Karta Pintingga, an Australian island in the Indian Ocean, suited to slow travel. A classic image of nature cradled by the ocean, giving way to the quiet life of its flora and fauna. A place where kangaroos will show you the island’s most secret corners.
Known for its preserved ecosystems, Kangaroo Island is covered by 30% nature reserves and home to abundant wildlife, from koalas to sea lions.
Ravaged by fire in 2019, this Australian island was left unrecognisable. Around 1,550 km² burned, and numerous tourism facilities were affected, including the Southern Ocean Lodge.
Despite the fire, Kangaroo Island’s draw endures, as its regeneration has itself become a reason to explore the island.
Some plants that had burned completely released their seeds, and young shoots are now emerging. Wildlife has moved back into the vast territories it had fled, finding lasting food sources there.
To the great surprise of scientists, one small species survived: the southern brown bandicoot’s lesser-known neighbour, the western pygmy possum. The smallest of the pygmy possums, it measures around ten centimetres. Today, this species is under close study and protection while its plant habitat recovers.
The third-largest island in Australia after Tasmania and Melville Island, it is an iconic destination, an ecotourism treasure and a refuge for Australian wildlife. Defined by vast white-sand beaches fringed by azure sea. Sheer cliffs, rocks sculpted by the wind, rolling green hills, caves, sand dunes, nature reserves.
A destination for every season, where the climate is as dynamic as the landscape. A chance to feel at the heart of a wildlife documentary, to sandboard the dunes, to walk along Koala Walk.
As the phoenix rises from its ashes, the Southern Ocean Lodge will be ready to welcome you from December 2023 to discover, or rediscover, the magic of this place.
It will, we wager, be even more remarkable than its predecessor.
