Australia’s first ‘super lodge’ has opened its doors on Kangaroo Island, heralding a new era for the region – and South Australia's tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the $15 million Southern Ocean Lodge is a fantastic, first class development and a landmark investment.

“The lodge will act as a drawcard to attract more visitors from across Australia and overseas, bringing flow-on effects and benefits for the wider tourism industry,” she says.

“Southern Ocean Lodge is in a class of its own, offering a unique experience unparalleled in our State.

“It has already attracted wide interest and media attention nationally and internationally and it is not surprising that South Australians, as well as visitors from interstate and overseas, are already booking
their holiday there for the months ahead.

“The State Government is committed to assisting the growth of the tourism industry, and has worked with Southern Ocean Lodge developers, Baillie Lodges, to make sure this world-class accommodation went ahead in the most sustainable way possible.

“Attracting world-class tourism developments such as Southern Ocean Lodge to South Australia is an important step towards achieving our target of boosting tourist expenditure to $6.3 billion by the end of 2014.

“High end tourists are always searching for new exciting destinations and Southern Ocean Lodge already has good bookings for the next 12 months.

“The South Australia Government is committed to working with developers to ensure more stand-out tourism developments go ahead over the next few years.

“Tourism is a huge growth industry for South Australia, and we will work to ensure that momentum continues.”

Minister Lomax-Smith says the latest figures shows international holiday visitor nights were up 14% in 2007, compared to the previous 12-month period, while the number of interstate visitors coming to our State was up 4% in 2007, compared to a 2% drop nationally.

Located at Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island’s south west coast, Southern Ocean Lodge offers stunning ocean views from its twenty-one luxury suites, and adjoins Flinders Chase and Kelly Hill National Parks.
Included in the tariff is personalised experiential touring of the Island’s unique natural attractions, as well as all meals and South Australian wines. The Lodge also offers a day spa, bar and restaurant