Australian tourism icon re-opens its doors

It has taken almost four years, but Australian tourism icon Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island reopened its doors today. 

Baillie Lodges' flagship property was destroyed by bushfires in January 2020 and original architect Max Pritchard and his team have led the recreation of the property and included features guests loved best. 

The new iteration of the globally acclaimed lodge has almost the same footprint as the original with the Great Room taking centre stage on the island’s limestone cliffs and with 23 luxurious suites overlooking the ocean. 

All guest suites feature private decks, an EcoSmart fireplace and sink-in bathtub. 

New to the property is the ultra-luxe Ocean Pavilion, cleverly designed to offer a single four-bedroom owner’s residence or two separate two-bedroom suites. 

The Great Room terrace now has a wet-edge pool, while the Southern Spa has three treatment rooms, a gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools.

Clever design has employed cutting-edge technologies including boosted rainwater water capture and solar-power generation, smart building materials, a remote-controlled sprinkler system and the planting of 45,000 biodiverse native plants propagated onsite and planted to create a natural buffer from the wilderness. 

“We feel very fortunate to be able to present the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge to the world," " said Baillie Lodges founder James Bailey.

"Hayley and I had lived and breathed the original lodge from the concept and planning stages to its award-winning reality, celebrated for its timeless design. 

“With the benefit of hindsight and learning, we saw the chance to rebuild Southern Ocean Lodge as a special chance to return the property that seemed to touch so many guests over the years and with some considered additions to take her to a next generation traveller and a sustainable future. 

“It’s a ‘full-circle moment’ for us and one that brings some closure to the past, as well as an optimistic look towards the future and an even more sustainable, leading experiential tourism offering for South Australia.”

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, rates at Southern Ocean Lodge start at $3,400 per couple per night. But those rates do include all dining, all drinks including premium wines and spirits, signature experiences and transfers.  

See www.southernoceanlodge.com.au 

Image: George Apostolidis