Premium South Australia Outback Birding

Arkaba Safari - Shared

Day 1-3: Arkaba Conservancy. Following a transfer from Adelaide, arrival is at the 60,000-acre Arkaba Conservancy, set amidst ancient mountain ranges. 

Thrilling expeditions, like the Ridge-top Safari Drive and Dundee Track, are conducted in open-top 4WD vehicles. These drives provide crucial wildlife viewing across diverse habitats, specifically aiming to spot species and landscapes of interest. Highlights include viewing Common Wallaroos on rocky outcrops and the chance to encounter colonies of the endangered Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby on the Elder Range.

Arkaba is a renowned haven for bird enthusiasts. Riparian vegetation along creek-beds is alive with parrots, corellas, and honeyeaters, while open spinifex grasslands host grasswrens and Black-shouldered Kites. The seasonal Arkaba Hide offers a subtle vantage point for photogaphing species like Elegant and Mulga Parrots. Complementing the drives, short guided walks with expert field guides enhance the conservation focus, offering tailored insights into local species and photographic opportunities across the stunning landscape.

Accommodation: Arkaba Homestead | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Arkaba to Renmark. Take a transfer from Arkaba to Renmark in South Australia's Riverland region, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Renmark (Riverview Balcony) | Meals: B

Murray River Safari - Shared

Day 5: Renmark. Meet your Murray River Safari guides at Hotel Renmark at 1pm. Following a brief introduction to the Murray River, board a pontoon cruiser for a scenic 25km cruise upstream, passing old-growth redgum forests and ochre-coloured cliffs. Keep an eye out for Koalas and various birds like Australian Pelicans, Black Swans, Australian Darters and Yellow-billed Spoonbills. You'll then settle into luxurious houseboat accommodations, enjoy lunch, and embark on a cultural walk through river country. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat

The houseboat is your floating accommodation for three nights, moored in spectacular locations. Bedroom windows offer stunning views of the river to watch waterbirds and pelicans fly by. In the evenings, relax in the houseboat lounge and share stories with fellow travellers as guides prepare evening meals paired with local wines.

Day 6: RAMSAR Wetlands. Rise early to experience birdsong and a sunrise over the incredible Murray River valley, enjoying the vibrant river views and likely spotting Rainbow Bee-eaters catching insects. After breakfast, join a canoe guide for a serene paddle through the Riverland Ramsar Wetland, offering opportunities to quietly observe wildlife like Western Grey Kangaroos, cormorants, darters, ducks, rosellas and Mallee Ringnecks. Keep a careful eye out for goannas and Sacred Kingfishers. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding forests and wetlands on foot, searching for the endangered Regent Parrot, before retiring early after a fulfilling day. 

Day 7: Outback Lakes. After an early breakfast, set off on a driving tour of the great ephemeral lake system on the outer floodplain where spectacular birdwatching includes migratory waders that have travelled from the northern hemisphere, thousands of ducks, pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills and musk ducks. Expect to see blue-bonnet parrots, emus and their chicks, and magnificent red kangaroos during the drive between the lakes. Return to find the houseboat in a new location opposite the spectacular Bunyip Reach Cliffs above lock 6. 

Day 8: Renmark. After breakfast and an optional stroll on the riverbank, cruise leisurely downriver and transfer through lock 6 on the way to the final mooring and departure point. Celebrate the experience over a BBQ lunch on the top deck, before farewelling the river and a transfer to Arkaba

Please note this section of this itinerary is an additional cost available in March, April, October and November, however, during May through to late September, a four-day walk can be booked as an alternative featuring easy days of hiking along Australia's greatest river. 

Optional Extension 1: Kangaroo Island - Private Tour

Day 1: Duck Lagoon & Lathami Conservation Park. Upon arrival on Kangaroo Island, you will be greeted by your local birding to begin a tour of Duck Lagoon, a freshwater billabong known for sightings of various honeyeaters, swans, teals, and ducks. After morning tea, they head to Roper's Gums, a tall Eucalyptus forest, to learn about the Glossy Black Cockatoo recovery plan. Following a visit to the Cygnet River headwaters, enjoy a gourmet seafood barbecue lunch surrounded by koalas and a variety of birds. The journey continues to Lathami Conservation Park, home to Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. The day concludes at Stokes Bay, where guests can spot pelicans, herons, and sea eagles before arriving at American River.

Accommodation: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge or similar | Meals: LD

Day 2: Seal Bay & Flinders Chase National Park. You will start the day with an optional early morning birding excursion in the coastal heath or along the American River shoreline, where you might spot Glossy Black Cockatoos, Grey Currawongs, Pied Oystercatchers, and Australian Pelicans. After breakfast, you will head to famous Seal Bay, where you will enjoy a privately guided Australian sea-lion experience and spot birds like White-bellied Sea Eagles, Caspian Terns and Ospreys. The tour continues to Point Ellen, where seasonal wildlife sightings may include Rock Parrots and Little Penguins. Throughout the day, you might encounter a variety of wildlife, including Cape Barren Geese, koalas, and kangaroos. The day ends with dinner at American River, followed by a presentation from echidna expert Dr. Peggy Rismiller on her extensive field research.

Accommodation: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge or similar | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Bay of Shoals, Kingscote & D'Estrees Bay. Take an optional early morning birding walk before the departure at American River at 8:15 am. The highlight of the morning is a boat trip to observe the birdlife around Busby Islet, a protected breeding area. From the sea, you will likely spot Australian Pelicans, Royal Spoonbills, cormorants, Australian White Ibis, and possibly migratory species if visiting between November and March. White-bellied Sea Eagles are often seen harassing the nesting birds, offering a chance to witness dramatic interactions. The trip may also include sightings of Black Swans and chance encounters with Bottle-nosed Dolphins. Return to Adelaide in the evening.

Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden or similar | Meals: BL

Optional Extension 2: Eyre Peninsula - Private Tour

Day 1: Lincoln National Park & Mikkira. After taking a morning flight from Adelaide, your birdwatching adventure begins at Billy Lights Point, a haven for bird enthusiasts. This short walk showcases a diverse array of water and bush birds in a stunning setting of coastal mallee and sheltered bays. Next stop is Tulka, a coastal hamlet where you can observe waders, Black Swans, and seabirds from a bird hide. This area is also known for Southern Emu-Wrens, near a well dug by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802. In Lincoln National Park, you'll explore rugged cliffs, ideal for spotting Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, and Swamp Harriers. At Taylor's Landing, rare birds like Mallee Fowl, Purple-Gaped Honeyeaters, and Blue-breasted Wrens may be encountered. After a lunch stop to enjoy more birdwatching, the tour continues to Mikkira Station for a late afternoon Koala and bird walk. Here, you'll see Koalas waking up to feed, Western Grey Kangaroos grazing, and a diverse array of bush birds before returning to Port Lincoln for the evening.

Accommodation: South Point Beach House | Meals: BLD

Day 2: Tumby Bay, Todd River & Greenpatch. After an early morning pickup, you'll journey along the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, visiting top birdwatching spots tailored by your guide. You may explore Tumby Bay and Second Creek, searching for sea birds, Ruddy Turnstones, and the endangered Hooded Plovers nesting on local beaches. Next, you'll head into the Greenpatch and Koppio area, where farmland and Conservation Parks host rare species like Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Wedge-Tailed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Hobby Falcons. Additional sightings may include Herons, Egrets, Sacred Kingfishers, Tawny Frogmouths, Kestrels, White-Winged Choughs, and Superb Blue or Blue-Breasted Fairy Wrens. Later, you'll visit the Todd River area, known for its bush birds. Watch for ducks, Australian Boobooks, Red Wattlebirds, Rainbow Lorikeets, Honeyeaters, Grey Fantails, and Yellow Robins. A picnic lunch will provide a relaxing break to observe birdlife. The day emphasizes spontaneity, offering chances for unique and unexpected bird sightings in this remarkable region.

Accommodation:  South Point Beach House | Meals: BLD

Day 3: Coffin Bay & Big Swamp. In the morning, you'll be picked up for a journey to Coffin Bay, famed for its oysters and stunning natural beauty. This wilderness area features unique bays, inlets, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches framed by white sand dunes. Wildlife abounds, with chances to see Western Grey Kangaroos, Emus, Goannas, Dolphins, and snakes. The 31,000-hectare park offers plenty of photo stops, golden beaches, and fresh sea air. Birdwatching highlights include White-Bellied Sea-Eagles, Ospreys, Caspian Terns, Hooded Plovers, and Wedge-Tailed Eagles. Lunch will be at 1802 Coffin Bay Oyster Bar, where you'll enjoy gourmet seafood before a 1.5-hour tour with an oyster farmer. You'll visit an oyster lease to learn about cultivating Pacific and Native Angasi oysters and sample freshly harvested oysters straight from the rack. Your final stop is Big Swamp, where a bird hide offers views of Black Swans, Musk Ducks, Pink-Eared Ducks, Black-Winged Stilts, and Cape Barren Geese, wrapping up the day before taking a flight back to Adelaide.

Accommodation: Majestic Roof Garden or similar | Meals: BL