tours
- Smart casual dinner wear (no jackets required, but no swimwear in the dining room)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Osprey Suite (Suite 21) for the ultimate 270-degree panorama and private plunge pool
- Remarkable Suite for families or friends needing two bedrooms and a timber bathtub with a view
Rooms to avoid
- Flinders Suites (entry level) if you want a private plunge pool (they don't have one)
- Suites closest to the Great Room if you want absolute seclusion from foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a suite further from the Great Room for maximum privacy, ideally with an uninterrupted view of the coastline.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really worth the money?
Yes, if you factor in that all meals, premium alcohol, and daily guided tours are included. It's a safari-style pricing model.
Can I bring my kids?
Only if they are 10 years or older. The lodge maintains a calm, adult-focused atmosphere.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the main infinity pool is heated, as are the private plunge pools in select suites.
How do I get there from Melbourne?
You cannot drive. You must fly to Adelaide (ADL), then take a QantasLink flight to Kingscote (KGC) or a ferry to Penneshaw.
Is there a gym?
Yes, there is a small fitness center, but most guests get their exercise on the hiking trails.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Great Room is designed for storm watching with floor-to-ceiling glass and a roaring fire. It's part of the experience.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for the 'Cellar Master' list if you want rare vintages (extra cost), but the included wine list is already spectacular.
- ✨
The 'Kangas and Kanapés' sunset tour is cheesy by name but incredible for photos—don't skip it.
- ✨
Leave your blinds open at night; the stargazing from bed is unmatched.
5 things to know before you go
💡The wind can be ferocious; opening your terrace door might create a wind tunnel.
💡There are no TVs in the standard suites—bring a tablet if you need Netflix.
💡The 'walk-in' wardrobe in some suites is actually quite small.
💡You might spot an echidna or wallaby right on your private terrace.
💡The rebuild (SOL 2.0) moved the pool to a more private spot, fixing a major complaint from the old lodge.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Southern Ocean Lodge is located and what's nearby.