Explore nature, escape the city noise and endless notifications with no real rest…
That’s exactly what most business travellers, couples, solo adventurers, and families in South Australia are trooping into the “Island of the Dead” for.
If you’re searching for the best places to stay in Kangaroo Island that let you do just these, then draw up in your bucket list eco-stays in places in or near Penneshaw, Cape St Albans, and Emu Bay.
For those after the open skies, wildlife, and wide beaches where no one’s rushing you to check out, these areas offer beachfront cabins, private wildlife experiences, and access to top-rated trails. Named as one of the world’s best travel destinations by Lonely Planet, it’s no wonder Kangaroo Island sees over 140,000 night visitors each year, according to the South Australia Tourism Commission.
Without further ado, below, you’ll find the most unique stays in Kangaroo Island for a peaceful, unforgettable island getaway.
Best Places to Lodge in Kangaroo Island for a Perfect Vacation
Kangaroo Island, also nicknamed Karta Pintingga, isn’t short on places to stay. But the real magic lies in spots where nature is the whole point, from the water waves hitting the shorelines to the sights of Kangaroos, the vineyards, local wines and more.
Here are our top picks:
1. CABN X Oceanview, Kangaroo Island (Cape St Albans)
Set on a vast 400-acre coastal property, CABN X Oceanview sits just 25 minutes from the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal, making it one of the most accessible premium eco-retreats on the island. The property features five architecturally designed CABN X cabins (Kona, Dudley, Clive, Eddie, and Thomas) strategically spaced to offer privacy without complete isolation. Each cabin is built for two and faces the Southern Ocean, offering uninterrupted sunrise views.
Key Features:
• Full ocean frontage with views over the Southern Ocean
• Wood-fired pizza oven and indoor fireplace
• Premium king-size bed with soft bedding
• Weber Q BBQ, pod coffee machine, fridge, toaster
• 100% solar-powered with rainwater tanks
• Direct beach access to a secluded shoreline
• Private outdoor soaking bath and traditional timber-lined dry sauna overlooking the coast
CABN X Oceanview combines luxury and sustainability – off-grid but never off-comfort. Guests often spot Tammar wallabies, echidnas, and sea eagles right from the deck. The coastline also offers private walking trails and access to rocky headlands ideal for photography or quiet reflection.
Travel Time from Adelaide: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours. Take a Sealink coach from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, then a 45-minute ferry to Penneshaw. From there, hire a car with Seafront Connect, Budget, or Hertz. CABN guests get 15% off Seafront Connect with code CABNKI.
Ideal For:
• Couples celebrating anniversaries,
• honeymooners,
• and city-dwellers seeking a digital detox with zero distractions.
2. CABN X Coastline View, Kangaroo Island
For those who need accessibility without sacrificing scenery, the CABN X Coastline View is an all-abilities cabin that offers one of the most inclusive, eco-friendly accommodations on Kangaroo Island.
Located along the island’s dramatic north coast, while overlooking the pristine Antechamber Bay, CABN X Coastline combines thoughtful design with indulgent features, including sweeping views and high-end off-grid amenities.
Key Features:
• Uninterrupted views of Kangaroo Island’s north coast
• Private timber sauna and outdoor bath with water views
• Indoor fireplace, wood-fired pizza oven, and premium kitchen
• All-abilities design with wheelchair-friendly access
• 100% solar-powered, with eco insulation and rainwater systems
• Boasts of direct private beach access to a secluded shoreline nearby
Ideal For:
• Solo travellers or couples needing peaceful, sensory-rich stays
• Guests with mobility needs, looking for comfort and wilderness
• Nature lovers chasing wildlife, sunsets, and serenity
3. The Historic Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Stay
For a stay that shows you a lot about the Kangaroo Island’s history, you won’t find anything quite like the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages. Perched on the rugged eastern tip of Kangaroo Island and built in 1852, Cape Willoughby was the first lighthouse constructed in South Australia, helping to guide ships through the treacherous Backstairs Passage.
Today, you can sleep in the original keeper’s quarters, surrounded by raw coastal cliffs and sweeping sea views.
Location: Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, approx. 30 km east of Penneshaw (40-minute drive)
Heritage Details:
• Part of the South Australian Heritage Register
• Fully restored 19th-century stone cottages with modern amenities
• On-site interpretive centre detailing maritime history and shipwrecks
Key Features:
• Direct views of Cape St Albans headland and the Southern Ocean
• Short walks to lighthouse lookout points and cliff-top trails
• Self-contained kitchens, open fireplaces, and restored heritage furnishings
• Ideal base for visiting Antechamber Bay Retreats and Dudley Peninsula wineries
Ideal For:
• History lovers, maritime enthusiasts, and cultural travellers
• Amateur and professional photographers chasing golden-hour coastlines
• Small groups or families wanting a unique and educational stay
Note: Bookings managed via the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) or through select accommodation platforms.
Alro Read: Top 10 Facts About Kangaroo Island You Should Know
Why Choose These Stays on Kangaroo Island?
Whether you’re seeking a secluded beach shack or an off-grid architectural retreat, these handpicked stays offer more than a place to sleep.
Privacy and Seclusion
CABN stays are positioned on 400-acre private parcels, far from neighbours and crowds. You’ll fall asleep to waves, not hallway noise.
Eco-Luxury without Corner Cutting
All CABN X cabins run entirely on solar power, with composting toilets, rainwater systems, and zero single-use plastics. Each retreat proves sustainability can feel indulgent.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep
Kangaroo Island is home to more than 60,000 koalas, 25 species of native orchids, and rare Glossy Black-Cockatoos. You’ll likely see wallabies, echidnas, and dolphins before breakfast with no tours required.
Space to Reconnect
With no TV, no reception in most areas, and zero urban noise, you’re free to focus on your partner, the ocean, or your thoughts. Whether it’s a proposal, a digital break, or simply a quiet weekend, these spaces allow for real presence.
Honourable Mentions: More Top Stays on Kangaroo Island
If you’re exploring further across the island, don’t miss:
• Ecopia Retreat: An off-grid hideaway near Flinders Chase National Park, surrounded by wildlife.
• Cliff House at Snelling Beach: A luxurious beach house overlooking the ocean.
• Sea Dragon Lodge: Private three-bedroom property near Cape Willoughby, perfect for families.
• Antechamber Bay Retreats: A private wildlife sanctuary nestled near the American River.
• Hanson Bay Cabins: Ideal for those chasing pristine beaches and rugged coastline hikes.
Also Read: Cabin For Rent in Scenic Locations for a Peaceful Stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best part of Kangaroo Island to stay?
Cape St Albans is one of the top locations South Australians choose to stay in Kangaroo Island. With off-grid amenities and coastal seclusion, it’s home to five CABN X cabins on a property measuring hundreds of acres with private beach access. Antechamber Bay is also nearby, known for its quiet shoreline and wildlife. For national park stays, you can head west to Flinders Chase. But for quick access and privacy,CABN X Oceanview is hard to beat.
How many days should you spend on Kangaroo Island?
3 to 5 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore nearby beaches like Brown Beach or Antechamber Bay, visit wildlife sanctuaries, enjoy the island life and still relax. The island’s size (over 4,400 square kilometres) means one- or two-day visits often feel rushed.
What is the best time of year to visit Kangaroo Island?
Autumn (March to May) offers calm weather, fewer crowds, and excellent walking conditions. Summer (Dec to Feb) is best for swimming and evening BBQs at your cabin deck, with temps averaging 24–28°C. Winter is quiet, perfect for spotting whales off the north coast, especially near Cape Willoughby.
Is there accommodation near the Kangaroo Island ferry?
Yes. CABN X Oceanview is just 22 km (25 minutes) from Penneshaw ferry terminal, making it one of the closest eco-luxury stays for guests arriving by SeaLink or KIC. It’s ideal for short getaways or first-time visitors who don’t want to drive far after disembarking.
Where You Stay Shapes How You Feel!
If you’re looking for something more than a bed and roof, go for an off-grid eco-luxury stay in Cape St. Alban. A stay here helps you slow down, recharge, and reconnect. Whether it’s waking up to ocean sunrises, watching wildlife from your deck, or romantically soaking in a sauna under the stars, CABN X at Cape St Alban ticks every box. Explore all CABN stays on Kangaroo Island
