Discover South Australia

Visiting some of South Australia’s diverse and wildlife-rich habitats, we hope to see over 200 species of birds including Cape Barren goose, little penguin and three species of cockatoo, as well as many fascinating endemic mammals, such as short-beaked echidna, southern hairy-nosed wombat, koala and kangaroo.

Explore two of South Australia’s finest wildlife locations: Gawler Ranges and Kangaroo Island, travelling from the Outback to the sea. Visit a koala colony, study geological formations, swim with sealions, and seek out rare species such as echidna, glossy black cockatoo and the elusive platypus.

Staying in luxury properties at Kangaroo Island and Flinders Ranges, explore the picturesque landscapes of South Australia in search of its birds and wildlife, including Australia’s largest macropods: red kangaroo, western grey kangaroo and common wallaroo, as well as fur seal colonies and prolific birdlife.

Stretching more than 130 kilometres, Coorong National Park forms a wetland of international importance, where saltwater lagoons, sheltered by the sand dunes of the Younghusband peninsula, provide a sanctuary for bird species including the Australian pelican, Eurasian coot and Cape Barren goose.

With over 2,000 kilometres of coastline, pristine Eyre Peninsula offers the opportunity for close encounters with a rich variety of wildlife, on land and in the sea. Explore Gawler Ranges and Lincoln National Parks to see rare endemics in their own environment, and swim with sea lions and dolphins.

This is one of Australia’s newest and most important nature reserves. The Dry Creek Salt Fields in the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary support 25,000 waterbirds including the vulnerable curlew sandpiper. This pristine coastline is a must for any bird-lovers passing through the city of Adelaide.

Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s largest mountain range – famous for dramatic rock formations, stunning national parks, aboriginal rock art, protected wildlife which includes yellow-footed rock wallabies, birds such as the grey-fronted honey eater and flora specially adapted to the semi-arid environment.

Well known for its stunning rock formations, Gawler Ranges is a refuge for wildlife and home to over 162 mammal and bird species, including the brightly coloured Australian ringneck parrot, the pink cockatoo and the southern hairy-nosed wombat. The park also supports over 400 species of plant.

Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australia’s endemic wildlife – more than 60 percent of the island comprises national parks and reserves. Here is nature at its best; amongst sheltered beaches, rugged cliffs and bushland, kangaroo, koala, birds and sealions abound.

The Murray River is one of Australia’s most important inland waterways. Its floodplains are teeming with native and migrant birdlife as well as a striking variety of land mammals. This giant river meanders between vast red-gum forests and lofty mountain gorges, offering a variety of habitats.

Gluepot Reserve is one of South Australia’s best regions for spotting resident and migrant birdlife. It is the largest expanse of protected mallee scrubland in the country and supports many nationally threatened bird species as well as an astonishing variety of wildlife and flora.

South Australia offers some 440 species of birds. There are many distinctly different habitats, ranging from waterways and wetlands, to semi-dry mallee and deserts, which are a haven for endemic avifauna. Read our birdwatching guide to find out more.

Exposed to the elements out in the Great Australian Bight and separated from the mainland by seven miles of open ocean, Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s true wildlife destinations. Find out about its amazing profusion of birds and wildlife.

Anna Scrivenger recently visited South Australia and fell in love with the bird life that lives here. The area is home to a remarkable variety of birds and wildlife. Learn about her favourite “Star Species” of bird and her recommended places to see them.