RESORT OF THE MONTH: A New Era of King Island Golf Luxury – King Island Lodge – Where coastal wildness meets crafted comfort

THERE are few places in the world where nature, golf, and architecture converge as powerfully as they do on King Island. Perched in the middle of Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania, the island has long been known to serious golfers as home to Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes – two world-class links courses that rival anything in Scotland or Ireland. 

Now, the island has a new benchmark for accommodation: King Island Lodge, a purpose-built coastal retreat designed specifically for the modern golf traveller.

The story of King Island Lodge began in 2016, when co-owner Simon Smith and a group of friends first set foot on the island. 

“We were completely blown away,” Smith recalls. “The craftsmanship that went into Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes was something special – raw, rugged, and absolutely world-class. We realised straight away that there was an opportunity to create something that matched that level of excellence.”

Over the following years, that spark evolved into a vision: to create a place that felt authentically King Island. The brief called for a building that would sit gently in the landscape – bold enough to make a statement but never compete with the scenery. Working alongside talented Tasmanian tradespeople and a trusted local builder, Robbie Smith, the team brought that vision to life with meticulous care.

Construction of the South Lodge finished in 2022, overcoming the challenges of COVID, and soon after work began on the more ambitious North Lodge. Completed in late 2024 and launched in early 2025, the result is a stunning new chapter in Australian golf travel – blending understated luxury, expansive communal spaces and the rugged beauty of King Island itself.

Simon Smith, Steve Ivak and Josh Alexander, co-owners of King Island Lodge.

Design that breathes the Island

King Island Lodge was never meant to feel like a hotel. Instead, it feels like a private coastal residence – the kind you never want to leave. Each wing is defined by open communal spaces, soaring glass and decks that stretch out toward Bass Strait. The North Lodge features a pool room, an outdoor fire pit and a viewing deck that offers uninterrupted ocean panoramas – the perfect spot to relive the day’s round with a local whisky in hand.

Materials are tactile and natural: Tasmanian timbers, weathered steel, and stone that echoes the island cliffs. Inside, the décor blends contemporary minimalism with warmth – a nod to Scandinavian restraint mixed with island character. Every detail, from the bespoke joinery to the curated artwork and furnishings, was selected to complement the environment rather than dominate it.

The craft of timber – Built to withstand and welcome

Among the many collaborators who helped shape the project, Josh and the team at ECO Timber Group played a crucial role. Their charred timber cladding, crafted to withstand King Island’s fierce coastal weather, provides both durability and drama. The deep, textured grain forms a striking contrast against the landscape, while serving as a resilient shield against wind and salt air. Inside, warm timbers line the interior spaces, creating a sense of calm that perfectly balances the exterior’s strength.

“ECO Timber’s craftsmanship has been phenomenal,” says Smith. “The charred timber gives the buildings their identity. It’s not just aesthetic – it’s functional, protective, and a true reflection of the environment we’re in.” 

Together with Robbie Smith’s local team, the result is a build that’s as tough as it is beautiful – a tactile reminder that good design doesn’t just look right, it feels right.

Crafted for golfers, designed for everyone

Although conceived with golfers in mind, King Island Lodge was built for connection. Large communal areas encourage conversation and camaraderie – perfect for a group of mates on a long-planned golf trip, a corporate retreat, or a family looking to reconnect. The layout allows whole groups to take over a lodge while still enjoying private suites for downtime. The fire pit quickly becomes the heart of the evenings – laughter carrying through the salt air as waves roll in the distance.

“We wanted guests to have an experience that lingers,” Smith explains. “It’s not just about a place to sleep between rounds. It’s about the smell of the sea, the warmth of the fire, and the friendships that grow. King Island has this rhythm – once you tune into it, you don’t forget it.”

 The Golf – A pilgrimage worth making

Few destinations can rival the golf offering on King Island. Ocean Dunes, just five minutes from the Lodge, sweeps dramatically along the island’s western coastline, while Cape Wickham, a spectacular 45-minute drive to the north, delivers a links experience ranked among the world’s best. Both courses are now bucket-list staples for Australian golfers, and King Island Lodge has quickly become the natural base for exploring them.

The Lodge is ideally positioned – five minutes from the airport, five minutes from Currie township, and five minutes from Ocean Dunes, making arrival and access effortless. For visitors from Melbourne, the journey itself is part of the adventure: a short flight from Moorabbin, Essendon or Tullamarine lands in under an hour. One minute you’re leaving the city behind; the next standing on a windswept tee gazing out over Bass Strait.

Beyond the fairways

While golf may draw travellers to the island, it’s the King Island experience that keeps them coming back. Gourmet cheese and beef, freshly shucked oysters and locally roasted coffee form part of daily life. Guests can explore windswept beaches, visit lighthouses, or drive to the island’s galleries and distilleries. At the Lodge, the team helps curate it all – from tee times and transfers to dinner reservations and scenic tours.

“Our aim is to make it effortless,” says Smith. “You can arrive, put your phone away, and just enjoy the rhythm of the island.”

Building a community of guests

One of the unexpected joys of the project has been watching the community that has grown around it. Groups return year after year, often booking the same week to reconnect with friends they first met by the fire pit. The Lodge has hosted corporate leadership retreats, golf-club groups from the mainland and couples celebrating milestone anniversaries. 

“It’s become more than accommodation,” says Smith. “It’s a meeting point – a shared experience that extends beyond the golf.”

A new chapter for King Island Tourism

The opening of King Island Lodge marks a major step forward for the island’s tourism future. With world-renowned golf now paired with refined accommodation, King Island is attracting a new generation of travellers seeking authenticity and luxury in equal measure. The launch coincides with a resurgence in Australian golf tourism, where players are looking for immersive, multi-day experiences that combine championship golf with exceptional food, wine and relaxation. King Island delivers all of that – with the added bonus of being less than an hour from Melbourne.

The spirit of King Island

Ultimately, King Island Lodge is about connection – to the land, the sea, the game, and each other. It’s about slowing down, breathing in the salt air, and remembering that true luxury can be simple: a comfortable chair, a glass of whisky, the sound of laughter, and the ocean beyond.

“We want every guest to leave with memories that stay with them – not just from the golf, but from the feeling of being part of something special.”

With its blend of refined comfort, raw coastal beauty and handcrafted design, King Island Lodge stands as more than a place to stay – it’s part of the island itself.

For bookings

Call Mark Seccull on 0400 221 651 – a founding member of King Island Lodge – who’ll be happy to help plan your stay or group booking.  

Email: admin@kingislandlodge.com.au
www.kingislandlodge.com.au