Southern Ocean Lodge
People & Purpose
Southern Ocean Lodge operates under a detailed and evolving sustainable management policy, which steers operations and uses the best available technology to reduce energy consumption and waste and to minimise environmental impact, ultimately enhancing the guests’ experience of the destination. View case study
“From world-class design to heartfelt hospitality, Southern Ocean Lodge embodies resilience, creativity and the spirit of place.”
Michael Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, Beckons
When Southern Ocean Lodge opened in 2008, it was lauded for setting a new standard in Australian luxury tourism; a property that could hold its head high among the finest in the world.
“We engaged Kangaroo Island-born architect, Max Pritchard – known for his organic forms and environmentally considerate approach – to create a high-end property that paid homage to its wild location and astonishing Southern Ocean views,” said Beckons Chief Operating Officer Craig Bradbery.
“The lodge itself was sensitively designed to minimise its impact on the landscape and delicate coastal ecosystem. We cleared just one-hectare – less than one per cent – of the total property,” said Craig Bradbery
In January 2020, Southern Ocean Lodge was razed by devastating bushfires that swept across Kangaroo Island, affecting around half of the 440,500-hectare island.
“Our immediate response was to pledge to rebuild Southern Ocean Lodge,” said Craig Bradbery.
In late 2023, the promise was realised, with Southern Ocean Lodge reopening to once again crown the clifftops of Kangaroo Island.
Southern Ocean Lodge showcases contemporary Australian design, custom furnishings and locally-commissioned artworks, drawing on the strong connections with South Australia’s leading designers.
Southern Ocean Lodge prides itself on partnering with like-minded businesses to foster a thriving, sustainable community on Kangaroo Island.
These partnerships support growers, makers and artisans and enable small, family-owned businesses to viably produce the finest goods and offer services locally. Frequently these businesses share the lodge ethos around sustainable and regenerative practices. It is lodge policy to buy local wherever possible, minimising food miles and the emissions footprint of long-distance freight, and ensuring economic benefits permeate the surrounding region.
Subtle architectural changes in the new build provide each of the 25 suites with even better views of the ocean and coastal wilderness. At the same time, the design makes the most of aspect and weather patterns to encourage flow-through ventilation, and strategic glazing captures sunlight and helps store natural heat. Advances in building materials and energy-efficient technology – such as LED lighting, double insulated glass and wall insulation – will see a 25% reduction in energy use over the original lodge.
Southern Ocean Lodge CONSERVATION EXPERIENCES
OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK
The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.