Not just a place to stay: why who creates your holiday matters

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There’s no shortage of beautiful accommodation on Kangaroo Island these days. Tiny homes, designer cabins and architecturally striking retreats have popped up in some spectacular locations.

Many look wonderful in photographs. Some are cleverly designed. And some are part of larger accommodation businesses built to deliver a consistent experience across multiple properties.

But when you’re choosing somewhere special for a few nights away, have you ever stopped to think about who’s actually behind the place you’re booking?

Who imagined it? Who built it? Who looks after it? And who genuinely cares whether you have an unforgettable stay?

At Stowaway, we think those things matter.

Because there’s a difference between accommodation designed to fill a booking calendar and a place created by people who have a personal connection to the land, the island and the experience they’re offering.

Built here, by people who call this place home

Stowaway wasn’t conceived in a corporate office or designed as a concept to be rolled out across multiple destinations.

We’re a local Kangaroo Island family, and Stowaway is something we’ve created here, on the island we know and love.

Each of our four retreats was custom-built on site by a local builder that Adam did his building apprenticeship with. A family that contributes to the local community, with the design shaped around the landscape and the kind of experience we wanted our guests to have.

We wanted generous living spaces rather than cleverly disguised shoeboxes. We wanted a full kitchen, a beautiful bathroom and a freestanding bath positioned behind a panoramic window so you can soak even when its wild outside. We wanted outdoor hot tubs, a real Swedish sauna and the feeling of having your own private world tucked away in nature.

Most importantly, we wanted guests to experience the island without having to sacrifice comfort.

These decisions weren’t made by a marketing department looking at what would photograph well or what could be replicated most efficiently. They came from thinking about how people actually want to spend their time away.

What makes a place feel special? What makes you relax the moment you walk through the door? What makes you wish you’d booked another night?

Those are the questions that shaped Stowaway.

The luxury of dealing with real people

There’s something reassuring about knowing that the people behind your accommodation have a personal stake in your experience.

We’re not a faceless corporate brand managing a portfolio of properties from somewhere else. Stowaway is our business, our investment and a reflection of the kind of hospitality we believe in.

We care about the details because it’s our name attached to the experience. We want the retreats to be beautiful, comfortable and thoughtfully maintained. We want you to arrive and feel that somebody has genuinely considered what makes a stay memorable. Its the complimentary port decanter for a nightcap by the fire. The board games. The gorgeous bathroom amenities. Locally sourced tea selection.

And because we’re locals, we can offer something that goes beyond the accommodation itself: genuine knowledge of Kangaroo Island.

Where should you go if you want to find a quiet beach? Which parts of the island are worth exploring slowly? Where can you find wonderful local produce? What might you discover if you take the road less travelled?

We love sharing our knowledge with guests who want to experience more of the island than the obvious highlights.

Of course, larger accommodation businesses can offer excellent hospitality, too. But with Stowaway, that personal connection isn’t an optional extra or a brand promise. It’s part of who we are.

Not built to a formula

There’s a reason so many tiny homes and cabins look similar. Standardised designs and repeatable building methods can make it easier to develop accommodation in different locations.

And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Some tiny homes are beautiful, and we appreciate good design wherever we find it.

But Stowaway was created with a different idea in mind.

Our retreats offer 100m² of living space, giving you room to settle in properly. They’re designed for couples who want to spend time together without feeling confined, with a full cook’s kitchen, generous interiors and a luxurious bathroom.

Our freestanding bath sits inside, behind a panoramic window. You can enjoy the landscape while staying warm and sheltered, whatever the weather is doing outside. Then, when the conditions are right, your outdoor hot tub is waiting.

It’s a practical detail, but it says something about our approach. We want the experience to work beautifully in the real world, not just look good in a photograph.

The retreats are also designed to provide genuine privacy, surrounded by the natural landscape of Kangaroo Island.

We’re not trying to squeeze the maximum number of units onto a property. We’re interested in the feeling of space, the quiet and the freedom to enjoy your own retreat without feeling like you’re sharing it with everyone else.

Your holiday supports a local family and a local community

When you choose independently owned accommodation, you’re supporting a business with a direct connection to the place you’re visiting.

Your booking helps sustain a local enterprise and the people behind it. And when you explore the island, eat at local businesses, buy local produce and discover local experiences, you help support the wider community, too.

Kangaroo Island’s character is shaped by the people who live and work here, alongside its remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

We believe that’s worth preserving.

We want visitors to enjoy the island, discover what makes it special and leave with a genuine appreciation for this extraordinary place. We also want local businesses and communities to benefit from people choosing to spend their time here.

A stay at Stowaway is an opportunity to experience Kangaroo Island through the eyes of people who call it home, rather than simply using it as a backdrop for a few nights away.

The difference is in how it feels

Imagine arriving at your retreat after a day exploring the island.

You have 100m² of beautifully appointed space to yourself. You can prepare dinner in your own kitchen, draw a long bath behind the panoramic window or settle into your outdoor hot tub as the evening light fades.

Perhaps a kangaroo appears on the deck. Perhaps you spend the evening watching the stars. Perhaps you do absolutely nothing beyond enjoying the quiet.

There’s no need to share facilities, follow a resort schedule or leave your retreat to find somewhere comfortable to relax.

It’s your own private space, created by people who understand why the island’s remoteness is part of its appeal.

And behind that experience is a local family who wanted to create something genuinely special here.

Not just another accommodation offering. Not just another pretty building in the bush.

A place we would be proud to welcome you to.

So, why choose locally owned?

Because sometimes, the story behind a place matters just as much as the place itself.

It matters that someone has thought carefully about the design. That the people running it have a personal connection to the island. That the experience reflects a genuine vision rather than a formula designed to work anywhere.

And it matters that your holiday can support a local business while giving you the space to experience Kangaroo Island in your own way.

We’re not suggesting you should never stay in a corporate-owned tiny home. There are some lovely places out there.

But if you’re looking for something more than a stylish little cabin — somewhere spacious, private, thoughtfully designed and connected to the place it sits — we’d love you to discover Stowaway.

Created by a local family. Custom-built on Kangaroo Island. Personally cared for. Designed for people who want their escape to feel like something special.

Because the best stays aren’t just about where you sleep. They’re about the people, the place and the feeling you take home with you.

Stay somewhere with a story

Discover Stowaway’s four private luxury retreats and experience Kangaroo Island with a little more space, a little more privacy and a genuine local connection.

Visit Stowaway Kangaroo Island to find your retreat.

I could go to Bali for the cost of the ferry and Stowaway…

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It’s a fair point. And we’ve heard it before.

When you add up the cost of a return ferry to Kangaroo Island and a few nights at a beautiful retreat, you might find yourself wondering whether your money would take you further somewhere else. Somewhere tropical, perhaps. Somewhere like Bali.

And yes, there are easier places to get to. There are cheaper holidays, too.

But here’s the thing: the very things that make Kangaroo Island a little harder to reach are exactly what make it so special.

Because you don’t come here for a crowded resort, a swim-up bar or a packed itinerary. You come here for something increasingly rare: the chance to immerse yourself in a genuinely wild, rugged and extraordinary natural environment.

And that’s worth the trip.

A zoo without fences

Kangaroo Island is often described as a zoo without fences. Spend a little time here and you’ll understand why.

This isn’t a wildlife park where animals are kept behind glass or waiting for visitors along a designated path. This is their home. They roam freely through the bush, across open paddocks and along quiet roads. The experience is about discovering them where they naturally live.

You might spot kangaroos grazing just beyond your deck at Stowaway. You could come across a koala resting high in a eucalyptus tree on the side of the road, an echidna shuffling through the undergrowth or a wallaby appearing at the edge of a walking trail.

Along the coast, Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals can be seen in their natural environment at Seal bay or Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase, while dolphins (often chasing the ferry into dock) and an extraordinary variety of birdlife (hello the endangered Glossy Block Cockatoo flying over Stowaway) are part of the island’s wider wildlife experience.

And the beauty of it is that these encounters aren’t confined to a scheduled tour. Sometimes, the most memorable moment is the unexpected one — looking up from your morning coffee to discover a kangaroo outside, or noticing movement in the trees as you return to your retreat.

Of course, wildlife is wild, and sightings can never be guaranteed. But that’s part of the magic. You’re entering a natural world, not buying a ticket to a show.

Beaches where you can be the only people there

Imagine walking along a beautiful stretch of coastline and having the beach almost entirely to yourself.

No rows of sun loungers. No crowds competing for the perfect photograph. No beach club soundtrack drifting across the sand.

Just the sound of the Southern Ocean, wind moving through the coastal vegetation and the freedom to walk for as long as you like.

Kangaroo Island has a remarkable diversity of beaches, from sheltered bays to wild, rugged stretches of coastline where the ocean puts on a spectacular show. Some are easy to reach; others reward a little more exploration.

You can spend an afternoon discovering somewhere new, find a quiet place to sit and watch the waves, or simply enjoy the feeling of being a very small part of a much bigger landscape.

For many visitors, this sense of space and solitude is one of the island’s greatest luxuries.

A night sky that reminds you how big the universe is

When was the last time you looked up at the night sky and could properly see the stars?

Away from the glow of major cities, Kangaroo Island offers wonderful opportunities for stargazing. On a clear night, step outside your retreat, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and look upwards.

The Milky Way can reveal itself in all its extraordinary detail when conditions are right. Constellations become easier to pick out, the sky feels vast, and the usual distractions of modern life seem a very long way away.

At Stowaway, you can spend the evening in your outdoor hot tub, watch the stars emerge and enjoy the rare pleasure of being somewhere quiet enough to appreciate the darkness.

No screens. No traffic noise. No need to be anywhere else.

Just the night sky, the surrounding bushland and time to take it all in.

One of the last places where nature still sets the pace

Kangaroo Island feels different because its landscapes are still wonderfully rugged and its sense of remoteness remains part of its character.

Here, the coastline can be dramatic and untamed. The weather changes the mood of the landscape. Native bushland stretches towards the horizon, and wildlife continues about its daily life largely on its own terms.

More than a third of the island is designated as conservation or national park, helping protect the natural habitats that make it such a remarkable destination.

It’s not a place that needs to be polished into something else. Its appeal lies in its wildness — the things that can’t be manufactured, scheduled or guaranteed.

You might spend the day exploring a remote beach, walking through native bushland or watching waves crash against ancient rock formations. You might discover a koala in a tree, see kangaroos grazing in the late afternoon or simply sit quietly and listen to the sounds around you.

And you don’t have to rough it to experience any of this.

Wild outside. Beautifully comfortable inside.

This is where Stowaway comes in.

We believe the best kind of nature escape combines immersion in the landscape with the comfort of a beautiful place to return to at the end of the day.

Our four private retreats offer 100m² of thoughtfully designed living space, a full cook’s kitchen, a luxurious freestanding bath positioned behind a panoramic window, Swedish sauna and your own outdoor hot tub.

Each retreat has been custom-built on site and designed to offer genuine privacy within a natural setting.

You can spend the day exploring the island, then come home to your own secluded space. Prepare a meal together, run a bath, settle into the hot tub or simply sit on the deck and see what wildlife comes by.

There are no shared facilities or busy communal spaces. Stowaway is owned and run by a local Kangaroo Island family, and we’ve created it for people who appreciate the beauty of nature but don’t want to sacrifice comfort to experience it.

It’s the best of both worlds: the freedom to immerse yourself in the wild, and the luxury of having your own private retreat to return to.

But what about the ferry?

We understand. The ferry adds a significant cost to a Kangaroo Island holiday, particularly when travelling with a vehicle.

And if you’re simply looking for the easiest or cheapest destination to escape to, there are plenty of alternatives.

But getting here is also part of the transition. You leave the mainland behind, cross the water and arrive somewhere with a different rhythm. The journey creates a little separation from everyday life — and sometimes that’s exactly what a holiday needs.

Once you’re here, the reward is a landscape that feels a world away from the ordinary.

You don’t have to spend your holiday rushing from one attraction to another. You can explore as much as you like, or spend a whole afternoon enjoying the privacy of your retreat.

And because there’s so much to discover across the island, it’s worth giving yourself enough time to settle in rather than trying to squeeze everything into a single night.

So, Bali or Kangaroo Island?

If you’re dreaming of tropical beaches, balmy evenings and a lively holiday atmosphere, Bali might be the perfect choice.

But if you’re craving wild landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, secluded beaches, dark skies and the feeling of being immersed in nature, Kangaroo Island offers something quite different.

Here, luxury isn’t just about what’s inside your accommodation. It’s about what surrounds you, what you discover and how it makes you feel.

It’s seeing a kangaroo from your deck. It’s spotting a koala in its natural habitat. It’s walking along a beach with nobody else in sight. It’s soaking in a hot tub beneath a sky full of stars.

These are the moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Could you go somewhere easier to reach? Absolutely. But that’s precisely why Kangaroo Island is worth the trip.

Come for the wildness. Stay for the privacy, the comfort and the chance to slow down. Leave feeling as though you’ve experienced somewhere genuinely special.

Your own private escape on Kangaroo Island

Discover Stowaway’s four secluded retreats and experience the island at your own pace.

Visit Stowaway Kangaroo Island to find your retreat.

Looking for a luxury cabin on Kangaroo Island? Here’s why Stowaway is different.

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Tiny homes and secluded cabins have become a popular way to escape, slow down and reconnect with nature, and we can see the appeal. They’re often beautifully designed, charming and thoughtfully tucked into the landscape.

But if you’re planning a special getaway, there’s a difference between staying somewhere that looks beautiful and staying somewhere that gives you the space, privacy and comfort to truly switch off.

At Stowaway Kangaroo Island, we’ve taken the idea of a private nature retreat and made it something a little different.

Think 100m² of beautifully designed living space, complete privacy, your own outdoor hot tub and a luxurious freestanding bath overlooking the landscape — all in a retreat built specifically for its setting.

Here’s what makes Stowaway different.

1. Space to spread out, not just somewhere to sleep

Many tiny homes make clever use of a small footprint. Their compact design is part of their charm, but it does mean making compromises on space.

At Stowaway, each retreat offers 100m² of living space. That’s room to cook, relax, read, stretch out on the sofa and enjoy a rainy afternoon without feeling confined to a bedroom-sized living area. We have dedicated dressing nooks and powder rooms to hide away all you luggage and hair tools, keeping your living space minimalist and calm.

You’ll have a full cook’s kitchen, generous living spaces and a beautifully appointed bathroom with a custom built swedish sauna, hot rockas and all. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or settling in for a longer escape, you can enjoy all the comforts of a home — without the distractions of everyday life.

Because a romantic getaway shouldn’t mean having to compromise on the things that make you comfortable.

2. Your own private world

Privacy is one of the most important ingredients in a truly relaxing escape.

Stowaway’s four retreats are set across 80 hectares of native bushland on Kangaroo Island. Each is designed to feel like your own secluded hideaway, with space to enjoy the landscape without feeling overlooked by neighboring guests.

No shared facilities. No busy communal areas. No need to wonder whether the people next door can see you enjoying your morning coffee or soaking in your hot tub. You can not see one Stowaway from another. 100% privacy guaranteed.

Just the two of you, the surrounding landscape and the freedom to spend your time exactly as you please.

It’s the kind of privacy that makes it easier to leave the outside world behind.

3. Luxury that works with the island’s climate

There’s something undeniably appealing about the idea of an outdoor bath surrounded by nature. But Kangaroo Island has its own personality, and the weather doesn’t always cooperate.

Windy afternoons, cool evenings and changing conditions are part of island life. An outdoor bath might look wonderful in a photograph, but it’s not necessarily where you’ll want to spend an hour when the weather turns.

That’s why we’ve designed Stowaway’s bathing experience a little differently.

Our beautiful freestanding bath sits inside, positioned behind a panoramic window so you can soak in comfort while looking out across the surrounding landscape. You get the sense of bathing outdoors, with the warmth, shelter and comfort of being inside.

And when the weather is right, there’s your own outdoor hot tub waiting for you.

It’s about enjoying nature on your terms, rather than having your experience dictated by the forecast.

4. Custom-built, considered and made for the landscape

Stowaway isn’t a collection of prefabricated tiny homes dropped onto a property. Each retreat was custom-built on site, with its design shaped around the experience we wanted guests to have.

From the full kitchen to the spa-like bathroom, every space has been considered as part of a complete retreat rather than simply a place to spend the night.

We wanted somewhere that felt architecturally beautiful but also warm, comfortable and practical. Somewhere you could arrive, unpack, open a bottle of something nice, prepare a meal and settle in without feeling you needed to leave to enjoy yourself.

The result is accommodation that brings together the feeling of being immersed in nature with the comforts of a thoughtfully designed luxury stay.

5. A local family, not a corporate accommodation brand

Stowaway is owned and operated by a local Kangaroo Island family. We’re personally invested in the place, the guest experience and the island we call home.

That matters to us.

We’re not trying to create a standardised experience that could be replicated anywhere. We want guests to discover what makes Kangaroo Island special, enjoy a beautiful place to stay and leave feeling they’ve experienced something genuinely memorable.

We also love sharing our local knowledge — from places worth exploring to the quieter corners of the island that you might otherwise miss.

You’re welcome to spend your entire stay enjoying the privacy of your retreat. But if you’d like recommendations, we’re here to help you make the most of your time on the island.

So, is Stowaway a tiny home or a luxury cabin?

Not quite. Stowaway is best described as a collection of private luxury retreats on Kangaroo Island.

If you’re looking for a compact, design-led tiny home, there are some lovely options available. But if you’re looking for generous living space, complete privacy, a full kitchen, a luxurious indoor bath, swedish sauna,  your own outdoor hot tub and a secluded natural setting, Stowaway offers a different kind of experience.

It’s for couples who value the little things: a long soak in the bath, our complimentary port decanter, basket full of board games, a slow morning without an agenda, a meal prepared together and an evening spent in the hot tub beneath the stars.

Less compromise. More room to breathe. A little more luxury, and a lot more privacy.

That’s Stowaway.

Ready to find your own private retreat?

Discover our four secluded retreats and start planning your Kangaroo Island escape at Stowaway Kangaroo Island.

How do I get to Kangaroo Island when the ferry is booked out?

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With all the extra media attention of late, the Sealink Ferry has been especially busy. Yes, its frustrating but we have some locals tips on how to secure a booking.

  1. Our local travel agent, Evelyn at Kingscote Travel (08) 8553 3154) specialises in the Sealink ferry and has successfully gotten both locals and visitors alike a booking with an excellent success rate. Call Evelyn and explain you are our guests, and she will get you over every time. She is amazing!
  2. If you are more flexible with your plans then you can try to get on via standby. Each sailing usually fits extra vehicles so there is an excellent chance you will get on. You need to park in lane 5 and go into the ticket office to put your name down. We do this a lot with a 90% success rate. The earlier you get there the better chance you will have.
  3. Another option is that 24 hrs before departure many sailings open up due to freight bookings being adjusted, make a booking for any day and time near your desired departure and change you booking online as sailings open up.

Should you book a stay at Stowaway Kangaroo Island and are unable to get over to KI due to the ferry we will refund your stay (waiving the cancellation fee).

5 Reasons to Visit Australia’s Best Beach on Kangaroo Island

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So, our best kept (kind of) secret is out – Stokes Bay has been named Australia’s best beach. Out of all the amazing beaches in a country renowned for amazing beaches this is a real honour but no surprise to the locals.
It is now well known that one of the coolest things about Stokes Bay beach is that to reach its magical white sands you have to walk through a rock tunnel which takes you through the cliff. Yes, it is a great as it sounds. It also means that many people pull up in the car park, see an unremarkable rocky beach, turn around and leave! You need to walk about 50 metres to the tunnel entrance where the adventure begins.

1. Its the safest place to ocean swim on Kangaroo Island

If you are not a confident swimmer but want the experience of ocean swimming, the large naturally formed rockpool at the beginning of Stokes Bay beach is the best place to safely take a dip. Its shallow, protected from the waves and usually a few degrees warmer than the ‘surf’ as the locals call it outside. Its perfect for children to learn to swim and snorkel.

2. It has naturally occurring shady outcrops

We will often not take a shade to Stokes Bay as there is some great natural shade thrown by the rocky cliff and boulders on the beach. They also serve as places to hang wet towel and bathers.

3. It has great surf

Its not often that you get a super safe swimming beach coupled with a surf break. A great beach break for beginner surfers. Just note it quite squeezy getting a surfboard bigger than 6 foot through the tunnel. Bigger boards may have to be carried around the outside of the tunnel over the rocks.

4. Its home to the endangered ‘Hoodies’

Never heard of the Hooded Plover? They are a small beach dwelling bird that live and breed on Kangaroo Islands beaches and Stokes Bay is home for some of them. Locals are passionate about protecting Hoodies and you may sometimes see flagged off areas where they are nesting. Hooded Plovers lay these tiny, amazingly camouflaged eggs on the beach which makes them really vulnerable, especially to dogs, so keep dogs on a leash always.

5. You will get the best salt and pepper squid of your life at The Rockpool Café

The Rockpool Café is a favourite hang for the locals, not just because its right next to Australia’s best beach. Its vibe is cool casual, so you can rock on in with your sandy feet but the food and service is exceptional. Their signature dish is the seafood cone, with all South Australian produce it won’t disappoint. The café is licensed and a cool crisp glass of rose goes down perfectly with the view over the ocean on a summers afternoon. Just note opening hours are seasonal depending on school holidays

 

5 must have features of a cosy winter retreat

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1. Wood Fire

It goes without saying really if its winter you need a fire. Even better if it’s a really big fire with a glass door on each side. One side for sitting in front of with a glass of red wine and the other for the bedroom to create a special ambience and warmth while you sleep. Its important to have lots of split firewood ready at hand so all you need to do is strike a match.

 

2. Sauna

Nothing says alpine luxe like an authentic Swedish sauna. Complete with chic bucket and ladle for pouring water to create the soothing steam that helps you detox and relax. Set the timer and take a rugged up walk down Stokes Bay beach, and the hot sauna will be ready on your return.

3. Hot tub

The perfect accompaniment to a sauna is a hot tub. Outdoors, the cool air on your face but the gloriously warm 38 degree water is the perfect warming winter activity. If you are really adventurous sitting in the spa in the rain is actually the ultimate. A quick dash inside and you can be back in the sauna. Repeat.

 

4. Big bath + Fluffy Robes

No matter the weather, a long soak watching the weather roll is the perfect way to while away a winters afternoon. Bubbles, a book and a fluffy robe and you are set. Even better if you have a view of the fire place from the bathroom.

5. A cosy cellar door to sip red wine and discover local food + drink

Staying in is wonderful, relaxing and rejuvenating but sometimes its nice to get dressed and head out to explore the local region. Winter stops must have a fire, it’s basically mandatory on Kangaroo Island. Do a wine tasting and bring a local bottle home to enjoy by your own fire. The Islander Estate, KI Brewery, False Cape Wines and Kangaroo Island Spirits all offer wood fires at their venues as well as the finest local tipples.

 

Agree with the top 5 winter retreat necessities? We have all these features and more at our boutique couples retreat Stowaway Kangaroo Island. Find us on our website or email us at [email protected] we would love to help you discover the beauty of winter on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island Wellness Retreat: Four big reasons this should be on your bucket list

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1. Sauna

Spending 15 minutes in our authentic Swedish sauna will promote relaxation and increase your blood circulation (blood vessels relax and dilate in a sauna), promoting a feeling of wellbeing and invigoration. You can go for a dry heat or increase the humidity by gently ladling water over the sauna rocks to super charge the detoxification benefits.

Sit back in your fluffy white robe with a chilled glass of rainwater, close your eyes and try a mindfulness exercise. You will step out feeling renewed. The added benefit is that it’s exclusively yours, in the convenience of your ensuite. No avoiding eye contact with strangers required.

2. Day spa

Nothing is quite as relaxing as a spa treatment. Whether it be a relaxation massage, facial or full body scrub and cocoon wrap it’s hard not to surrender yourself to the urge to just fall into a deep sleep (but stay awake enough to appreciate the experience!). Stowaway offers an inhouse spa treatment service with our professional and experienced therapist, Sarah. Your generous bathroom is transformed into a day spa, where there is no need to quickly redress and schlep your way through the lobby post treatment. You pop your robe on, make a cup of herbal tea and cosy up in the window nook with a book instead. Browse the treatment menu here

3. Soak

Even a ‘non bath person’ can become a ‘bath person’ when the scene is set…huge free standing bath. Right next to a window with uninterrupted views over a national park. Complimentary magnesium relaxation bath salts at the ready. Mood lighting and bluetooth speakers playing some relaxing tunes. A view of the fire during winter. Simple, but something that seems impossible to find time for in daily life. Make sure you allow a day to relax and soak while you are on Kangaroo Island.

Really immerse yourself in the great outdoors in our outdoor spa. Set the jets going on aching muscles and be enveloped by the warm water, float back and relax. There is nothing more relaxing and decadent than a cup of tea and a simple healthy snack while you are surrounded by nature in a bubbling hot spa. We even do a very quick visit each day to clean and maintain your sparkling clean spa.

4. Nature Immersion

When you visit Kangaroo Island you don’t have to search for or ‘visit’ the nature. It is all around you. Each of our Stowaways is very purposefully placed so you get the best proximity to the wild with the most privacy. You can bushwalk the property and surrounding Lathami conservation park or just take in the kangaroos and birdlife from your private deck. Spending time in nature has been proven to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, reducing stress hormone production, improving feelings of happiness, and free up creativity. What are you waiting for?

 

Your wellness experience is our priority at Stowaway. We supply a range of bespoke artisan herbal teas, high quality yoga mats, nourishing local artisan produce on arrival and most importantly peace, quiet and privacy. Take care of yourself and your wellbeing at Stowaway Kangaroo Island.

To book your retreat get in touch with us via our website or [email protected] we would love to help you x

 

Best Places to see a Kangaroo on Kangaroo Island

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A big reason you are considering visiting Kangaroo Island is for the wildlife. Especially Kangaroos. Why its in the name, it should be easy right? Yes and no…

It all depends on where you go and the time of day. Kangaroos are nocturnal, they come out to feed and do their thing at night which is not overly convenient when you want to be tucked up by the fire in your accommodation when the sun goes down.

Even though technically you need to wait until nightfall to see these gloriously unique marsupials, there are a few places Kangaroos are known to hang out during the day.

 

Stokes Bay

Not at the actual beach. The viral photos of kangaroos hanging on Australian beaches are a bit misleading! The paddocks surrounding Stokes bay are home to families of kangaroos that like to lounge about in the long grass during the day. You can safely pull off the road and see them in their natural habitat, having a nap a scratch or even a fight. The paddock to the left as you approach Stokes Bay nearly guarantees a sighting.

 

Flinders Chase National Park

Rich with native habitat Flinders Chase NP is probably where most kangaroos on Kangaroo Island live. As you enter the park there are big grassed flats that are prime for wildlife grazing and you will often see them in the day light hours along with wallabies and Cape Barren Geese.

 

Parndana Wildlife Park

Now this might seem like cheating, but if you are short on time or really want to feed, pat or interact with a kangaroo this is your best bet. These kangaroos have been rescued as joeys and raised around people so are tame and love a photo opportunity. They live in a big paddock at the park so they are just free ranging as if in the wild, only they will approach you not hop away when they see you.

 

Nocturnal sightings at your accommodation

Depending on where you are staying, there could be excellent nocturnal viewing opportunities right on your doorstep. Some places even provide special red light torches which provide the best way to observe the wildlife at night with out scaring them away. Check out Stowaway Kangaroo Island if this sounds like you jam. We provide you with the special torch and the property is teeming with kangaroos, wallabies and possums as soon as the sun goes down.

 

 

The perfect 4 day luxury Kangaroo Island Itinerary

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What’s the most common question I am asked about Kangaroo Island? “Is two nights enough to see everything?” Well, um, not really. The biggest misconception about Kangaroo Island is that it is small, its actually quite big and there is seriously heaps to see and do, plus you don’t want to be running around frantically sight seeing and not relaxing enough. A holiday should not feel like work!

So if you have been dreaming of visiting this iconic South Australian location, I’m going to give you what I think would make the perfect relaxing , luxurious Kangaroo Island holiday with a touch of adventure, splash of good drink, a big helping of nature and wildlife and lots of opportunity to relax and reconnect.

Day One – Feel the stress of the mainland melt away…

Catch a morning ferry where you will arrive in the seaside town of Penneshaw, it’s also a great spot to pick up your food supplies, the local IGA is small but has lots of the premium South Australian food we love.

Brunch at the brand new Millie Mae’s Pantry next door (specialising in home grown, home made Kangaroo Island deliciousness situated in one of the oldest producing orchards on Kangaroo Island). Once you have lined your stomachs its time to hit your first winery! Dudley Wines is a 10 minute drive out of town, and the views alone are worth the visit. Stock up on wine for your stay and some to take home with you.

Once you have selected you wine, hit a few golf balls and possibly enjoyed a tapas plate its time to make your way to Stowaway, it’s a 50 minute scenic drive. Need something from the main town Kingscote? It’s a 10 minute detour and has most services.

Arrive at Stowaway, drop you bags, put on your fluffy robes, lay on the bed and relax! Your hot bread will be ready and the bubbles in the fridge will be chilled – get ready to enjoy watching the kangaroos coming out at dusk, the outdoor hot tub is the perfect viewing place.

If you have arrived on a Friday night, head down to the Rockpool Café, 5 minutes down the road and dine on fresh South Australian seafood with the loveliest hosts you could imagine (make sure you get me to book you in there prior though, it very popular with the locals!)

Day Two – Sleep ins, seals and rockpool swims

Sleep in, its an order. Maybe start your day with a bath and a relax in the sauna. Today we are heading to the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase to be exact. Home to The Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and amazing views of regenerated bushland after the 19/20 bushfires. Much of the infrastructure is still being rebuilt so plan to call into the Vivonne Bay General Store for a whiting burger for lunch.

On your way home call into Stokes Bay beach for a swim, then head back to your Stowaway and jump in the hot tub and relax with a glass of wine or a herbal tea.

Day Three – Brunch, cocktails & indulgent spa treatments

Your last full day is for food and drink, and indulgent relaxation. Of course, first thing is a sleep in then head to Emu Bay Lavender for brunch (the hot smoked salmon dish is my personal fave). Situated in the middle of a commercial lavender farm its great food and service meets lots of pretty purple flowers.

Now its time for the famed Kangaroo Island Spirits, the internationally awarded gin distillery which will completely enchant you, do a tasting or just enjoy a unique cocktail in the gin garden.  Islander Estate Wines is just across the road and Kangaroo Island Brewery is also a stones throw away.

Just make sure you are back at your Stowaway by 3pm for your in-house couples massage. Sarah our massage therapist will transform your giant luxury bathroom into a true spa experience. After you have been pampered you can take a picnic down to Stokes Bay beach or just make up a grazing plate to be enjoyed spa side.

Day Four – Sleep ins and slow return to the real world

You may need to catch an early ferry home, or maybe you have the best part of the day to just relax at your Stowaway and make your way leisurely to Penneshaw. We have a late 11am check out for this very reason. The main town of Kingscote is a good place to brunch, our recommendation is Cactus (awesome coffee, pressed juices and smashed avo laden dishes) The Kangaroo Island Fine Art Gallery is also good to peruse, particularly the locally crafted jewelry ranges.

The wonderful thing about staying at Stowaway when coming to Kangaroo Island is you can come and see the sights or just do nothing at all and still feel like you have had an authentic Kangaroo Island experience. We supply our favorite Dudley wines, Kangaroo Island Spirits gins (with mixers and garnish) in the mini bar plus you get to enjoy the best local artisan foods in your welcome hamper – so if you decide to stay in bed all weekend you wont miss out on a thing!

*Side Note – Getting to Kangaroo Island

Sealink – bring your car on a 45 min ferry trip (departing Cape Jervis 2 hours south of Adelaide). Stowaway is 50 minutes away from Penneshaw where the ferry arrives. 

Fly with Regional Express or QANTAS departing from Adelaide. Be sure to hire a car at the Airport to get the most out of your stay. Stowaway is a 20 minute drive from the Airport.