From scenic flights chasing swirls of salmon runs from above, to emus darting awkwardly across beaches and rugged cliff tops, the remotes of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula has mind blowing wildlife encounters for everyone. From those who are happy to observe and admire from afar, to those keen to come eye to eye with one of the worlds’ most misunderstood predators… What is on your wildlife bucketlist?
1. Shark Cage Diving
For those who love a bit of adrenaline with their wildlife, look no further than the Neptune Islands for one of the most extreme and exhilarating ocean interactions with the Great White Shark. From the security of your steel cage (or for those who prefer to stay dry, seated comfortably in your glass aqua sub), you will come eye to eye with the mysteriously beautiful, yet terrifying looking predator of the sea. So graceful in their movements and simply awe-inspiring to watch them glide by so elegantly, nothing will prepare you for the intoxicating thrill from being inches away from this wild elasmobranch.
2. Swimming with Sea Lions
Swimming along side endangered Australian Sea Lions is a true privilege and an incredible life enhancing experience. Like playful puppies, these rare and inquisitive sea creatures are gentle and thrilled to have you in their underwater world. It even looks like they are smiling at you as they swirl and twirl around you, performing somersaults and tempting you to mimic them. It is almost as if they are showing off for you – performing twists and turns, backflips and leaps, nothing else from the wild ocean will bring you this much joy. These waters are also home to long nose fur seals and bottlenose dolphins as well as white bellied sea eagles.
3. Emu’s Running Wild
It would be pretty unlikely for you to spend time exploring the Eyre Peninsula and not see multiple mobs of emu’s running amuck. Whether they be skitting over sand dunes or balancing precariously on the edge of wild cliffs, from clusters of four through to parties of over seventy, these flightless birds are impressive to say the least and extremely elegant to simply just watch. Driving through the regions national parks, expect them to dart in front of your vehicle, usually with one or two chicks in tow. They lurk near the waters edge and also deep in the rolling sand dunes. You never know where they are going to pop up!
4. Koala’s in Abundance AND at Eye Level!
Mikkira Station is one of Australia’s best habitats for Koala’s found in the wild. Not only are they in their natural wilds, but they are almost at eye level and at incredibly close proximity. The twisted and mutated Manna gums are stunted due to the limestone terrain, meaning the koala’s are close. So, so close to you, that can hear their snuffled breathing. You are literally face to face. The abundance of Koala’s here is unbelievable. You will need more than two hands to keep count! Wild but placid kangaroos casually hop around in this beautiful setting, Emus roam around amongst flocks of sheep and there is astounding birdlife here, some of which are rare and native to this area. Bush birds include: Port Lincoln (Australian Ringneck) Parrots, Black-Faced Cuckoo-shrikes, Pallid Cuckoos, Golden Whistlers and an occasional Scarlet Robin.
5. Birds, Birds, Everywhere – Pelagic and Land Birds Galore!
For the bird lovers out there, the 100 National and Conservation Parks scattered throughout the Eyre Peninsula are a must-see destination for pelagic and land bird enthusiasts. The Southern Eyre Peninsula is home to 270 species of birds including a range of local, endangered and rare birds from the Hooded Plovers, the Rock Parrots, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo just to name a few. As you are exploring the coastal regions, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Wedge Tailed Eagles and Ospreys.
Want to make these experiences yours? Contact our team to create a personalised wildlife journey just for you or join our small group tour, Wildlife, Seafood and Culture.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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