Southern Ocean Lodge, Karatta ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

Hanson Bay Road, Karatta, Australia, 5223

Southern Ocean Lodge is a celebrated retreat situated on a cliff top above Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island. It is known for its unique integration of nature and luxury, offering guests an immersive experience in a remote location. The hotel features signature treatments at its Southern Spa, inspired by the Aboriginal dreamtime. The atmosphere combines refined comfort with a sense of belonging, enhanced by a curated selection of local South Australian wines.

Location

Southern Ocean Lodge is located 85 km from Kingscote, the nearest major town. It is strategically perched to maximize the breathtaking views of Hanson Bay and the surrounding flora and fauna. Visitors can explore nearby natural attractions, including Sanderson Bay and Kelly Hill, which are just a short drive away. Access to the lodge typically requires a vehicle for transportation from Kingscote.

Rooms

The hotel offers modernist suites that emphasize refined comfort. Each room is designed to foster a generous 'at-home' feel and provides stunning views of the surrounding nature. Many of the suites include bespoke furnishings and amenities tailored to enhance guest experience. Rollaway beds are available to accommodate additional guests.

Eat & Drink

Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge showcases a comprehensive gastronomic journey. The menus honor the best and freshest regional ingredients, demonstrating a deep connection to the local environment. The convivial open bar features a walk-in cellar exclusively stocked with South Australian wines. Guests can expect to enjoy meals that resonate with the essence of the island.

Leisure & Business

The Southern Spa offers a range of signature treatments utilizing Kangaroo Island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate. Naturalist guides lead guests in exploring the island's stunning landscapes and wildlife, including sea lions and kangaroos. While the hotel caters primarily to leisure travelers, the facilities provide a tranquil environment suitable for small business meetings or retreats.

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Karatta 14.1 km

Airports

Kingscote (KGC) 83.9 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Spotless Room!

“The room was impeccably clean, making me feel comfortable and at home from the moment I arrived.” view full review

Relaxing Spa!

“The spa services were incredibly soothing, especially the massage which helped alleviate my stress.” view full review

Excellent Shower!

“The shower pressure was excellent, providing a refreshing experience after a long day.” view full review

Well-Equipped Kitchen!

“The kitchen was stocked with all the necessary utensils, making it easy to prepare meals comfortably.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
No pets allowed

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Swimming pool

Room features

Rollaway beds

Location

Hanson Bay Road, Karatta, Australia, 5223

Map view

Hanson Bay Road, Karatta, Australia, 5223

City landmarks

South West River

2.3 km

Bay

Sanderson Bay

4.1 km

Kelly Hill

4.4 km

Nearby

South West River

0 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

74%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Luxurious rooms

Tranquil location

Isolated location

Uninteresting dining

7.4/10

Very good

Rooms

9.0

Location

9.5

Service

8.7

Dining

7.4

Henry

United Kingdom, April 2024

8.4/10

I had an incredible stay at this hotel. The rooms allowed for privacy and were stunning, with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. The service was impeccable, with friendly staff catering to every need. The location was exceptional, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by nature. The dining experience was underwhelming, but the facilities were top-notch.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are spacious and luxurious, with fantastic ocean views.

Service

9.0

The staff goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is simply breathtaking, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was fairly uninteresting, lacking variety.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offers great amenities and a self-service bar, but the dining fell short.

Gordon

United Kingdom, March 2024

9.0/10

I was pleasantly surprised by the rooms at the hotel, with a sunken living area offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. The fully equipped 'butler's pantry' was a nice touch, and the rainforest shower with a tub overlooking the ocean was a highlight. The tours were fantastic, the food was very good, and the self-service bar and wine cellar were beautifully designed, making leaving the room hard.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms exceeded my expectations with stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities.

Service

9.0

The service was impeccable, with staff knowing my name and going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.

Location

10.0

The hotel is situated in a wildlife bush with spectacular clifftop views of the Southern Ocean, truly exceptional.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience offered mouth-watering dishes that surpassed expectations.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, including a beautiful self-service bar and wine cellar.

Joe

United Kingdom, March 2024

8.8/10

The hotel is a beautiful, relaxing retreat overlooking the ocean with stunning views. The rooms are spacious and unique, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay. The service is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making guests feel at home. The dining experience is a mix of delightful dishes and activities while the facilities are well-equipped for a luxurious stay.

Rooms

9.0

The large apartment with panoramic sea views was a dream, complete with big bathroom, walk-in shower, and comfy amenities.

Service

9.0

The staff went above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay, making the experience feel personalized and memorable.

Location

10.0

Set in the rugged and pristine Flinders National Park, the location is simply stunning with breathtaking ocean vistas.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were a mix of delicious dishes and engaging activities, but some items lacked excitement.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities are top-notch, offering everything from beautiful accommodation to excellent food and wine experiences.

Dean

United Kingdom, February 2024

8.4/10

My stay at the hotel exceeded my expectations. The rooms were fantastic, featuring a sunken living area with uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean and a butler's pantry stocked with all amenities. The service was attentive, pleasant, and very informative. The location was unique, offering 270-degree ocean views and a tranquil wilderness setting, though a bit isolated. The dining experience was fairly uninteresting, but freshly prepared eggs were a highlight. The facilities were top-notch with an open oil fire and a yoga platform.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were fantastic, with luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views.

Service

9.0

The service was attentive, pleasant, and very informative, exceeding my expectations.

Location

8.0

The location was unique and stunning, but a bit isolated in the wilderness.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was fairly uninteresting, but the freshly prepared eggs were a standout.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, with an open oil fire and a yoga platform.

Luxurious rooms

Isolated location

David

United Kingdom, November 2023

8.8/10

The hotel offers stunning views perched on a cliff overlooking the Great Southern Ocean, with spacious, comfortable rooms inviting guests to relax while lacking some privacy. The service, led by Rachel, Roxanne, Theodora, Joe, and Arthur, goes above and beyond, although some staff may struggle with the menu knowledge. The dining experience is superb, complementing the meals perfectly, and the facilities are top-notch.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms are beautiful in looks and comfort, with chairs and sofas in neutral tones inviting relaxation, and they are of great size yet lacking privacy.

Service

9.0

The service is amazing, with staff eager to assist in every possible way, especially thanks to Rachel, Roxanne, Theodora, Joe & Arthur.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location is spectacular, perched on a cliff overlooking the Great Southern Ocean, making it convenient for exploring park areas and conservation spots.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience is outstanding, with drinks complementing meals perfectly and homemade marmalade adding a delicious touch.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities offered are top-notch, providing everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Peter

United Kingdom, November 2023

8.4/10

I had an incredible stay at the hotel with extremely private and well-appointed rooms offering a great view over the ocean, although the service was a bit lacking in expertise. The location was absolutely spectacular, overlooking the Great Southern Ocean, but the dining options were somewhat limited. The facilities were top-notch providing a wonderful experience overall.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are extremely private, large, and very well appointed with a great view over the ocean.

Service

7.0

The service was friendly and attentive, although some staff lacked knowledge about the menu.

Location

10.0

The hotel is nestled on a cliff overlooking the Great Southern Ocean in the stunning Flinders National Park, offering a wilderness experience with excellent surf nearby.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was good, offering fresh fish options, but could have had more variety.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were fantastic, including multiple areas with seating and a beautiful rainforest shower, offering a luxurious experience.

Kate

United Kingdom, October 2023

8.8/10

The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms that resemble more of an apartment than a traditional hotel room. The location provides stunning 270-degree views over the ocean and bush, within a wildlife bush clifftop setting convenient to park and conservation areas. The service is friendly and tailored to guests' needs, although some room for improvement in staff interaction. The dining experience is pleasant, with tasty salads, while the facilities are reliable and well-maintained.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large dressing room/closet area, big bathroom, sizable walk-in shower, great towels, and an extra-large soaking tub with 2 sinks.

Service

8.0

The young staff is extremely friendly and willing, introducing lodge facilities and tailored itineraries, though more interaction with all guests could enhance the experience.

Location

10.0

The hotel combines reception, lounge, bar, and dining room with stunning views over the ocean and bush, offering a unique setting in the wilderness with excellent swell for surfing.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience is enjoyable, with self-service bar, wine cellar, and tasty salads available.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities include a self-service bar, wine cellar, and excellent tours, offering a comfortable and satisfying stay.

scenic views

limited staff interaction

Matt

United Kingdom, August 2023

8.2/10

I enjoyed my stay at the lodge tucked away in the beautiful Flinders National Park. The rooms are cozy with a local producer-stocked bar, but some may find the steep corridor challenging. The service is top-notch with friendly staff catering to your every need. The location is perfect for nature lovers, although access to the main lodge involves a bit of a hike. The dining experience was unique but lacked variety. Overall, a great place to immerse yourself in nature.

Rooms

8.0

I loved the room with a tub overlooking the ocean and the complimentary local amenities.

Service

9.0

The staff here are incredibly welcoming and attentive, making sure your stay is memorable.

Location

9.0

The lodge is situated in the stunning Flinders National Park with access to the wilderness and wildlife.

Dining

7.0

Dining in the bush was a unique experience, but the options seemed a bit limited.

Facilities

8.0

The self-service bar and wine cellar are great perks, adding to the overall experience.

Beautiful location

Limited dining options

Ricky

United Kingdom, August 2023

8.8/10

The hotel's location on a cliff overlooking the ocean offers breathtaking views. The rooms are comfortable, unique, and well-equipped with impressive amenities, but they are quite far from the lodge. The service, from the welcoming staff to tour guides, is outstanding with a focus on locally sourced products. The hotel's dining experience, although limited, offers tasty options. The facilities are top-notch, providing a luxurious stay.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are comfortable and unique, offering a large dressing room/closet area, a big bathroom, and a sizeable walk-in shower.

Service

9.0

The service is outstanding, with a particular highlight on locally sourced products and attentive staff.

Location

9.0

The hotel is situated inside a wildlife bush with spectacular coastal sea views, providing a majestic and wild setting for a unique experience.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience, while offering tasty options, could have a bit more variety to enhance the overall experience.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities are top-notch and provide all the necessary amenities for a luxurious stay.

Paul

United Kingdom, July 2023

9.2/10

My stay at the hotel was beyond incredible. The sunken living area with uninterrupted views of the tempestuous Southern Ocean and the fully fitted out 'butler's pantry' exceeded my expectations. The rooms are large, very well-appointed, and offer breathtaking views of the ocean. The beautiful aesthetics, accompanied by a comfortable setup, made it hard for me to leave.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were impeccably designed and offered stunning ocean views. The sun trap layout with neutral-toned furniture was inviting and relaxing.

Service

9.0

The level of service was exceptional. From the warm welcomes to personalized touches, the staff made me feel like a VIP throughout my stay.

Location

10.0

The location is absolutely spectacular, perched on a cliff overlooking the Great Southern Ocean. The wildlife bush surroundings added to the charm and serenity of the place.

Dining

8.0

Dining was a delightful experience with a variety of activities and well-complemented drinks. Though, having more information about the menu could enhance the overall dining experience.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch and contributed to a luxurious stay. The amenities and services provided added great value to my overall experience.

breathtaking views

limited menu knowledge