Southern Ocean Lodge on KI: Ron enjoys the luxury in the Kangaroo Island region of South Australia
There are many ways to enjoy the charms of Kangaroo Island. For some it's all about close encounters with local wildlife. For others - it's merely soaking up endless panoramic views and iconic landmarks.
While for the discerning few, it's the sheer unadulterated luxury on offer at the Island's newest man-made landmark at the Southern Ocean Lodge - about three kilometres west of Hanson Bay on the South Coast of Kangaroo Island. The owners of this $17 million oasis by the sea have set a new benchmark in South Australian tourist accommodation.
Nestled in coastal mallee atop a line of ancient limestone cliffs, the lodge offers a luxury experience, based on show casing the very best South Australia has to offer. As the afternoon shadows lengthen over the cliffs and bay the guests move indoors to sample the local produce. From KI's free-range chicken, to marron from the many creeks and rivers - it's all on show in Tim Bourke's kitchen.
Tim Bourke, Chef: "As far as free seafood and shellfish is concerned it's the best you can get."
Watching Tim prepare his meals is one thing, eating them is quite another - in a setting which draws much of its inspiration from the textures on show outside. The hand-chiseled limestone walls throughout the dining room and lobby - are constant reminders of the dramatic cliff face upon which this lodge sits.
By morning the full sensory experience is close to overload - as another brilliant KI day dawns, with each room framing it's own particular portion of the island's spectacular South Coast. All twenty-one suites have wrap around views of the southern ocean and on many of the walls works by local artists provide more of the same.
Spend $17 million on a Lodge and one of the perks is selecting your own artworks - from seascapes by local painter "Shep" to the many quirky pieces that adorn the gift shop.
Matt Daniel, Southern Ocean Lodge: "Hailey and James who own the lodge spent a lot of time here over the last few years coming to the island, talking to local people, going to the artist's gallery and actually having a look at what they've got and they saw what they liked. They purchased some of it on the spot and other times they commissioned someone, or bring them out, show them photos - show them the plans of the building and say these are the areas that we would like you to do some work for and they went away and made what you can see today."
So local artist Jane McIntosh went away and made some amazing pieces - using leaves from the island's ubiquitous thin leaf mallee. Drive down many of the island's back roads and you're sure to be enveloped in the canopy of these amazing trees. Today her handcrafted art works, with each leaf individually stitched onto canvas - offer the perfect backdrop for guests as they reflect on their day on KI's South Coast.
Should you need to indulge yourself and recharge the batteries in a classic South Australian then contact Southern Ocean Lodge. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Southern Ocean Lodge
3 kilometres west of Hanson Bay
South Coast Kangaroo Island
$900 per person per night
Bookings: (02) 9918 4355Published 7th June 2009
