While Kangaroo Island hotels and beach resorts may be limited, there is plenty of space available for the visitors who come here. You do need to make plans as far in advance as possible in order to ensure you have the Kangaroo Island accommodation of your choice, but you can find a variety of types of lodging. Once you decide when to go and what type of accommodation you want, start your research and begin making enquiries.

You will find that luxury hotels in Kangaroo Island provide the smallest number of choices, but there are a few of them. The most expensive Kangaroo Island resort is probably at either the Kangaroo Island Health Retreat or the Southern Ocean Lodge (pictured). The first is on North Cape at Emu Bay, one of the most popular swimming beaches on the island, and is definitely for health and healing – not pampering. It is a drug, alcohol, and nicotine-free retreat with accommodation for only six guests and professional supervision in detox programs and healthy diet. Programs last for six days. The latter is a world class ocean wilderness lodge, offering the full experience of true luxury hotels. It is a low-rise, low-impact property built along a spectacular cliff over a beautiful remote beach wedged between two national parks on the island’s southern coast. There are 21 deluxe suites, each with private terraces and breathtaking ocean views, a secluded full-service spa, and fine gourmet dining. Other luxury hotels in Kangaroo Island include the Kangaroo Island Seafront, close to the bustling little community of Penneshaw.

Another popular type of Kangaroo Island accommodation is the hosted bed and breakfast inn. You will find these both in the small towns as well as on the beaches and in the farming communities of the interior. Some are quite deluxe, and some are quite modest. In the four to five-star range, look for the Adagio on Island Beach near the town of Penneshaw with its direct ferry link to the mainland and the city of Adelaide. Things to do here include fantastic surf fishing and visiting the Pelican Lagoon Research Center behind Island Beach to see one of Australia’s rarest and most unusual little creatures – the short-beaked echidna.

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Some Kangaroo Island hotels also own and operate rentals, including condominium type lodging on the beaches and private homes. Be sure to ask about this, because you can often obtain a self-contained apartment, and still have access to the facilities and services of resorts. If you want hotels in Kangaroo Island but are on the budget of a motel, you will also find several of these in the three-star range. There are also hotels in Kangaroo Island that can be considered hostels. Timber Creek Lodge in Pardana, almost exactly in the center of the island, has two fully equipped kitchens and can sleep between 25 and 28. You can book individual space here or reserve the entire property for special events.

If you do not want Kangaroo Island hotels at all, you will find that the most popular accommodation everywhere in Australia can also be found here – the self-contained beach rentals, apartments, and small houses available everywhere. The Eleanor River Homestead in the heart of the island’s sheep farming interior is a fully equipped and luxuriously furnished two-bedroom log cabin set along a good road in picturesque rolling pastures and only two miles from the southern coast. There is also Kangaroo Island accommodation in parks suitable for caravan camping, some of which include little cabins with a basic kitchenette.