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 $162
Millpond
From $177
Ratcliff Cottage
From $218
Doyles on the Bay
From $924
The Fig Tree B&B
From $57
Kangaroo Island Seafront
From $105
Wanderers Rest of Kangaroo Island
From $124
The Haven - Island Beach
From $124
Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
From $126
Fareview Beach House
From $132
Resthaven Retreat Kangaroo Island
From $150
Birubi Holiday Homes Kangaroo Island
From $183
Home On Torrens
From $184
Baudin House
From $187
Sunrise on Falie Court
From $217
Ecopia Retreat
From $557
StowAway Kangaroo Island
From $640
Aurora Ozone Hotel
From $89
The Anchorage American River
From $89
Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn
From $90
Parndana Hotel Cabins
From $96
Kangaroo Island Accommodation
From $103
Lindsays of Kangaroo Island
From $110
Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel
From $114
Ficifolia Lodge
From $114
Emu Bay Holiday Homes
From $120
Lemontree Cottage Kingscote
From $131
Kangaroo Island Bayview Villas
From $137
Villas on the Bay Kingscote
From $138
Wintersun Holiday Cottages
From $145
Blakeney Holiday House
From $166
Trading Places
From $182
Gilligan's Kangaroo Island
From $184
Bayview Beach House Apartment No 2
From $185
Penneshaw Oceanview Apartments
From $229
Strandmarken
From $240
KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
From $65
Kangaroo Island Cabins
From $67
Raven Cottage Vivonne Bay
From $79
Hamilton Emu Bay
From $140
Rumah Pantai
From $155
Penneshaw Beach Stay
From $98
The Lookout Baudin Beach
From $166
Seas The Day Emu Bay
From $192
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.
