Kangaroo Island – or “KI”, if you’re lucky enough to be a local, or Karta Pintingga to give its Aboriginal name – is one of Australia’s most stunning destinations. Its breathtaking landscapes and coastlines, rugged national parks and respected wineries – not to mention its abundance of native wildlife, from sea lions to echidnas and, yep, kangaroos – make it a perennial tourist favourite.
A few years ago the island was ravaged by the Black Summer bushfires. But now, KI has rebuilt and regenerated – and it’s never looked better. And booking a stay at Cabn x Cape St Albans is one of the best ways to enjoy Kangaroo Island in all its splendour.
After touching down at Kingscote Airport, or docking in at the ferry terminal, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Cabn x Cape St Albans site (you’ll know you’re close once you spot the Cape St Albans lighthouse). Phone reception is patchy at best throughout the island, but it won’t take you long before you’re grateful for being cut off from the rest of the world.
The site features five subtle but luxe eco-cabins, each of which, thanks to Cabn x Cape St Albans’ 400-acre size, is generously spaced for optimal privacy – except for a few nosy kangaroos that might want to stop by. Each eco-cabin affords panoramic views over Antechamber Bay and is outfitted with a king-sized bed and a glass ceiling for stargazing. There’s also an indoor private sauna, and an electric fireplace for the cooler months. There’s a bathtub indoors – but you’ll probably want to soak in your outdoor tub. Underneath your bed, you’ll find “glam swags” to drag outside on the sun-soaked deck for a lazy afternoon.
In the morning, you can have bacon and eggs provided by local producers, soundtracked by some brekkie tunes from the bluetooth speaker. You can also order dinner in advance from a locally prepared dining package – all you’ll have to is barbeque it outside while the sun sets over the bay.
How you spend your day is up to you. There’s a private beach to enjoy, plenty of walks to go on and wildlife to spot. A supplied guide means you can get in a Pilates workout on the deck, or if you’d prefer to stay more horizontal, grab a good book and park yourself in one of the outdoor lounges for the day.
It’s also worth venturing out, though. Head into nearby Penneshaw for a morning coffee at Mille Mae’s Pantry, or get a takeaway and stroll along the white sand beach. Try some local drops on the deck at False Cape Wines (don’t miss the house-made pies) or head to Dudley Wines and its striking clifftop cellar door – and hit a few golf balls off the edge while you’re at it. If gin is more up your alley, look no further than a tasting paddle in the garden at Kangaroo Island Spirits.
For some special experiences, get up close and personal with Australian sea lions on the beach on a guided tour of Seal Bay and make the trip to Stokes Bay, a secluded paradise named Australia’s top beach this year. And for an unforgettable meal, book into The Enchanted Fig Tree and dine under the gnarled limbs and canopy of leaves of the eponymous 150-year-old fig tree.
For a sweet finish, stop by one of the beehives dotted around the island such as Island Beehive for a scoop of honeycomb ice-cream. The perfect end to a weekend well spent.
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A stay at Cabn x Kangaroo Island begins at $695 per night.