Best Kangaroo Island Luxury Accommodation

Take your pick from 10 of the top luxury stay on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island (KI) lies just 13 kilometres off the South Australian coast, yet feels like it’s a million miles away. That, along with the incredible luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island, and a trip here is a dream.

The irresistible combination of world-class wineries, wildlife, and a cluster of great places to eat and drink has made KI a must-visit destination for decades. And while you can do a one-day tour with SeaLink, those who stay on the island are rewarded with more time to take in the spellbinding scenery and tick off your list of things to do.

1. Oceanview Eco Villas

Are you even staying on Kangaroo Island if you don’t have a bathtub with a view? Oceanview Eco Villas does what it says on the tin with picture windows framing the ocean views from almost every room, including the bathroom. Located 50 metres from the ragged red cliffs of Redbanks, which protrude from the beach like bad teeth, the off-grid villas offer a five-star experience where the only passing traffic is from kangaroos.

Oceanview Eco Villas overlooking the sea — It doesn’t get more luxurious than this.

2. Cliff House

The view from the Cliff House , perched like an eyrie overlooking the curve of Snelling’s Beach, is everything. After a day spent enjoying superlative food and wine, you can bed down at this architect-designed house on a remote section of KI’s sun-soaked north coast. The Cliff House is a favourite with travellers due to its cliff-edge jacuzzi and cushioned sunken pit, not to mention those unobstructed views of sea and sky.

Cliff House overlooking Snellings Beach — Cliff House is perched overlooking the curve of Snelling’s Beach.

3. Hamilton House & Dune House

Step into the Hamilton House or Dune House and you will feel like you’ve entered a portal that leads to a Pinterest interiors page. The exclusive lodges overlooking Emu Bay both offer melodramatic ocean views and stylish entertaining areas. Both properties also appeal to intrepid adventurers as well as those seeking solitude. Make the most of being on island time by arranging for an in-house chef.

Interiors of Hamilton House — Enter the Pinterest-worthy interiors.

4. Stowaway Pods

For an island that measures just 145 kilometres long and between 900 metres and 54 kilometres wide, Kangaroo Island packs in a lot. You will be right in position to enjoy all KI has to offer with a stay in one of two Stowaway pods, located on a working farm five minutes away from Stokes Bay. A double-sided wood fire, freestanding bath and sauna are also worthy diversions.

Stowaway pods at Kangaroo Island — Take in the beauty of KI from a Stowaway pod.

5. Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas

Book a stay at Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas if it’s the local wildlife you’re interested in. While the eco villas are not over-the-top extravagant, the luxury on offer is down to those expansive ocean views and proximity to Pink Bay Beach. Sit on the deck, glass of pinot noir in hand, and try and spot the island’s namesake as well as a supporting cast of possums, wallabies and dolphins.

View of Sea Dragon from above — The majestic views of Sea Dragon from above.

6. One Kangaroo Island

One Kangaroo Island has a freestanding outdoor tub that is made for wallowing in while looking for resident wildlife. Top up the bath with hot water until twilight falls and then sink into the sofa around the gas fireplace while your private chef prepares your dinner. This luxurious property on the north-east coast of Kangaroo Island is just metres away from Brown’s Beach.

One Kangaroo Island, just meters from Browns Beach. — One Kangaroo Island is just metres from Browns Beach.

7. The Sky House

Follow Cape du Couedic Road, the ribbon of asphalt that runs toward Admiral’s Arch, to get the obligatory Instagram snaps and then do a hit-and-run of the island’s key attractions so you can isolate in style at The Sky House . The rammed-earth architecture makes this property feel like it fell from the sky, with more of a Moroccan vibe than a KI rhythm. It’s low-fi luxury and one of the best Airbnbs on Kangaroo Island.

The Sky House facade at night — The villa is located on the highest point of the property.

8. Ecopia Retreat

Meeting the ‘locals’ when you’re staying at Ecopia Retreat translates to communing with the colony of sea lions at nearby Seal Bay Conservation Park. The experience is so intrinsic to a stay here that a guided tour to see the endangered animals is included when you book a stay of three nights or more. The two contemporary eco villas include floor-to-ceiling windows and a wood fireplace.

Kangaroos seen during a stay at Ecopia Retreat — Wildlife is intrinsic to a stay at Ecopia Retreat.

9. Copperstone KI

Copperstone KI offers front-row seats to the action in Emu Bay, one of the most coveted spots on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. The four-bedroom architecturally designed beach house blends seamlessly into the landscape and is designed with absolute privacy in mind, which comes in handy when you’re drinking in the breathtaking panorama from the bath.

The unassuming exteriors Copperstone KI — Unassuming from the outside, delightful on the inside.

10. Wandering Souls

If you’re looking for the best places to camp on Kangaroo Island, why not do so in comfort with Wandering Souls , who invite you to choose your tent, depending on your tribe and vibe. The company can pitch your luxury bell tent according to your whim and where you’d rather be and style it to suit. Stay on brand and order the Matilda, an Australian luxe tent fitted out with stylish throws and 1000-thread count sheets.

Kangaroos seen during a comforting Wandering Souls — Stay in comfort with Wandering Souls.

If you are looking to mix up your stay on Kangaroo Island, spend a night at one of our picks of beautiful camping spots or our round-up of best places to stay.

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) — Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events — See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events — Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week — Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup — See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville — See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .

The best luxury accommodation on Kangaroo Island