Lothlorien Homestead B & B on Kangaroo Island in South Australia

Travel across Kangaroo Island and picture postcard shots like Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch greet you at regular intervals. But tucked away among the sheep paddocks on the southern side of the island is little gem that requires a detour off the South Coast Road.

Murray Lagoon, the largest patch of inland water on KI land is a naturalist and bird-lovers treat. For that we can thank Londoner Brian Yates and his wife Diane who fell in love with it all seven years ago.

"I'm biased but I think it's one of the most beautiful spots," smiled Brian.

Make sure you allow time to wander around Brian's transformation of a farm block into his very own native bush garden. It's a wonderful display of native grevilleas and proteas. It's all framed by Murray Lagoon and the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.

Prior to the Soldier Settler's scheme, when diggers returned from World War Two to clear large parcels of Kangaroo Island much of the lagoon was woodland. But as the scrub was cleared, increased run-off saw the lagoon grow. The land clearance also meant the water table rose bringing with it higher salinity levels.

But that doesn't seem to bother the swans, ducks and waders.

For those staying at Lothlorien the peace and tranquillity of dusk provides the perfect end to the day. "It's so peaceful," said Brian. And the name of his property fits perfectly with a romantic and mystical world conjured in his boyhood reading of Lord of the Rings.

"Lothlorien is the last magical place of the elves," said Brian.

Lothlorien Homestead Bed and Breakfast has plenty of comfortable accommodation for up to six people. It's about four kilometres off the South Coast Road less than fifteen minutes drive from Seal Bay.

Lothlorien Homestead Bed & Breakfast
Off South Coast Road, near Murray Lagoon
Kangaroo Island
Bookings Phone (08) 8553 8238