This South Australia wildlife holiday combines Kangaroo Island’s exceptional wildlife with an intimate Murray River safari through wetlands, red gum forests and secluded waterways.
Begin your trip on Kangaroo Island, exploring with an expert local guide in search of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, sea lions and abundant birdlife. Stay at boutique hotel, The River Suites, in American River, before continuing to Renmark for a small-group Murray River expedition cruise through Ramsar-listed wetlands, quiet creeks and floodplains.
On the Murray River, passionate guides reveal the ecology, wildlife and stories of the river as you travel by pontoon cruiser, canoe, vehicle and on foot. Wildlife opportunities include red kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas, regent parrots, rainbow bee-eaters and waterbirds. You return each evening to the High River Houseboat for locally inspired food and wine.
The contrast between Kangaroo Island’s rugged coast and the Murray’s tranquil river country makes this a wonderfully varied wildlife journey.
Suggested Itinerary
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Days 1-2
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Fly to Adelaide
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Day 3:
Arrive in Adelaide
On arrival, transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore and relax.
Accommodation: Majestic M Suites, 1-night
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Day 4:
Travel to Kangaroo Island
This morning, take a short flight over to Kangaroo Island. On arrival, you’re met by your guide. Later, transfer to American River where you can settle into your accommodation overlooking Eastern Cove. This evening, enjoy dinner at the on-site Samphire Restaurant, showcasing local Kangaroo Island produce.
Accommodation: The River Suites, 3-nights
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Days 5-6
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Explore Kangaroo Island
Over the next two days, explore Kangaroo Island with an expert local guide. Discover the island’s varied coast, eucalyptus forest, bushland and wetlands while looking for koalas, kangaroos, tammar wallabies, echidnas and Rosenberg’s goannas, together with Australian sea lions, fur seals and a wealth of birdlife.
Visit locations such as Seal Bay Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, and the dramatic coastal scenery around Admirals Arch, where Australian and long-nosed fur seals can be watched amongst the crashing Southern Ocean waves.
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Day 7:
Travel Back to Adelaide
Today, return to Adelaide for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Majestic M Suites, 1-night
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Day 8:
Begin Your Murray River Expedition Cruise
Today, travel east to Renmark, passing from the Adelaide Hills into the vineyards and mallee landscapes of the Riverland. Meet your guides and cruise upstream by pontoon boat through river red gum forest and beneath red-ochre cliffs. Look for koalas, whistling kites and waterbirds before a guided cultural walk and sunset on the river.
Accommodation: High River Houseboat, 3-nights
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Days 9-10
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Wetlands, Wildlife & the Murray Floodplain
Spend two days exploring the diverse waterways, wetlands and floodplains of the Murray River with your expert guides. Canoe through peaceful creeks and billabongs, cruise along Chowilla Creek and explore surrounding forests on foot, looking for wildlife including rainbow bee-eaters, sacred kingfishers, goannas, and the vulnerable regent parrot.
Venture further into the floodplain to discover ephemeral lakes rich in birdlife, where migratory waders, ducks, pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills and musk ducks may be seen. Away from the water, keep watch for blue bonnets, emus and red kangaroos, returning each day to your comfortable houseboat as it moves between peaceful moorings along the river.
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Day 11:
Return to Adelaide
Enjoy a relaxed final morning on the Murray River, cruising downstream through Lock 6 to the historic Wilkadene Woolshed. After a final barbecue lunch overlooking the river, say farewell to your guides and return to Renmark for your transfer back to Adelaide.
Accommodation: Majestic M Suites, 1-night
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Day 12:
Depart
Today, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
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Day 13:
Arrive in the UK
Please note: Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The Murray River Safari operates on selected departures and the exact order of activities may vary with local conditions.
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