The relatively small Kangaroo Island contains a large percentage of accommodation for its more than 140,000 annual visitors to stay during their holidays. The secluded Southern Ocean Lodge (pictured below) overlooking the remote Hanson Bay is one of the island’s only true luxury hotels, complete with a spa retreat and stunning southern ocean views.
Another clifftop establishment, the recently renovated Penneshaw Hotel, describes itself as the world’s only hotel where guests can see Australia as they enjoy a beer.
The outdoor dining area of this century-old hotel overlooks the Backstairs Passage.
Most other Kangaroo Island accommodation, like the many bed and breakfasts, are far more modest but no less unforgettable.
Where to stay on Kangaroo Island
The island boasts a large number of self-contained establishments ranging from seaside holiday homes to bushland cottages in the heart of the wilderness. The former lighthouse keepers’ cottages at some Kangaroo Island lighthouses have now become popular holiday homes.
Discover more great places to stay on Kangaroo Island below.
Ratcliff Cottage
From $267
The Fig Tree B&B
From $84
Kangaroo Island Seafront
From $105
Fareview Beach House
From $128
Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
From $130
Resthaven Retreat Kangaroo Island
From $160
SeaShells Penneshaw
From $168
Birubi Holiday Homes Kangaroo Island
From $178
Sunrise on Falie Court
From $251
Ecopia Retreat
From $476
StowAway Kangaroo Island
From $574
Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn
From $99
Parndana Hotel Cabins
From $101
Lindsays of Kangaroo Island
From $109
Kangaroo Island Accommodation
From $115
Lemontree Cottage Kingscote
From $117
The Anchorage American River
From $123
Aurora Ozone Hotel
From $124
Kangaroo Island Coastal Villas
From $129
Kirazz Holiday Homes
From $134
Wintersun Holiday Cottages
From $144
Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas
From $149
Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel
From $151
Emu Bay Holiday Homes
From $165
Blakeney Holiday House
From $172
Villas on the Bay Kingscote
From $173
Trading Places
From $176
Bayview Beach House Apartment No 2
From $180
Gilligan's Kangaroo Island
From $213
Penneshaw Oceanview Apartments
From $235
Strandmarken
From $267
White Sands Holiday Retreat
From $373
Koopalanda Dreaming
From $475
Kangaroo Island Cabins
From $70
KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
From $71
Hamilton Emu Bay
From $168
Rumah Pantai
From $173
Seas The Day Emu Bay
From $195
Emu Bay Stay
From $227
Accommodation on the Island
Visitors to Kangaroo Island can also stay at an isolated wilderness retreat or a sheep and cattle farm at Flinders Chase National Park. The working Flinders Chase Farm includes an en-suite lodge, cabins, and hostel for budget backpackers.
Another affordable backpackers’ hostel is located just a three minute walk from a penguin colony in Kingscote, which also contains the island’s largest selection of family hotels and motels.
Bush camping may not be allowed on Kangaroo Island, but visitors are welcome to spend their nights beneath the stars at the recently refurbished American River and Vivonne Bay campgrounds.
Both of these council run campgrounds contain unpowered and powered sites, while a more rustic Browns Beach campground has only unpowered sites.
