Wild Encounters: South Australia
Encounter iconic species, join conservationists in the field and explore remote coastlines and private reserves while staying in exceptional lodges and private retreats.
Journey highlights
-
A wildlife-focused journey linking Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and the Flinders Ranges
-
Close encounters with sea lions, dolphins, koalas, kangaroos, emus and abundant birdlife
-
Conservation-led touring with ecologists, rangers and specialist guides
-
Stays at South Australia’s leading lodges, private beach houses and a private wildlife conservancy
- Wild itinerary:Our Wild Journeys focus on wildlife encounters in their natural habitat, with expert guides and premium accommodation
Speak to an expert to personalise this tour
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your dream adventure.
Enquire NowItinerary
-
At a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Adelaide
On arrival at Adelaide International Airport, you are met at the air bridge and fast-tracked through immigration and customs formalities before being transferred by private vehicle to the elegant Sequoia, nestled in the highlands of the Adelaide Hills. With breathtaking views over Piccadilly Valley and a deeply personal sense of service, it is the perfect introduction to South Australia's natural beauty.
Your time at Sequoia is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the Artesian Hot Pools, join a guided wildlife walk in search of kangaroos, koalas and wallabies, or gaze at a star-studded Southern Hemisphere sky during an evening stargazing session. For those keen to explore further afield, private winery tours through the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley or McLaren Vale can be arranged, alongside exclusive visits to the nearby Cleland Wildlife Park before it opens to the public.
Where to stay
Sequoia Lodge (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Day Two: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
Fly by private charter to Kangaroo Island and meet your guide for a full day exploring the island’s wildlife and landscapes. Begin in the Cygnet Valley, home to koalas and diverse birdlife, before continuing to the north coast and the white sands of Stokes Bay. Look for Kangaroo Island kangaroos, tammar wallabies, echidnas and other native species.
A highlight is an exclusive conservation experience at Seal Bay, where a specialist guide leads you behind the scenes to learn about endangered Australian sea lions and contribute to non-invasive monitoring.
Arrive at Southern Ocean Lodge for a three-night stay.Day Three: Southern Ocean Lodge Signature Experiences
Today is shaped by the lodge’s guided experiences, designed to showcase Kangaroo Island’s wildlife and coastal wilderness. Join a clifftop walk along Hanson Bay, visit
Hanson Bay Sanctuary for koala and kangaroo spotting or explore the limestone formations of Kelly Hill Caves.
Optional experiences include private hikes, nocturnal wildlife walks, visits to local producers, art tours and guided bird-of-prey encounters. Self-guided trails, the lodge’s pool and spa treatments offer quieter moments between wildlife encounters.Day Four: Western Kangaroo Island & Conservation in Action
Explore the island’s wild western landscapes with your private guide. Travel through Flinders Chase National Park, where heathlands, woodland and rugged coastline provide habitat for kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife.
The day deepens with a behind-the-scenes conservation encounter with ecologist Heidi Groffen from Land for Wildlife. Visit an active research site to learn about post-fire habitat recovery and monitoring programs for endangered species such as the Kangaroo Island dunnart and southern brown bandicoot. Review trail-camera images and gain insight into the island’s ongoing conservation work before returning to the lodge.
Where to stay
Southern Ocean Lodge (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Day 5: Arrive at Port Lincoln
Depart Kangaroo Island by private air charter, touching down in Port Lincoln, gateway to the Eyre Peninsula's extraordinary marine wilderness. From the airport, your private guide whisks you directly into the heart of one of Australia's most pristine coastal environments for a full day Coffin Bay Discovery tour, taking in sweeping 360° views over Boston Bay and Lincoln National Park before venturing into the maritime wilderness of Coffin Bay.
Go behind the scenes at a working oyster farm to pick up freshly harvested oysters straight from the water, before heading into Coffin Bay National Park to master the art of shucking paired with a perfectly curated gin tasting. As the day draws to a close, settle into the South Point Beach House, your luxurious beachfront base for the next three nights.
Day 6: Swim with Sea Lions & Coastal Wonders
Today takes you to Baird Bay for one of Australia's most exhilarating wildlife encounters: swimming with wild sea lions and bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. Playful, fast and endlessly curious, the sea lions of Jones Island are among the ocean's most captivating creatures, thrilling in their interaction with humans, while the resident dolphins offer an equally extraordinary encounter beneath the waves.
This afternoon, the drama of the Great Australian coastline unfolds as you explore ancient limestone formations and sweeping clifftop viewpoints at Talia Caves and Cummings Monument, before returning to the Beach House as the sun sets over the bay.
Day 7: Wildlife, Wilderness & a Farewell Dinner
Your final full day in Port Lincoln begins in Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs, sheltered coves and coastal heathland provide a rich habitat for birdlife and a 4WD adventure across towering sand dunes with sweeping views over the Southern Ocean. Keep watch for emus wandering the dunes, ospreys nesting offshore and the elusive Rosenberg goanna, before stopping for an Aussie-style picnic lunch overlooking the water.
The afternoon brings a magical encounter with wild koalas in one of Australia's finest natural habitats, as you stroll beneath ancient eucalypt trees and spot over 160 native bird species in a beautifully restored homestead setting. As evening falls, return to the Beach House for a special chef-prepared dinner, a fitting celebration of an unforgettable few days on the Eyre Peninsula.
Where to stay
South Point Beach House (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Day Eight. Port Lincoln to the Flinders Ranges
Fly by private charter to the Flinders Ranges and transfer to Arkaba, a 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy. Settle into the historic homestead and take in the views of the surrounding ranges. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner shared around the homestead table.
Day Nine: Arkaba Wildlife Safari
Today is dedicated to Arkaba’s expertly guided safari program. Explore ridge tops, creek beds and rocky ranges in open-top 4WD, with opportunities to see kangaroos, emus, wallaroos and abundant birdlife. Look for Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies on the Elder Range and spend time at the seasonal wildlife hide for quiet observation. Guided walks reveal the region’s geology, pastoral history and conservation story, while optional helicopter flights offer an aerial view of Wilpena Pound.
Day Ten: Depart South Australia
Fly by private charter back to Adelaide for your onward journey. Reflect on a journey shaped by wildlife encounters, conservation insight and some of South Australia’s most remarkable landscapes.Where to stay
Arkaba (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The climate in the Southern Outback is generally dry and sunny year round. Over the summer months (December to March) it can get very hot during the days and quite warm in the evenings. In winter months (June to August) the days are warm and nights are cold, often dropping below 0°C.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning your holiday.
