Located within a leisurely stroll of Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park, this cottage is within a few miles (5 km) of Prospect Hill. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre - Penneshaw - 27 min drive - 17.3 miles
Sealink Ferry Terminal - 28 min drive - 17.8 miles
Getting around
Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
The Oyster Farm Shop - 18 min drive
The River Deck Cafe - 18 min drive
Reflections Restaurant - 18 min drive
The Lodge Restaurant - 18 min drive
Beach Barista - 9 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island
Treat yourself to the luxury of solitude, a warm welcome and nature’s abundance at Ratcliff Cottage, Pelican Lagoon. Your beautifully restored limestone cottage is settled lightly on the landscape, with absolute water frontage and surrounded by 100 acres of limestone countryside. Ratcliff Cottage offers you a breathtaking vista begging to be discovered, and gentle waves lapping the shore just metres from your front door. Imagine waking up to kangaroos and dolphins each morning, dawn’s light shimmering upon Pelican Lagoon! The expansive terrace offers an idyllic location for eating, reading, entertaining and relaxing.
After you spend a day on KI exploring soaring cliffs, dense bushland, towering sand dunes, wetlands and arcs of bone white beach, kick back on the terrace and fire up the BBQ. It’s the sunset golden hour, time to pour yourself a glass of Kangaroo Island wine, indulge in some fresh shucked oysters from American River and sizzle up some King George Whiting. Watch flocks of birds follow their flight paths across the lagoon and kangaroos hop along the front lawn.
Shaded by enormous Moreton Bay figs, Ratcliff Cottage offers serene views and an expansive terrace overlooking Pelican Lagoon. Step back in time and experience the pristine wilderness of the Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park and Aquatic Reserve as generations have before you. This limestone homestead was originally built by one of KI’s early settlers in 1911 and was lovingly restored and renovated in 2015.
Tastefully appointed, Ratcliff Cottage sleeps six comfortably across four bedrooms: 2 king rooms (that can convert to twin king singles upon request), 1 queen room and 1 single room with an additional trundle bed. Enjoy light and airy open plan holiday living with a friendly split system air-conditioner / heater, restored cork floors, fast WIFI, cotton linen, fluffy towels, pillow top posturepedic mattresses, and a well-equipped kitchen. The kitchen has everything you could possibly need to make the most of Kangaroo Island’s glorious fresh produce.
Ratcliff Cottage offers eco-friendly design features including solar power, a large verandah, pure rainwater throughout and a surrounding revegetation program. Given the high conservation value of Pelican Lagoon, motorised boats and jet skis, bringing your pets and fishing from the property is not an option, but there are plenty of great fishing locations close by. If you’d like to explore the lagoon, kayak hire is an option, subject to availability.
Ratcliff Cottage is an ideally located launch point for exploring Kangaroo Island, a wildlife paradise for kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, echidnas, goannas and plentiful birdlife. You will be just minutes away from local attractions such as Island Beach (perfect for swimming), American River, Pennington Bay, Kingscote and Mount Thisby, with wineries, farmers markets and wildlife parks in close proximity. Only 15 minutes from the Penneshaw Ferry, Ratcliff Cottage allows easy access for boaties, with two nearby public boat ramps at Island Beach and American River.
Pristine beaches, spectacular coastline, old growth forest, beach combing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, surfing — get ready to relax on KI! If you’d like to create some Kangaroo Island memories of your own, enquire today. Ratcliff Cottage awaits!
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and an electric kettle.
Property manager
Kate
Languages
English
Similar properties
Secluded beach, native bush--Clearwater Haven inc towels and linen
Secluded beach, native bush--Clearwater Haven inc towels and linen
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
Property is also known as
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island Pelican Lagoon
Ratcliff Kangaroo Island Pelican Lagoon
Ratcliff Kangaroo Island
Ratcliff Kangaroo Island
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island Cottage
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island Pelican Lagoon
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island Cottage Pelican Lagoon
170866
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do around this cottage?
This cottage is located in Pelican Lagoon within a short 6-minute walk of Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park. Prospect Hill is also within a driving distance of 3 mi.
Is there parking available at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen along with a terrace.
Are there hot tubs at Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How close is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is Kangaroo Island, SA (KGC-Kingscote), which is 19.2 mi away (26 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island?
Yes, every accommodation at Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.
Ratcliff Cottage Kangaroo Island Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 24 reviews
10 - Excellent
21
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 24 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.2/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Cameron S.
Apr 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Character cottage in fabulous setting
Ratcliff was the perfect character filled property to catch up with family and explore Kangaroo Island. Private, well equipped and spotlessly clean we loved the outlook to the lagoon through the huge fig trees. The local mob of kangaroos that joined us for our stay was a highlight. Highly recommend. Thank you Kate for sharing your beautiful home.
Cameron S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
angela h.
Nov 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
Great place to stay and relax.
angela h.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Alice C.
Oct 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful solitude
Amazing location and a very comfortable house with everything we needed for a full week stay.
Very comfortable beds with plenty of blanket and pillow options.
Fully equipped kitchen with loads of crockery and utensils; I could have cooked up a storm if I wasn't too busy relaxing.
The lagoon was beautiful with something going on all the time. Lots of birds, even a dolphin and the kangaroos also visit the waterside.
We hope to be back one day.
Alice C.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lauren J.
Nov 24, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
The property was exactly what we expected, has everything you need. Saw alot more kangaroos than I thought we'd see. Fantastic. Didn't want to leave.
Small issue with a blackout and no internet to check (was worried i'd done something wrong) but was able to contact property manager who was a great help letting us know ETA / went above and beyond keeping us updated. Still had a fireplace working though.
Lauren J.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
10/10 Excellent
Angela S.
Aug 18, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the secluded location and the house. The ideal place to get away and relax. Thank you!
The property was very well presented, the wood fire was ideal for our winter stay. We would highly recommend the property, it will give you a lovely taste of Kangaroo Island.
Angela S.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Karen & Dwayne P., Stirling
May 9, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect family eacape
Loved our relaxing week long stay. The house had everything we needed in a lovely quiet location. We all really enjoyed having a mob of kangaroos right outside the door and all the marine life in the lagoon.
Karen & Dwayne P.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021
10/10 Excellent
Matilda C.
Jan 12, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Location location location
Fabulous location with beautiful views and privacy. The kangaroos and large trees out the front made an idyllic place to rest and unwind.
Matilda C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021
10/10 Excellent
Chrystelle L.
Jul 7, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Just remote enough
We loved being at Ratcliff Cottage. It was private, very comfortable and felt like a home away from home. We enjoyed our breakfasts on the terrace, observing kangaroos, pelicans, dolphins and a ray swimming right in front of us!
A great base to explore KI and enjoy some quiet time.
Chrystelle L.
10/10 Excellent
Carolyn H.
Jan 3, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Private and quiet with a beautiful view!
Ratcliff cottage was a wonderful home to spend a few days. We loved the front verandah where we spent most of our time watching the KI kangaroos lazing and feeding under the beautiful Moreton Bay fig trees. Such a wonderful little piece of paradise!
Carolyn H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
8/10 Good
Esther B., Adelaide, South Australia
Dec 28, 2019
Beautifully serene
Wonderfully peaceful location right on the lagoon.
Esther B.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019
10/10 Excellent
Bronte A.
Jan 15, 2019
Hide away gem!
Our family had five interesting days at Ratcliff Cottage and found the house clean, well supplied with cooking equipment and functioned well for us all. We enjoyed exploring the property and watching the wildlife (we were naming the kangaroos by the end of our stay). Some advice; if you like to swim in the lagoon having some dive shoes (neuprene) to walk out to the water will help as the rocks are sharp on bare feet (thongs get stuck in the mud). As the place runs completely on rainwater be conservative but if the power goes off you can get water from the tap at the front of the veranda. My husband and I were intrigued by the history of the cottage, and used the pictures to work out how the place has been preserved and extended. Some more history would have been great. Thanks for a lovely break from the noise of the city and to really 'stop'. Regards Bronte and family.
Bronte A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
Christopher R.
Dec 23, 2018
Great views...loved the kangaroos
We really enjoyed our time here. We felt like we were all alone but close enough to town to get what we needed. The best part was watching the kangaroos eating and playing all day long. And the cottage was great too. Thanks so much.