Tourism in Kangaroo Island is marking a major milestone with the rebuilt $55 million Southern Ocean Lodge opening to guests on Wednesday 8 December..

After almost four years in the planning, design and construction since it was razed in the 2020 bushfires, the new-look luxury accommodation on the south coast of Kangaroo Island will once again draw visitors from around the world.

The flagship property of Baillie Lodges, the new iteration of the globally acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge holds almost the same footprint as the original. 

It features 23 guest suites, each with a private deck and reoriented to open towards the south-east, taking in views of the Southern Ocean.

The re-creation of Southern Ocean Lodge has been led by the property’s original architect, South Australian Max Pritchard and his team. 

It includes all the features once loved by guests, combined with some new additions, “designed for a new generation of travel to Kangaroo Island,” with a greater focus on sustainability.

More than 40 per cent of Kangaroo Island was impacted by the bushfires in January 2020, which happened just months before COVID restrictions took hold.

Tourism on Kangaroo Island has since made a remarkable recovery, with the region’s visitor expenditure hitting a record-high $294 million in the year to June 2023.

Kangaroo Island is a key drawcard for international visitors, with the region attracting the highest international visitor spend outside of Adelaide. 

In the 12 months to June 2023, $38 million was spent by international visitors in Kangaroo Island – making real inroads on its pre-COVID value of $53 million.

Tourism is a major employer on Kangaroo Island, with 35 per cent of jobs directly related to tourism.

Mawson MP Leon Bignell says the impact of the lodge on Kangaroo Island’s visitor economy goes far beyond attracting high-end travellers from around the globe. 

“From the moment the original Southern Ocean Lodge opened its massive door, hospitality workers from around the world and across Australia came to the island, provided premium service and, in many cases, went on to open their own businesses on the island offering food, drinks and accommodation to visitors and locals alike. 

“Early January 2020 was a devastating time for the island and for SOL owners James and Hayley Baillie and managers John Herd and Alison Heath whose dreams were reduced to ash and rubble. 

“Staff and guests had made it out without injury and almost immediately James and Hayley were talking about coming back with an offering even better than the internationally top-ranked SOL.

He says the reopening this week is a celebration of their vision and determination.

James and Hayley Baillie, founders of Baillie Lodges, say they feel fortunate to be able to present the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge to the world. 

“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,” Mr Baillie says. 

“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.”

“It has been wonderful to work with the original lodge’s local suppliers as well as discovering new entrants to the region, including food and beverage producers, artists and designers”. Hayley Baillie says.

“We’ve been buoyed by the unwavering support of so many of our guests and the broader tourism industry for which we’re very grateful, and we’re thrilled to be bringing Southern Ocean Lodge back.”