The island has a wide variety of places to choose from, from B&Bs to campgrounds. The most popular accommodations, however, are self-contained cottages, many of which have spectacular coastal views. Visit the accommodation section of www.tourkangarooisland.com.au for a wide range of options; you can also book online.
The DEH (Department for Environment and Heritage) also rents basic but comfortable lodgings, including relatively isolated lighthouse cottages ★★ (tel. 08/8559 7235; kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au) at Cape Willoughby, Cape Borda, Rocky River, and Cape du Couedic. The price is A$160 per night in the lighthouse cottages.
If money is no object, book a suite at Southern Ocean Lodge (tel. 02/9918 4355 in Sydney [the lodge does not handle reservations or inquiries]; www.southernoceanlodge.com.au), a new superluxury wilderness lodge that sits high on the cliff tops above Hanson Bay on the southwest coast. Facilities include the Southern Spa Retreat, which features the Australian-made Li'Tya range of spa products. Super luxury, of course, means super expensive, but it's a great way to see the best of the island's attractions in exclusive style. Rates are A$990 to A$1,800 per person per night and there's a minimum 2-night stay; that includes all meals, drinks, transfers, and a range of guided activities.
If you're on a supertight budget, head to the Kangaroo Island YHA hostel, 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, SA 5222 (tel. 08/8553 1344; fax 08/8553 1278). Dorm beds are A$30 and doubles with private bathrooms are A$100. It costs a few dollars less for YHA members.
Camping is allowed at designated sites around the island and in national parks for a minimal fee. There are many beach, river, and bush camping spots, including the Rocky River site in the Flinders Chase National Park. Call tel. 08/8559 7235 to book. Camping costs A$22.50 per car and A$7 per person if traveling without a car (in addition to the park entry fee of A$9 per adult and A$5.50 per child).
Special Moment: Camp It Up
Go bush in style at the privately owned Flour Cask Bay Sanctuary. You can bush camp beside the salt lake or stay in one of the two "Eco Camps." Each Eco Camp annex provides Kimberley Kamper portable camper trailers as accommodation, which are set up with a queen-size bed, a private en-suite bathroom with hot-water shower and toilet, solar-powered lights, and a fully equipped camp kitchen that slides away when not in use. The beach is just minutes away, and the entire 600-hectare (1,483-acre) nature reserve is yours to explore by four-wheel-drive, canoe, or bicycle. Owned by a former National Park ranger, the remote Eco Camps have a zero-footprint policy, and the entire sanctuary has been set up as a conservation and land rehabilitation trust. A 1-night stay in the Eco Camp costs A$139 for up to four people. The sanctuary is off Flour Cask Bay Road, Flour Cask Bay (tel. 08/8553 7278; www.eco-sanctuaries.com).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
