Kangaroo Island Wildlife Photography Tour

Day 1-3

Visit to the third largest Australian Sea-lion colony at Seal Bay. These photogenic residents bask on a white sandy beach protected by offshore reefs and headlands which provide critical breeding areas and ample opportunities to take photos of mother and pup. The bay is home to a range birds, including Hooded Dotterels, Crested Terns, Oystercatchers, and a number of cormorants.

Murray Lagoon, the island's largest wetland, is home to an array of bush and water birds and has several areas that guests will explore along the northern boundary. D’Estrees Bay is a long sweeping beach which goes from a gentle protected marine meadow with a seagrass strewn beach often frequented by Hooded Dotterels, right through to a high energy exposed coast to the south. Along the way is Point Tinline which has an Osprey nest which has been in continuous use since 1853.

Further south are more exposed beaches, followed by a protected lagoon, providing amazing reflections of roosting terns. It is often frequented by visiting waders such as Golden Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones. Immediately inland, guests will often enjoy regular seasonal sightings of Rock Parrots. The slopes above American River offer sugar gum forests and sheoak woodlands; habitat for the Glossy-black Cockatoos, Galahs, Beautiful Firetails, Scarlet Robins and Crimson Rosellas. Along the waters edge the protected shores provide wader feeding habitat on the mudflats along the seafront and into Pelican Lagoon. Significant aggregations of Black Swans, Pelicans, Musk Ducks and a range of waders are likely encounters.

Guests will visit by sea to observe the protected Busby Island to observe large aggregations of seabirds, with occasional visits by White-bellied Sea Eagles, before travelling on to seek out one of two resident Bottle-nosed Dolphin pods. Seasonally this can include a “swim with” experience which offers underwater photography opportunities for guests with the appropriate equipment. 

We also stop at Duck Lagoon; a freshwater habitat for ducks (regular haunt for Freckled Ducks when they disperse from outback waterways), swans and a range of other species. Classic Australian landscapes abound with massive red-gums reflecting in still waters. These charming large gums are frequented by pardalotes and honeyeaters including the White-eared and Brown-headed species.

The Cygnet Valley is a prime spot to take photos of Koalas, as they are partial to the redgums and blue gums along the creek line. Guests will also see beautiful sugar gums that provide breeding hollows and drooping sheoaks provide the food source for the critically endangered Glossy-black Cockatoo. It is common to encounter Superb Fairy-wrens, Golden Whistlers, Crimson Rosellas, and Beautiful Firetails. This area provides ample opportunity to snap some of Australia's most endearing mammals including Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, gorgeous Tammar Wallabies and the quirky Short-beaked Echidna.

Overnight Accommodation: There are various levels of accomodation available (3-5 star, farmstay, B&Bs). Please enquire to find out options.

Key Details

Private Group Size: Maximum of 4 guests
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Kingscote Airport or accommodations.
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: Approximately 9:00am day one and 6:00pm day three.
Languages: Translation services available for French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Responsible Tourism

As part of our commitment to sustainability we have developed a Code Of Practice relating to our wildlife interactions which is available for your reference. We have also sought independent verification of our practices through Ecotourism Australia. Our Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation is awarded to a select number of Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

Recent Awards

WINNER TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013
LISTED Top 5 Wildlife Guides by Outside Go Magazine 2015
WINNER Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Export Industry 2015 by the Australian Tourism Export Council 

Recent Testimonials

"Amazing tour that exceeded all expectations. The guide was unbelievably knowledgeable and showed us some of the great parts of KI. Best day of our honeymoon, just because of this tour. Thanks!" - David and Lucy, UK

"My trip got me to visit six states, albeit briefly in some. The two days of Kangaroo Island were the highlights. The very high quality of the tour for small groups, riding in backroads with knowledgable guides who are also competent chefs in a unique setting is a memorable experience." - Myron, Ontario

"This family owned tour operator is the best I have ever taken a tour with! The guide was enthusiastic, humorous and very informed about every question asked– considering wildlife, culture and geographical situation. As it was a small tour - he made me (and the fellow couple on the tour) feel very special. Exceptional Kangaroo Island truly kept their promise – good food (delicious whiting cooked on the barbeque), good wine (beautiful sauvignon blanc from the island) and wildlife in the wild (we saw a wide range of animals from kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, an echidna, wedge-tailed eagles to ants, butterflies, and all sorts of insects). I can only highly recommend this business. I will be back to take another tour with you – maybe next year?! Thanks Janet & Craig and the exceptional friendly office staff." - Manja, Berlin