Australian Wildlife Family Tour

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Leaving Adelaide, head southeast toward the Mount Lofty Ranges. A short detour to Mount Lofty Summit rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of Adelaide, the coastline, and Gulf St Vincent, a perfect photo stop. From there, continue to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. This charming town is renowned for its historic timber buildings, artisan shops, and cozy cafes, where you can enjoy traditional German fare, local wine, or handmade crafts, a great spot for a relaxed lunch. The drive then opens into the Murraylands, where you might spot kangaroos and native birds. At Monarto Safari Park, enjoy a self-drive or guided safari to see giraffes, rhinos, lions, and more, along with walking trails and picnic spots.

Monarto Safari Park, just an hour from Adelaide, is one of the world’s largest open-range zoos. Spanning over 1,500 hectares, it’s home to giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs and more, roaming expansive habitats. Visitors can enjoy immersive safari experiences, behind-the-scenes encounters, and conservation programs, making Monarto a must-visit destination for wildlife, adventure, and unforgettable South Australian experiences.

Combine your stay at Monarto Safari Resort with an unforgettable wildlife experience on the Sunset Wildlife Safari. This exclusive, small-group tour takes you across the Wild Africa Plains of Monarto Safari Park after hours, offering a unique perspective on its free-roaming animals. Travel in comfort aboard purpose-built Safari Trucks while expert guides provide fascinating insights into the park’s conservation programs. Capture incredible photos of giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, southern white rhinos, and more as the sun sets over the plains.

Step into the lions’ domain in a way you’ve never experienced before. Lions 360 is Australia’s only 360-degree lion encounter, where you'll walk through a tunnel and emerge right in the heart of the action - within clawing range of one of the country’s largest lion prides. This exhilarating, yet completely safe experience offers a prey’s-eye view of these awe-inspiring predators. Prepare to have your breath taken away as you come face-to-face with the kings and queens of the animal kingdom, all while supporting vital conservation efforts to protect this iconic species. Guaranteed to leave you in even more awe than when you arrived.

As you leave Monarto Safari Park, the drive takes you through rolling farmlands and vineyards, with picturesque views of South Australia’s countryside. Continuing south along the Fleurieu Peninsula, the road opens to dramatic coastal cliffs and ocean vistas, perfect for photos or a brief seaside break. Stop in Victor Harbor, a charming coastal town, to enjoy its beaches, cafes, and the famous Granite Island causeway. At Cape Jervis, you can explore lookout points and prepare for the Sealink ferry to Kangaroo Island, soaking in the rugged southern coastline along the way.

SeaLink Kangaroo Island’s ferry service operates between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. The journey takes just 45 minutes for the 16km crossing.

The second largest town on Kangaroo Island and arrival point of the ferries travelling to and from the mainland, Penneshaw boasts a mix of local wines, delicious food and spectacular natural scenery. The nearby Hog Bay beach offers sandy shores to relax and play, while further down the road, the turquoise waters of Brown Beach are prime location for snorkelling a beach paradise. There are plenty of options for seeing wildlife whether it be dolphins and seals from a locally operated boat safari, on a bush walk through Baudin Conservation Park, or a guided tour to visit the Little Blue Penguin tours at night. If wine is your game, there are several wineries in the area that offer tastings and lunch amongst epic scenery.

Perched on Kangaroo Island’s eastern tip, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is South Australia’s oldest lighthouse, first lit in 1852. The 27-meter granite tower guided ships through Backstairs Passage and now offers panoramic ocean views, walking trails, wildlife spotting, and a glimpse into the island’s maritime history.

Travelling from Penneshaw to Hanson Bay, you can stop at Seal Bay Conservation Park and join a guided tour to see Australian sea lions resting on pristine beaches, detour inland to the towering sand dunes of Little Sahara Adventure Centre for sandboarding or quad biking, and enjoy adventure experiences with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action near Vivonne Bay. As you head further west, Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park offers guided underground tours through impressive limestone formations before the landscape becomes wilder and more remote. Closer to Hanson Bay, the sealed road gives way to sections of well-maintained dirt road, adding to the sense of adventure as you arrive at this peaceful, wildlife-rich corner of the island.

Experience the wild beauty of Seal Bay Conservation Park on a guided tour and get up close to a colony of Australian sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about their behaviour, conservation efforts, and the fragile coastal ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. This is a unique wildlife experience, perfect for nature lovers and families alike.

Embark on the ultimate off-road adventure to Kangaroo Island’s hidden gems. Witness breathtaking coastal views and enjoy exclusive access to private beaches, dramatic coastal edges, and rolling sand dunes. Spot wild koalas in their natural habitat - guaranteed! Immerse yourself in nature with nothing but the vast Southern Ocean between you and Antarctica.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Flinders Chase National Park, one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural areas. Wander along scenic walking trails that lead to remarkable formations such as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where rugged cliffs, sea-sculpted rock, and coastal views create unforgettable scenery. Along the way, spot abundant wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, and seals, and take in the raw beauty of the Southern Ocean. 

Kelly Hill Caves were formed over thousands of years as rainwater shaped the island’s limestone and were known to local Aboriginal people long before European settlement. Today, within Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park, visitors can explore impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate formations on guided tours while learning about the caves’ geology, history, and discovery.

Leaving the peaceful, wildlife-rich surroundings of Hanson Bay, you’ll see rolling farmland, native bush, and glimpses of the coastline unfold, and you might spot kangaroos or koalas in the wild. As you get closer to Kingscote, make sure to stop at Island Beehive to discover the island’s honey-making process and sample a range of unique local honey, and at the Kangaroo Island Brewery to enjoy a refreshing drink and locally crafted beers. Arriving in Kingscote, you’ll find a charming coastal town with cafes, galleries, and a scenic foreshore, the perfect base for exploring the rest of Kangaroo Island.

Go beyond the jar with this guided Behind the Scenes Tour at Island Beehive, where you’ll uncover the magic behind Kangaroo Island’s world-famous Ligurian honey. Led by passionate local guides, you’ll explore how the protected Ligurian bees transform nectar into the golden honey we all love. Discover the rich history of these unique bees, take a peek inside the honey extracting facility, and enjoy a personalised honey tasting experience showcasing a variety of flavours and textures. To top it off, every tour includes a complimentary gift and a scoop of delicious honey ice cream, perfect to enjoy on the balcony as you watch the bees return to their hives after a day’s work. A sweet and educational experience for all ages!

Kingscote, the main town on Kangaroo Island, is a charming coastal hub with a relaxed, friendly vibe. Visitors can stroll along the historic wharf, spot pelicans at Pelican Lagoon, explore local galleries and boutiques, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront cafes. 

Experience the best of Kangaroo Island’s marine wildlife on the Island Explorer Tour & Dolphin Swim. Cruise along pristine coastlines to spot dolphins, seals, sea birds, and playful wildlife in their natural habitat. Hop in the water for an unforgettable swim alongside wild dolphins, guided by expert naturalists. This immersive adventure combines scenic cruising, wildlife encounters, and hands-on marine experiences, perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a unique way to connect with Kangaroo Island’s ocean wonders.

The drive from Kingscote to Penneshaw passes rolling farmland, bushland, and coastal scenery, with kangaroos, koalas, and native birds along the way. Stop at American River for birdwatching or Neptune’s Island Lookout for sweeping views. Penneshaw offers art galleries, cafes, and the ferry to the mainland.

SeaLink Kangaroo Island’s ferry service operates between Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island and Cape Jervis. The journey takes just 45 minutes for the 16km crossing.

Travel along the coastline of the St Vincent Gulf to the iconic McLaren Vale wine region. Here, you can visit galleries and taste wine at some of the 45 cellar doors, including Yangarra, d’Arenberg, and Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard. Then travel towards Glenelg, where sandy beaches, the jetty, and vibrant cafes await.

Glenelg is a vibrant beachside suburb of Adelaide, set on the white sands of Holdfast Bay. Established in 1836 as South Australia’s first mainland settlement, it was once the landing site for the state’s earliest settlers and home to the Kaurna people long before colonisation. Visit the Bay Discovery Centre to explore local and cultural history, then enjoy Glenelg’s turquoise waters and soft sands. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Lined with bars, restaurants, and boutique shops, Glenelg is ideal for a relaxed seaside evening.

Glenelg boasts one of South Australia's most popular beaches, with locals and holiday-goers filling the boutique stores and eateries dotted along the main street, Jetty Road. During the summer, The Mosley Beach Club sets up their lounge chairs and umbrellas, serving cocktails late into the evening. The wheelchair accessible ramp situated beside Glenelg Jetty and the Beach Club allows access to the sand all year-round and for those seeking other ways to take in the seaside air, the walk along the Esplanade between Glenelg and Seacliff has wide footpaths, seating, nature reserves and wheelchair accessible toilets intermittently along the way. The Glenelg Tram has three free tram stops along the main street, all with wheelchair accessibility. The tramway runs all the way from Glenelg, through the city of Adelaide to the Entertainment Centre in Hindmarsh. If time permits, visit the Marina Pier for an opportunity to spot dolphins abroad a catamaran or indulge in culinary delights.

Return your vehicle at the Adelaide Airport depot.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!