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 (two hours south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. The journey takes just 45 minutes for the 16km crossing.

Setting out on a 45 minute drive you will head west on Middle terrace out of Penneshaw towards your destination Kingscote, the largest town on Kangaroo Island. Following along the coast you'll pass through Baudin Beach and Brown Beach before reaching Pelican Lagoon a protected seawater aquatic reserve. If you wish you can make a slight detour from Haines to Nepean Bay, here you will find the Kangala Kangaroo and wildlife rescue centre.

Perched on the rugged eastern tip of Kangaroo Island, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse stands as South Australia's oldest lighthouse, first illuminated in 1852. This 27-meter-high granite and limestone tower was built to guide ships safely through the treacherous Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland. Today, the lighthouse is a centerpiece of the Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, offering visitors panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding ocean. The park features walking trails through native vegetation, opportunities to spot local wildlife, and a chance to delve into the region's maritime history. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking breathtaking vistas, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse provides a memorable experience on Kangaroo Island.

Travelling from Penneshaw to Hanson Bay is a scenic cross-island journey showcasing Kangaroo Island’s diversity, from coastal wildlife to rugged interiors. Along the way, 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.

This 45 minute walking tour with National Parks and Wildlife Service will take you on a journey around Seal Bay, departing the Visitor Centre on a boardwalk path through the dunes. At the beach, remark at the sea lions as your knowledgeable guide interprets their behaviour and habits from a safe distance. On this memorable wildlife experience, occasionally spot members of the colony snoozing in the sand dunes or in the middle of the path. Seal Bay has the third largest breeding colony of Australian Sea Lions.

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 natural wonders of Flinders Chase National Park on scenic walks. Take the Remarkable Rocks Walk to marvel at the park’s iconic granite formations, stroll the Admirals Arch Boardwalk to see the resident fur seals and dramatic coastal cliffs, and enjoy shorter bush trails like the Platypus Waterholes Walk or Weirs Cove Walk for wildlife spotting. These suggested activities are perfect for nature lovers and families, combining breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife encounters, and unforgettable photo opportunities in one of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic national parks.

Kelly Hill Caves have a long history shaped by both nature and people. Formed over thousands of years as rainwater slowly dissolved the island’s limestone, the caves were known to the local Aboriginal people long before European settlement. They were officially recorded in the late 1800s and later developed for guided tours in the early 20th century. Today, the caves are protected within Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park, preserving their geological features and cultural significance while allowing visitors to experience this remarkable underground landscape on guided tours. On a guided tour, you’ll descend into the cool limestone caves to explore impressive chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and delicate formations, while expert guides share stories about the cave’s geology, history and discovery.

Leaving the peaceful, wildlife-rich surroundings of Hanson Bay, you’ll follow the South Coast Road east before joining the Playford Highway toward the island’s main town. Along the route, 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!

The largest town on Kangaroo Island, Kingscote is situated on the coast of Nepean Bay, on the northeast corner of the island, and boasts an extensive collection of restaurants, cafes, shopping, heritage sites, and wildlife. On the north end of town is the historical Hope Cottage Folk Museum; built in the 1850s, it is now one of the oldest homes on the island. Other notable heritage sites in Kingscote include The Bluff Cottage, Barrett’s Store, and the Old Government Quarry.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene of local sculpture, jewellery, paintings, glasswork, and woodcraft art at the Kangaroo Island Art Gallery in the centre of Kingscote as well as the many smaller galleries. There’s no shortage of great restaurant options, and local brews and spirits can be found at the Kangaroo Island Brewery and Kangaroo Island Spirits.
For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, head to the Busby Islet Conservation Park, a 17-hectare nature reserve just north of Kingscote at the mouth of Nepean Bay. The park is home to numerous bird species, such as Australian Pelicans, and Sooty Oystercatchers, and is also home to a colony of the smallest penguins in the world, the little penguin. Avid beachgoers should be sure to pay a visit to Emu Bay to indulge in the white sand and crystal-clear waters.

With over 30 years of local marine experience, KI Marine Adventures are passionate about Kangaroo Island and its untouched natural environment. This 3-hour tour is the only true wild dolphin swim experience on Kangaroo Island and is the perfect way to see some of the amazing wildlife that call the island home in the calm waters of the North Coast of Kangaroo Island. On board the custom-built vessel, the Energizer, this unforgettable marine adventure will provide the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins, listen to them communicate underwater with a hydrophone, and spot other wildlife including fur seals, eagles and osprey.

Leaving Kingscote you will embark on a 60km drive to your destination Penneshaw. Following the Playford Highway then turning left onto Hog Bay, will take you to Mt Thisby lookout, we recommend you take the short 500 step hike up to the top of Prospect Hill where you will be rewarded with amazing views of Kangaroo Island. After a little longer you will reach your destination of Penneshaw.

SeaLink Kangaroo Island’s ferry service operates between Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island and Cape Jervis (two hours south of Adelaide). 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 join the Southern Expressway into 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. Families can visit The Beachouse for waterslides, arcade games and fun by the shore, while the coastline offers chances to spot seals, dolphins, and even the occasional whale.

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.

Farewell Adelaide today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!