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.
Elanora Tranquility at Emu Bay
From $181
The Fig Tree B&B
From $85
Wanderers Rest of Kangaroo Island
From $125
Kangaroo Island Seafront
From $128
Fareview Beach House
From $141
The Haven - Island Beach
From $144
Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
From $146
Resthaven Retreat Kangaroo Island
From $153
Ecopia Retreat
From $501
StowAway Kangaroo Island
From $639
The Anchorage American River
From $102
Kangaroo Island Accommodation
From $104
Parndana Hotel Cabins
From $104
Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel
From $118
Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn
From $121
Lindsays of Kangaroo Island
From $125
Lemontree Cottage Kingscote
From $131
Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas
From $139
Kangaroo Island Coastal Villas
From $146
Emu Bay Holiday Homes
From $148
Aurora Ozone Hotel
From $149
Trading Places
From $158
Gilligan's Kangaroo Island
From $180
Villas on the Bay Kingscote
From $192
Bayview Beach House Apartment No 2
From $205
Penneshaw Oceanview Apartments
From $251
KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
From $66
Kangaroo Island Cabins
From $75
The Lookout Baudin Beach
From $161
Seas The Day Emu Bay
From $209
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.
