Discover the Wildlife Wonders of South Australia

Shark Cage Diving: Face-to-Tooth with Great Whites

For thrill-seekers, South Australia is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with Great White Sharks. The turquoise waters off the Eyre Peninsula are renowned for their shark cage diving experiences. This adrenaline-pumping adventure allows you to come face-to-face with these magnificent predators from the safety of a steel cage. The first shark cage expedition took place here, and today, operators like Calypso Star Charters offer eco-certified tours, ensuring both safety and sustainability. Diving with Great Whites, which can grow up to seven meters and weigh over 3,000 kilograms, is an unforgettable encounter that belongs on every adventurer’s bucket list.

Swimming with Australian Sea Lions: The Ocean’s Playful Pups

Imagine swimming alongside the ocean’s most charismatic residents—Australian Sea Lions. These playful creatures are often referred to as the puppies of the sea, and they make for delightful underwater companions. South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island are prime locations for these encounters. Tours with Calypso Star Charters in Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari allow you to frolic with sea lions in their natural environment. At Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, you can observe a colony of endangered sea lions lounging on the beach, or join them in the water for an unforgettable swim.

Whale Watching: A Spectacle of the Deep

From June to September, South Australia’s coastline becomes a stage for one of nature’s greatest shows—the migration of Southern Right Whales. These gentle giants travel from Antarctic waters to the warmer shores of South Australia to give birth and raise their calves. The Head of Bight on the Eyre Peninsula offers some of the best whale watching opportunities. Here, you can stroll along the boardwalk and get so close that you can hear the whales’ blowholes. For an even more dramatic view, boat tours and aerial flights provide a unique perspective on these magnificent mammals. EP Cruises and other local operators offer eco-friendly tours that bring you right into the heart of the action.

Koalas: Up Close with Australia’s Favorite Marsupial

South Australia is a haven for koalas, with significant populations found in various regions. Just minutes from Adelaide, the leafy suburbs and the lush Adelaide Hills provide excellent koala-spotting opportunities. Cleland Wildlife Park, located in the Adelaide Hills, is home to over 130 native species, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and reptiles. For a truly immersive experience, head to Kangaroo Island, where you can find Australia’s only chlamydia-free koala population. At Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, you can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and see a variety of native animals in a natural setting.

Kangaroos: An Iconic Australian Encounter

Kangaroos are synonymous with Australia, and South Australia offers countless opportunities to see these iconic animals in the wild. From the vineyards of the Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley to the sandy beaches of the Yorke and Fleurieu Peninsulas, kangaroos are a common sight. For a guaranteed kangaroo encounter, visit places like Cleland Wildlife Park, Gorge Wildlife Park, or Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Further afield, the Flinders Ranges provides some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities, where you can explore areas like Rawnsley Park Station and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.