Spring 2026

Spring 2026 | 13 Offering unique natural beauty and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for wildlife encounters, Kangaroo Island is a hidden gem that has emerged as a tourist destination in recent years. As the island surged in popularity, one family identified a widening gap in the market for luxury, hosted accommodation. The Wendt family established Oceanview Lodges to cater directly to this growing audience, a fully hosted, private accommodation blending luxury and sustainability to provide an unforgettable experience. We spoke with Owner and Co-Founder Tamsin Wendt below, as Oceanview Lodges is named in the Leaders in Luxury Awards 2026. Oceanview Lodges: At the core of Oceanview Lodge’s offering is the deep thought that lies behind each guest’s stay, alongside a keen understanding of how their needs might differ. Tim and Tamsin believe that a truly luxury stay is one that is worry-free, with all details considered on behalf of the guest. As a result, the pair begin preparation well in advance, spending significant time on planning and communicating with guests in the lead up to their arrival. Once guests have arrived, they are treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. Oceanview Lodges is operated with a fully hosted, allinclusive model that includes private dining, a sommelier-curated wine list, and entirely personalised services. “The key to our luxury offering really is as simple as considering each guest’s wants and needs, at every point of their time with us,” Tamsin shared. “This consideration carries throughout their experience; we seek to meet and anticipate needs whilst immersing guests in the stunning ocean and landscape at their door.” This exceptional guest experience is paired with an unrelenting dedication to environmental conservation. Promoting not only sustainable, but philanthropic and regenerative travel, Oceanview Lodges has demonstrated that a wholehearted commitment to sustainable and ethic travel need not come at the expensive of luxury. The property is operated entirely on rainwater and solar power, utilises passive solar architecture across its design, and maintains menus that feature the very best of Kangaroo Island’s local produce. Ultimately, Oceanview Lodges is an idyllic paradise for travellers from all walks of life, with more than one kilometre of north-facing coastline and a private beach, stunning clifftop views, and a plethora of kangaroos grazing peacefully as guests enjoy a cocktail from the privacy of their lodge at sunset. The Wendt family have gone one step further by offering an integrated model that blends eco-luxury principles with a deep understanding of the guest experience, truly earning their premium accommodation its recognition as Kangaroo Island’s Best Private EcoLuxury Accommodation 2026. After their visit to Oceanview Lodges, one delighted guest reported: “My family and I can’t speak highly enough of Oceanview Lodges. From the sincere and warm hospitality to the breathtaking location and facilities, this place really ticks all the boxes. Tim and Tamsin are outstanding hosts and really go out of their way to make their guests feel comfortable and cared for. If you are trying to decide on accommodation for Kangaroo Island, stop hesitating and stay here.” Contact: Tamsin Wendt Company: Oceanview Lodges Web Address: www.oceanviewkangarooisland.com.au estled atop the Redbanks, Kangaroo Island’s stunning coastline, Oceanview Lodges is a premium luxury accommodation that invites guests to step off the grid and into an eco-luxury experience that will truly shape how they experience Kangaroo Island. Set across 500-acres of rural property, the accommodation is made up of two off-grid, sustainably built lodges offering an all-inclusive stay with gourmet in-lodge dining, private touring, and breathtaking views of the Nepean Bay. Guests will be welcomed by Owners and Founders Tim and Tamsin Wendt, who have called Kangaroo Island their home for more than two decades. The pair have made significant contributions to their local community: Tamsin established the island’s only psychology practice and operated it for 14 years, while Tim worked as a police officer on the island for six years before leaving the force to farm the family property, running a small lamb enterprise and working as a tour guide for several years. The pair were fortunate enough to purchase Oceanview, initially building the family homestead and establishing their farm on the expansive property. As Kangaroo Island continued to grow as a hotspot for tourists, Tamsin and Tim spotted an opportunity for growth. They had always loved hosting and entertaining, and leveraged this deep passion to establish Oceanview Lodges, providing an eco-luxury experience that shared their beautiful property with guests from around the world. “We are committed to showcasing the unique essence of Kangaroo Island, whilst safeguarding the ecological integrity of the region,” said Tamsin. “Our vision is to lead the luxury hosted accommodation industry in Australia by championing a commitment to luxury, personalised service and environmental conservation, without compromise.” N c Balancing Splendour and Stewardship, Without Compromise

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3