South Australia
South Australia offers some 450 species of birds. Habitats range from the dry red interior to the lush and green ranges
Nature Touring In South Australia
4 Day / 3 Night Murray & Flinders Ranges Tour – from Adelaide
Day 1: Adelaide to River Murray
You will be picked up from the airport or your accommodation. While most of South Australia is characterised by a rather arid climate, the Mt Lofty ranges are an exception. The hills capture the rainclouds coming in from the Southern Ocean, resulting in a much cooler and wetter climate. There are many National Parks comprised of tall Eucalyptus forests. Small villages surrounded by grapevines and orchards dot the landscape.
While taking a scenic walk in one of the National Parks we look for that typical Australian marsupial, the Koala. We may also come across the shy, ground-dwelling Southern Bandicoot. In the treetops we look for the enormous yellow - and - black Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and other colourful parrots, as well as various species of Honeyeater.
We visit the summit of Mt Lofty, which provides breathtaking views over the city and Southern Ocean as far as Kangaroo Island. Here we also delve into South Australian history as we visit some of the landmarks that commemorate the achievements of early explorers.
As we drive through the scenic Adelaide Hills we experience how the landscape changes to drier and more open. On the edge of the escarpment we have a chance to experience the typical dry Australian bush. From here we will have amazing views of the Murray plains stretching out ahead of us as far as the eye can see. The scrub covering this area is home to some rare ground-dwelling bird species, such as Southern Scrubrobin and Shy Heathwren.
Australia's largest river, the Murray, flows through these plains. We enjoy lunch at the riverside town of Mannum, and then take an optional cruise exploring the river and its wetlands, which are teeming with water birds.
We follow the river upstream, stopping at some remarkable cliff-top lookouts, until we arrive at a private sanctuary. Here we'll enjoy a three-course dinner while watching the sun set over river cliffs, whose colors change with the fading light. After dinner we head out on a spotlighting adventure to view the endangered Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, kangaroos and other native wildlife that comes out to feed.
Overnight: Barossa Valley
Day 2: River Murray to Flinders Ranges
We head north through fields of vineyards until we reach the town of Port Augusta. The Arid Lands Botanical Gardens contain a superb collection of indigenous plants, shrubs and flowers adapted to the semi-arid landscape. Set against a backdrop of red sand dunes and the coast of the Spencer Gulf, there are always flowering plants here no matter the time of year. The flowers attract many birds, in particular Honeyeaters.
After lunch we proceed to the Flinders Ranges through picturesque countryside, where we arrive in the Wilpena Pound region, our final destination for the day. We will see many kangaroos and with luck, the impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle. Emus are prolific in the National Park. Certain hills are covered in the quintessential Australian spinifex grass, which is home to the endemic Short-tailed Grasswren. After looking for these and other birds, we enjoy the rock formations taking on deepening shades of red as the sun sets.
Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort.
Day 3 Flinders Ranges.
The Flinders Ranges are an impressive range of steep hills and soaring rock formations on the edge of Australia’s outback. Erosion of this ancient mountain chain has led to the formation of a natural crater-like pound which is best viewed from the air. Participants are able to take an optional half-hour scenic flight around Wilpena Pound. Alternatively, we can walk to the edge of the pound, along a tree-lined creek, which takes about an hour, and take the shuttle bus back.
We then drive into the Flinders Ranges National Park to visit the Sacred Canyon with its Aboriginal rock carvings. From there we proceed along creekbeds and through narrow gorges cut deeply into geological layers that date back 800 million years. We visit the fossil site of the Ediacaran fauna, which lived a little before the great explosion of multicellular life at the beginning of the Cambrian Period.
In this area we're also likely to encounter the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. After passing through a fantastic gorge the scenery of the true Australian Outback stretches out ahead of us as far as the eye can see.
Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort.
Day 4 Flinders Ranges to Adelaide
We will take most of the day to travel back to Adelaide, visiting a number of sites of interest along the way. One of these is the Yourambulla Caves with Aboriginal rock paintings. Further south we visit the coastline north of Adelaide, where a unique ecosystem of low mangroves and extensive samphire swamps harbours some interesting bird species such as an endemic race of the Slender-billed Thornbill and various parrot species.
We will also travel trough some real "ghost towns" to pretty Melrose, at the base of Mt Remarkable. From here it is not far to the wine region of the Clare Valley. After tasting some excellent wines we finish this fascinating journey back in Adelaide in the early evening.
Tour Cost: On application.Tour departs daily on request, subject to availability.
Includes private guiding & touring, meals from lunch on Day 01 to lunch on Day 04.
Tour Code: NA4MF
To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
8 Day Kangaroo Island & Kakadu Small Group Nature Tour
8 Day Kangaroo Island & Kakadu Small Group Nature Tour
This tour provides you with comfortable shared touring of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Litchfield & Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory, and on small group tours. You’ll see the very best of both regions, and learn about the abundant wildlife and cultural aspects.
The photographic opportunities are endless. Beautiful Kangaroo Island offers a wide range of wildlife including some of Australia’s rare bird species plus koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and sea lions, and amazing scenery. From Darwin you will visit Litchfield National Park with its beautiful waterfalls, striking termite mounds and a special Indigenous experience; Kakadu National Park will have you spellbound with spectacular scenery, prolific birdlife and other wildlife including estuarine & freshwater crocodiles, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Day 01 – Arrive Adelaide
Arrive at Adelaide Airport and collect your luggage, and proceed to the Adelaide Airport Shuttle Desk for your transfer to your hotel in Adelaide.
Adelaide is Australia’s fifth largest city, and the city itself is entirely surrounded by beautiful parklands. The parklands and the River Torrens are within easy walking distance. There’s a great cultural mix in Adelaide and you’ll find highly awarded fine dining restaurants alongside pop-up bars and food trucks!
Depending on your arrival time, why not begin your South Australia birdwatching with a short walk to the Botanic Gardens and parklands. You may see Rainbow Lorikeet, Long-billed Corella, Adelaide Rosella and Eastern Rosella, as well as Musk Lorikeet, and White-browed Scrubwren.
Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel- or similar
Day 02 – Begin 2 Day Kangaroo Island Nature Tour (Shared) (Lunch included)
Early morning pick up from your Adelaide hotel for a scenic coach trip to Cape Jervis to connect with SeaLink’s ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Kangaroo Island or travel via air to Kingscote Airport.
On arrival at Penneshaw or Kingscote Airport you will be met by your guide and your island nature experience begins with an introduction to Kangaroo Island. Tour through several island habitats and see wildlife in its natural environment. Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australian wildlife, which exists in its natural habitat without the threat of introduced predators. Listen to the distinct sounds of the native birdlife as they chorus from the tall eucalyptus trees.
Kangaroo Island is home to some 250 species of birds, many of which, through isolation from the mainland, have developed their own subspecies and are therefore unique to Kangaroo Island. As you travel the island keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers.
At the spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park, your guide will escort you on a memorable walk along the beach to view a huge and healthy Australian Sea-lion colony. Walk among the sea-lions as they bask on the beach or among the sand dunes. With your guide you are able to stand at a safe distance to these wonderful endangered creatures and hear them sigh and watch them at play. This is a truly unforgettable experience!
Enter our exclusive Heritage-listed natural bush property to enjoy a delicious gourmet style picnic lunch with South Australian wine.
After lunch, take a bushwalk looking out for koalas in the eucalyptus trees. Travel through the island’s interior keeping an eye out for koalas and echidnas. Explore the spectacular beaches of the north coast. Listen for Australia’s rarest cockatoo, the Glossy Black Cockatoo and watch out for the Tammar Wallaby, with its small, fine features, in its natural habitat.
Later in the afternoon, as the day draws to a close, see the kangaroos leave the safety of the bush to begin grazing on the open pastures. You will then be taken to your accommodation for your overnight stay on Kangaroo Island.
Accommodation: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
Day 03 – Kangaroo Island to Adelaide (Continental Breakfast & Lunch included)
This morning we travel to the western section of the island and discover the stunning Flinders Chase National Park, one of the oldest and most important national parks in South Australia. The park incorporates almost 20 per cent of the island and much of it is a Wilderness Protection Area, home to a variety of fauna and flora unique to Kangaroo Island. Enjoy the opportunity to walk through the park in search for kangaroos, wallabies and a variety of birdlife.
See at close range some 10,000 New Zealand fur seals in their colony at Cape du Couedic and discover the incredible formation, Remarkable Rocks. These large granite boulders balance dramatically on the cliff edge, which plunges 75 metres into the turbulent Southern Ocean below.
At Admirals Arch see where the powerful forces of nature have cut through the headland to create this beautiful natural geological formation.
A delicious gourmet style picnic lunch with accompanying wine will be served in a secluded bush setting. During the day koalas can be observed in their treetop habitat. By special permit, enter the Kelly Hill Conservation Park to see kangaroos and other native wildlife emerge from the safety of the bushland to graze on the open plains.
If time permits, visit Point Ellen at Vivonne Bay, once voted Australia’s best beach. Your tour concludes at Penneshaw in time for the return ferry to the mainland and coach transfer to Adelaide and to your hotel.
Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Day 04 – Adelaide to Darwin
Check out from your hotel early this morning. You will be collected by Adelaide Airport Shuttle and transferred to Adelaide Airport where you will check in for your flight to Darwin.
Suggested Flight: Qantas Flight QF754 - Departs Adelaide: 8.35am, Arrives Darwin: 11.15am (Airfare not included in tour cost)
Arrive at Darwin Airport and collect your luggage, and proceed to the Darwin Airport Shuttle Desk for your transfer to your hotel in Darwin.
The multicultural city of Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory situated on the Timor Sea, and with a population of around 127,000, is by far the largest city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory.
This afternoon, why not begin your Top End birdwatching with a short walk to the Esplanade and into Bicentennial Park. You are likely to see Australian Figbird, Peaceful Dove, Crested Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet, Brown Honeyeater and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike.
There are many restaurants in your local area for dinner (own expense).
Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel
Day 05 – Begin 3 Day Litchfield and Kakadu National parks Tour (Shared)
Darwin to Litchfield National Park (Lunch & Dinner included)
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 7.00am for the short journey to Litchfield National Park. Explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls* and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Late afternoon experience a private two hour wetlands cruise spotting huge numbers of birds including Black-necked Stork, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Magpie Goose, Azure & Little Kingfishers, Egrets, (over 250 species in the Mary River region). You are likely to see estuarine crocodiles, buffaloes and other wildlife. This is a magical experience away from the masses in an area with the one of the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles found in the world.
It’s only a short drive from here to our overnight accommodation in the Mary River region where the local wallaby population welcomes us on arrival. This evening enjoy dinner under the stars and share stories.
Accommodation: Point Stuart Wilderness Retreat (private facilities)
Day 06 – Kakadu National Park (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Departing Point Stuart early, we enter Kakadu National Park, then we leave the bitumen and travel off road en-route to Twin and Jim Jim Falls, the jewels of Kakadu National Park.
Explore Twin Falls Gorge which is accessed by 4-wheel drive track, a boat shuttle service and a rocky walking track and boardwalk.
Once there relax on the sandy banks and admire the falls. There’s more 4-wheel driving as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls where a walk through monsoon forest and over boulders takes us to the waterfall and plunge pool which are surrounded by 150 metre cliffs.
Spend the afternoon taking in the sheer beauty of your spectacular surrounds before heading to our comfortable accommodation located within Kakadu National Park at Cooinda.
Accommodation: Kakadu Lodge Cooinda (private facilities)
Day 07 – Kakadu National Park to Darwin (Breakfast & Lunch included)
Rising early, we set the scene for today by taking the short hike to Nawurlandja lookout affording spectacular views of the escarpment country, Nourlangie and Anbangbang Billabong.
Afterwards, visit the culturally significant Ubirr, located within the East Alligator Region of the park. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land.
After lunch visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, a Gun-djeihmi name for the local area and creek on land owned by the mirarr clan. See the audio-visual presentations and Marrawuddi Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from within Kakadu and the wider region.
En route to Darwin we stop in for a visit at the Mamukala Wetlands offering a stunning variety of birdlife which can be spotted on the viewing platform or boardwalk. This afternoon, put your feet up and relax as your guide returns you to your Darwin accommodation after three magical days of adventure, wildlife, rich in cultural history and natural beauty.
Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel
Day 08 – Depart Darwin (Breakfast included)
Check out from your hotel this morning, and transfer by airport shuttle to Darwin Airport for your departure flight.
Tour Code: NA8KK
Tour Cost: On application
Tour Departs on any day, subject to availability.
Tour Includes: 7 nights accommodation as specified, 4x Breakfasts, 5x Lunches, 2x dinners, 2 day shared small group tour of Kangaroo Island (coach/ferry Adelaide to Penneshaw & return to Adelaide), 3 day shared small group tour of Kakadu National Park (transport & cruise as specified).
**Tour Cost does not include Adelaide to Darwin Airfare.
Tour can be taken in reverse (ie Kakadu National Park followed by Kangaroo Island) - enquire here for costs (Please include Tour Code).
Ask us about accommodation options in Darwin following your tour.
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