Kangaroo Island is widely regarded as Australia’s Galapagos with its abundance of native wildlife thriving in freedom. The Island sits a mere 15km from the shores of mainland South Australia. The Island is 155km long by 55km wide and covers some 4,500 sq km.

For an unforgettable adventure of education and exploration we invite you to be part of Southern Ocean Lodge's inaugural 7-night expedition this July. Exceptional guided experiences and adventure allow a first hand wildlife encounter accompanied by the naturalist guides.

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge experience. Sensitively designed to float amongst the untouched coastal drama of Kangaroo Island’s South West coast and commanding spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views, the celebrated world-class lodge offers a unique fusion of nature and luxury. The Great Room is the centre of activity; guests plan the day ahead, enjoy exceptional Island-inspired dining in the Restaurant, or a relaxed drink at the convivial open bar with an exclusively South Australian wine selection. 21 organic luxe suites feature bespoke furnishings, lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounge, glass-walled ensuite and outdoor terrace, each extending breathtaking views to the great Southern Ocean. Exceptional guided adventures invite guests to experience abundant wildlife first hand, whilst the secluded Southern Spa features signature treatments with Kangaroo Island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate.

Expedition Kangaroo Island
Departure Dates: 24-31 July, 2010 and 23-20 July, 2011

The expeditions offer wonderful possibilities. With this in mind, the itinerary is always dependent on a number of factors, weather certainly being one, and changes may be made to take advantage of opportunities nature may have in store for us.

7 Night Itinerary
Saturday – Arrive via Regional Express to Kingscote Airport on Kangaroo Island where our expedition leader, Craig Wickham and naturalist staff of Southern Ocean Lodge will meet us. Our first stop is Seal Bay, home to Australia’s third-largest colony of Australian Sea Lions. Join our National Parks guide for an exclusive encounter on the beach with these loveable wild animals. Learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site. After our up-close and personal experience we will enjoy a picnic lunch at picturesque Bales Beach before continuing on to the Lodge. Enjoy the afternoon settling into Southern Ocean Lodge and its surroundings. This evening while relaxing with drinks and canapés, we will be joined by Craig in the Baudin Lounge for an introductory talk on the island and the week of discovery ahead.

Sunday – This morning we will have a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes and take full advantage of the Lodge’s unique wilderness location. A morning field trip to Flinders Chase National Park includes Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch as just some of the highlights. At Admirals Arch we will be witness to the home of over 50,000 Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals which can be seen resting on the rocks, bathing in the sheltered waters or taking on the surf. Our road trip will also include opportunities to wander amongst the rare Cape Barren Geese and to search the leafy eucalypts for a sleepy koala. After lunch at the Lodge we will be joined by Indiana James, “found objects” artist, scientist and teacher for a fascinating insight into the remarkable flight and unique vision of the charismatic pelican. These awkward-looking birds have unique skeletons able to soar at up to 3,000 feet and initiate water landings with dexterous skill. Their visual adaptations make them adept at fishing. Indiana has a wealth of fascinating tales that will leave you with a new-found respect for these unusual birds. Indiana was commissioned to create ‘Sunshine’, the kangaroo made entirely of old farm machinery that greets all our guests in the Lodge lounge.

Monday – Today we will explore the north-west of Kangaroo Island. Deep in the wilderness, perched high above the vast ocean stands a unique square lighthouse. Cape Borda Lighthouse Station is steeped in European history and the excellent museum on site allows us to appreciate the achievements of a bygone era. For morning tea we enjoy the views from Scott’s Cove to the second highest cliffs in Australia. After a visit to the Light Station Cemetery we have the opportunity to hike the short, steep track down Harvey’s Return. This landing site was initially used by sealers to load freshly salted seal skins collected in the 1800s and was later used by early settlers to access the lighthouse and haul supplies from sailing vessels. Relaxing after the walk we enjoy lunch in the wild today. There’s then the option to return to the Lodge for an afternoon at leisure or to join Craig for an informative loop walk to Billygoat Falls in the Western River Conservation Park. A winding trail through sheoaks takes us to a lookout with spectacular views of a winter waterfall. Back at the Lodge, this evening’s lecture covers the impact of isolation, the challenges and opportunities of life on an island.

Tuesday – Following breakfast we take a short drive to meet a local National Park Guide and discover the amazing sinkholes, limestone formations and caverns of the extensive Kelly Hill Caves complex that has evolved over thousands of years. From here we will join our Southern Ocean Lodge naturalist guide on a hike to explore the back country of Kelly Hill Conservation Park through the historic Grassdale property on to the beautiful Hanson Bay beach. A fascinating variety of vegetation types from eucalypt woodlands through mallee scrub and coastal heath is encountered on this easy walk. The views over the Grassdale lagoons provide the opportunity for sighting water birds and the meandering trail is home to a number of terrestrial orchids and wildflowers. We return to the Lodge for lunch and the afternoon is spent at leisure; perhaps try a spot of beach fishing or escape to the Southern Spa for a relaxing massage. This evening’s nocturnal tour at Hanson Bay Sanctuary allows an encounter with the local koalas during their evening wakeful period, meet handreared kangaroos and wallabies and with a bit of luck you may see native owls or the elusive Southern Brown bandicoot. The nearby Hanson Bay Sanctuary provides a protected environment for native wildlife on the island. We return to the Lodge for a late dinner.

Wednesday – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as we take some time to relax at the Lodge. Following lunch, we will be joined by the world’s leading authority on echidnas, Dr Peggy Rismiller. For over 20 years Peggy has worked with the Short-beaked Echidna and Rosenberg’s Sand Goanna. We will learn more about the island's biodiversity and the unique body temperature mechanisms of island reptiles. With Peggy and fellow biologist Mike McKelvy, we venture into the historic Grassdale property, a short drive from the Lodge, where we have the opportunity to discuss further Peggy’s discoveries of these amazing egg-laying mammals. We then have the chance to soak up the history of the early island settlers at Edward’s Cottage, as the kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze in the gathering dusk. Sip a sunset drink and enjoy a ‘Kanapé’ whilst the sun sets on another magical Kangaroo Island day.

Thursday – Today we depart the Lodge for a full day of epicurean and marine adventure. Our first stop is at the Island Bee Hive. We join the apiarist who will introduce us to the Italian aristocrats of apiary science, the Ligurian Bee, exclusive to Kangaroo Island. Don the fashionable attire of the beekeeping pros and “get up-close and buzzing” with these organic Ligurian bee hives. Learn the basic skills of bee keeping, calm the buzzing beasts and taste honey direct from the comb. Lunch today is at Craig Wickham’s island home where we will enjoy a delicious barbeque of King George Whiting, local haloumi and a drop of the island’s best wines. We have the chance to explore the town of Kingscote before boarding a marine zodiac to cruise the KI coastline, visiting secluded beaches and witnessing some amazing marine life along the way. This area of coastline abounds with sea birds, penguins, sea eagles, albatross, pelicans, dolphins for a start. The local dolphins entertain with their friendly tricks throughout the trip. We return to the Lodge for evening drinks and dinner.

Friday – Take an awe-inspiring journey of exploration with our naturalists along the edge of the cliff tops to Cape Younghusband. This return hike allows you to experience the wonder of the sheer limestone cliffs and hardy flora growing along this amazing rugged coastline. Spot the Osprey hovering above, the fur seals frolicking in the Southern Ocean waters below and the intriguing formations of the Remarkable Rocks in the distance. We will also offer a shorter alternative. Return for lunch at the Lodge and then enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Take a mountain bike and explore some of the nearby trails, have an afternoon nap, or join our Lodge Manager and take a look at the back of house operations of the Lodge. This evening at the Lodge we will come together for farewell drinks, a photo roundup of the days past, followed by a special degustation dinner in the Restaurant.

Saturday – Our final morning at Southern Ocean Lodge is at leisure, take a hike on the beach, relax in the Great Room and soak up the surrounds before our departure to Kingscote Airport and the flight back to mainland Australia. A once in a lifetime journey concludes.

What’s included - Expedition Kangaroo Island includes
• Return airfare with Regional Express to Kingscote, Kangaroo Island from Adelaide
• Seven nights at Southern Ocean Lodge in your choice of suite
• All meals including daily gourmet breakfast, lunch (walkers picnic, bush BBQ or lunch at the Lodge), four-course dinner with inspired daily changing menu, all beverages.
• Island airport transfers
• All land-based excursions and marine expedition
• Leadership of the expedition by Craig Wickham
• Program of lectures by specialist scientists and naturalists
• Special Expedition Kangaroo Island kit including polo shirt, sun hat, outdoor jacket and backpack
• Comprehensive expedition information, including suggestions of what to bring and the Discover Kangaroo Island guide book

Additional Cost: Travel insurance, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, spa treatments, boutique and cellarmaster wines.

Getting There: Regional Express operates a 33-seat Saab 340 aircraft and provides an excellent scheduled service to Kingscote in around 30 minutes directly from Adelaide. A 15kg luggage limit per person applies.

Expedition Kangaroo Island
2010 Departure Date: July 24th
2011 Departure Date: July 23rd

Cost per person Flinders Suite Ocean Retreat Ocean Family Retreat Remarkable Suite Osprey Pavilion

Twin Share $6,900 $7,900 $7,900 $8,900 $10,900

Single $8,900 $9,900 - $11,900 $14,900

Additional Person - - $4,000 - -

Terms and Conditions
Reservations: To confirm your place, a non-refundable deposit of $1250 per person is required at the time of reservation and is payable by credit card, direct deposit or cheque. A 2% surcharge applies to all credit card transactions.
Final payment: Due no later than two months prior to departure.
Cancellation policy: If you cancel 2 months or more prior to departure, a full refund less your deposit will be made. Cancellations within 2 months of arrival, 55% of total paid will be refunded. Within 1 month of arrival all monies will be forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing. No refund can be given in the event of a non-arrival, any unused services or any activities unable to be completed due to weather conditions.
Insurance: We recommend that you protect yourself with travel insurance.

Expedition Kangaroo Island will be an annual event. Register your interest for July 2011/12.

RETURN TO SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE