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.
The Fig Tree B&B
From $67
Kangaroo Island Seafront
From $116
Baudin House
From $131
Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
From $134
Fareview Beach House
From $150
Resthaven Retreat Kangaroo Island
From $155
Sunrise on Falie Court
From $205
Birubi Holiday Homes Kangaroo Island
From $220
The Haven - Island Beach
From $220
Home On Torrens
From $226
Ecopia Retreat
From $546
Ficifolia Lodge
From $78
Baudin Beach Apartments
From $79
Kangaroo Island Coastal Villas
From $80
Aurora Ozone Hotel
From $80
Kangaroo Island Holiday Village
From $93
Kangaroo Island Accommodation
From $100
Kirazz Holiday Homes
From $101
Parndana Hotel Cabins
From $107
Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn
From $115
Emu Bay Holiday Homes
From $119
Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel
From $122
Wintersun Holiday Cottages
From $131
Lindsays of Kangaroo Island
From $135
Lemontree Cottage Kingscote
From $145
Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas
From $148
Trading Places
From $165
Villas on the Bay Kingscote
From $180
Gilligan's Kangaroo Island
From $188
Penneshaw Oceanview Apartments
From $233
Kangaroo Island Cabins
From $68
KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
From $68
Hamilton Emu Bay
From $144
Penneshaw Beach Stay
From $99
Seas The Day Emu Bay
From $201
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.
