From koalas to wallabies, encounter Australia’s iconic wild creatures up close in their natural habitats
South Australia offers unparalleled wildlife encounters throughout the state’s National Parks located on Kangaroo Island and in the Flinders Ranges and Gawler Ranges regions. The state’s remarkable landscapes filled with the native flora and fauna provide travelers with unique and enriching wildlife spotting, easily accessible from the capital city of Adelaide.
KANGAROO ISLAND
Flinders Chase National Park, SA
The enduring appeal of Kangaroo Island, a quick 20-minute flight from Adelaide, is its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. One-third of the island is preserved national parklands, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Often referred to as “Australia’s Galapagos,” the island is one of Down Under’s best places to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, such as:
Koalas
Kangaroos
Tammar wallabies
Brushtail possums
Short-beaked echidnas
Sea lions and fur seals
240 different species of birds
Unique marine life
Kangaroo Island offers walking trails throughout the National Park, but finding some of the more reclusive residents may require a little local knowledge. Exceptional Kangaroo Island, one of the island’s premier tour operators, creates personalized itineraries to ensure that travelers observe a wide variety of wildlife. Tours include walks along a colony of rare fur seals along Seal Bay and treks in the bushlands to discover kangaroos, wallabies and koalas hiding in the trees.
FLINDERS RANGES
Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
One of the oldest landscapes on earth, the Flinders Ranges is a quick flight or a few hours drive from Adelaide. The wildlife is a large component of what draws adventurers up to this accessible region of the Outback, in addition to its spectacular scenery. Its dramatic and majestic setting is home to a number of iconic Australian wildlife, including:
Red, western grey and euro kangaroos
Yellow-footed wallabies
Emus
Wedge-tailed eagles
The best way to experience the authentic Aussie Outback is at the regions newest accommodation, Ikara Safari Camp–recently added in February 2014 to Wilpena Pound Resort—located on the foothills of Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheater covering fifty miles. The location of the camp allows for unique access to the parks best bushwalking trails where wildlife sightings are abundant. Expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife knowledge, and interesting heritage during walking safari adventures and 4WD excursions that visit some of the secret spots of the land and provide a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the Australian Outback.
EYRE PENINSULA
Gawler Ranges National Park, SA
The Eyre Peninsula offers a blend of wildlife in its coastal and Outback landscape. Gawler Ranges National Park, one of Australia’s best kept secrets, is located via Port Lincoln, a 45-minute flight from Adelaide. The scenic Gawler Ranges consists of volcanic rock hills over 1.5 billion years old where more than 162 fauna species reside, including:
Red, western grey and euro kangaroos 2
Emus
Southern hairy-nosed wombats
The Major Mitchell (Pink Cockatoo)
Scarlet-breasted parrots
Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris offers multi-day itineraries led by local experts who guide travelers to remote geographical sites and gorges, while pointing out and discussing both the region’s most iconic wildlife and lesser-known species. Tours may also include a visit to Baird Bay for an opportunity to swim with playful sea lions and dolphins or cage dive with Great White sharks.
Learn more about South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges and Gawler Ranges on www.southaustralia.com, or on the official Facebook and Twitter pages. For additional media inquiries, images and information, call the South Australian Tourism Commission at 323.503.4210.
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