How to spend an eco-luxury weekend on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most iconic nature destinations. Spanning 4,500 square kilometres and offering a diverse range of things to see and do, Kangaroo Island has something for every visitor’s desire; from its rugged coastline and pristine beaches to boutique wineries, honey and lavender farms, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants. For wildlife enthusiasts, the island is a living sanctuary, providing unparalleled opportunities to encounter Australian fauna in their native environments.

With so much to explore and do, planning a weekend on Kangaroo Island might seem a bit overwhelming. No stress, as we’ve compiled the best guide for enjoying an eco-luxury weekend on Kangaroo Island, guaranteeing an experience that’s both luxe and mindful of the environment.

Where to stay 

Ecopia Retreat is located in the heart of Kangaroo Island, making it the perfect base to explore all that the island has to offer. Set within a 150-acre private wildlife sanctuary in a curated off-grid eco-luxury setting, Ecopia promises a truly magical eco-conscious stay. 

A loft-style two-bedroom retreat nestled in nature, Ecopia’s newest accommodation The Rise towers gracefully above the tree canopies, offering guests a unique vantage point to appreciate the island’s natural surroundings and sunrises. Melding contemporary interiors with the warmth of the surrounding wilderness, The Rise features two spacious bedrooms, a living area, fully equipped modern kitchen, and bathroom. Large windows bring the outside in, seamlessly connecting the incredible living gallery surrounding it, with the luxurious and cosy relaxing space inside.

Enjoy the morning sun on the large east-facing deck while listening to the birds chirping amongst the branches of the trees around you, and spend the evening making the most of the panoramic views of the sunset as kangaroos graze and echidnas waddle past from the outdoor bath.

Travelling with a group? No problem—Ecopia has you covered. You can choose from four unique retreats: The Residence, the flagship Villas, and the newly introduced Rise. Each option offers a blend of privacy and close proximity to your group, all within a serene private wildlife sanctuary.

Nature experiences you can’t miss

A visit to Seal Bay, home to a large population of one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, the Australian sea lion, is a must. Seal Bay is the only place in the world where you can see them at close range in their natural habitat. Take a guided beach tour to learn about their natural behaviours and see them up close on the beach, or stroll along the 900m Don Dixon boardwalk over the dunes to a number of viewing platforms where you can see these wild animals resting and coming and going from foraging trips at sea.

The Flinders Chase National Park hike provides spectacular rugged coastal cliff top views and many attractions to explore, including Remarkable Rocks, Cape Du Couedic’s historic lighthouse, Weirs Cove and Admirals Arch. Keep an eye out for long-nosed fur seals as they play in the surf and natural rockpools around the Admirals Arch rock formations.

Beach lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to Kangaroo Island, but two of the most notable include Pennington Bay, a spectacular surf beach on the east side of the island, and Vivonne Bay Beach, which with its turquoise waters and soft sand was voted one of the best in Australia. 

What to eat 

Kangaroo Island offers an impressive selection of casual and more formal dining experiences where you can taste some of the local seasonal produce. Pick up fish and chips or the famous KI Whiting Burger from nearby local institution Vivonne Bay General Store, or head to Cactus Cafe, a fun, energetic and vibrant cafe serving the best coffee in Kingscote alongside a sumptuous menu. For an outdoor dining experience that is truly magical, Gastronomo Dining’s The Enchanted Fig Tree Restaurant is set within a 120 year old tree and provides a feast for the senses. 

Emu Bay Lavender Farm is a beautiful working farm that runs over 51 acres of land and has an estimate of 7500 lavender plants. The onsite cafe serves an all-day menu of delightful meals and snacks incorporating lavender flavours and aromas, including lavender scones and lavender ice cream. 

Nestled in the bush and just 15 minutes from Kingscote and American River, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery offers self-guided and guided tours around the distillery to learn how they make their eucalyptus products, which you can pick up to take home from their shop. The Emu Ridge Cafe offers a menu showcasing the region’s local produce and delicious locally roasted barista coffee.