Itinerary
Tour day-by-day
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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: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge (dinner/bed/breakfast). 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
