Australia is a beautiful, BIG, and biodiverse continent, and we’ve chosen three of our favorites, most wildlife-rich locations for this adventure: Darwin and the northeast coast, Perth and the southeast coast and the fascinating wild isle of Tasmania. And don’t miss the optional extension to Kangaroo Island for more rare and amazing mammals and birds!

We begin on Australia’s northeast coast, exploring the vast wetlands and billabongs of Kakadu National Park, home to a third of Australia’s bird species! Waterbirds are well-represented here, especially during our afternoon cruise of Yellow Waters Billabong, Kakadu’s best-known wetland. Elsewhere in the park we expect to see colorful finches, honeyeaters, and kookaburra. Other northeast birding hotspots we hit include Fogg Dam Conservation Area and the beautiful Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Moving to Perth and Australia’s southeast coast, we explore the woodlands, bush and grasslands of the 1000-acre Kings Park and Botanic Garden for the birds that call this area’s unique vegetation home. We then ferry to Rottnest Island, where we have our best chance to see and photograph Quokka, adorable and inquisitive marsupials that seem to smile! We also watch for Humpback whales, Bottle-nosed Dolphins, long-nosed fur seals and Australian Sea Lions among other marine mammals and many amphibians.

Still in the southwest, we spend three nights in the Cheynes Beach area, one of the country’s top birding sites and home to three endemic ‘skulkers,’ Noisy Scrub-bird, Western Bristlebird, and Western Whipbird and visit Dryandra State Forest in Narrogin, home to forest birds including cockatoos, bee-eaters, lorikeets, treecreepers and wattlebirds, and an impressive list of exotic mammals, including Bilby, Boodie, Mala, Marl and Mernine!

Saving the best for last, we transition to Tasmania, home to 12 endemic birds, and mammals including Forester Kangaroo, Common Wombat, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tasmanian Padmelon, Bennett’s Wallaby, Platypus, Echidna and Tasmanian Devil. With eight nights and nine days to enjoy Tasmania, we thoroughly explore the many habitats and hotspots of this gorgeous island jewel, including Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, foodie Hobart, and enjoy a three-hour nature cruise off the island’s spectacular southern coast, where we marvel at the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Simply put, Tasmania will take your breath away!

The only thing that could possibly top this ending would be our post-tour extension to Kangaroo Island, where introduced Koalas, Tammar Wallaby and namesake Kangaroo Island Kangaroos are just the start of the terrific mammals and birds we hope to see on this two-night, three-day extension.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Darwin’s Botanical Gardens to find Red-collared Lorikeet, Orange-footed Scrub-fowl, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Rainbow Bee-eater, Sacred Kingfisher, Brown Honeyeater, and more!
• Look for Chestnut Rail, Rufous Owl, Rainbow Pitta, Forest Kingfisher, Green Oriole, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Blue-winged Kookaburra in north coast mangroves
• Visit Fogg Dam to see Magpie Goose, Green Pygmy-goose, Pied Heron, Glossy Ibis, and the stately Brolga
• Experience world-heritage Kakadu National Park, with is impressive escarpments, ancient rock art, and arid-land mammals and birds.
• Cruise the Yellow Waters Billabong, Kakadu’s best-known wetland
• Explore the Darling Range for southwest endemic bird species such as Western Wattlebird and Gilbert’s Honeyeater
• Spend time exploring Perth and its wetlands
• Visit picturesque Cheynes Beach for Noisy Scrub-bird
• Enjoy eight nights in Tasmania, Australia's southeast island jewel, savoring visits to scenic, wildlife-rich Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, Maria Island, and foodie Hobart
• Visit Kangaroo Island on an optional extension for namesake marsupials and so much more

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., Sept. 11        Arrivals in Darwin

Today has been set aside as an arrival day so you are free to arrive at any time that suits your travel plans. We meet at the hotel this evening for a brief orientation and welcome dinner with your local guide. 
Accommodations in Darwin (D)

Thurs., Sept. 12     Darwin to Jabiru (Kakadu)

This morning we start the day with a visit to Fogg Dam. This well-known site is an excellent area for waterbirds including Magpie Goose, Green Pygmy- goose, Pied Heron, Glossy Ibis, the stately Brolga, White-browed Crake and the quirky Comb-crested Jacana. En route to Kakadu we enjoy a stop at the Adelaide River crossing for lunch where we may see Mangrove Golden Whistler and a variety of flycatchers like Shining, Paperbark and Broad-billed Flycatchers. As we enter Kakadu, we start seeing iconic waterbirds like Magpie Goose, Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Radjah Shelduck, Black-necked Stork, and Green Pygmy-goose. After dinner, if time permits, we may do some spotlighting for nocturnal species such as Southern Boobook, Tawny Frogmouth, Large-tailed Nightjar and Australian Owlet-nightjar. 
Accommodation in Jabiru, Kakadu (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 13     Jabiru & Yellow-waters Cruise (Kakadu)

This morning we visit Ubirr, a site of typical Arnhemland Escarpment rock outcrops, that is home to some impressive aboriginal rock art. The art depicts creation ancestors and animals of the area, including several fish and turtle species, wallabies and possums. Hopefully, Wilkin’s Rock Wallabies may be present in the shade of the rocks, and birds we may see here include Sandstone Shrike-Thrush & Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon. Elsewhere throughout the park we hope to connect with tropical woodland species like Partridge Pigeon (red eyed form), Rainbow Bee-eater, Black Bittern, Long-tailed Finch and Rufous-throated Honeyeater. In the afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong, Kakadu’s best-known wetland. This impressive wetland of channels, swamps and floodplains is a delight to explore and is home to crocodiles aplenty and a variety of waterbirds including Nankeen Night-heron, Black-necked Stork, Little Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Pied Heron and Purple Swamphen. The stately Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern may also be seen. In the early evening we check in to our accommodation, and after dinner if we’re feeling energetic, we can spotlight for mammals like Black-footed Tree-rat and Savannah (Sugar) Glider.
Accommodations in Jabiru, Kakadu (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 14      Kakadu to Darwin

This morning we make an early visit to Nourlangie Rock where we have a reasonable chance of seeing the range-restricted Black Wallaroo, Banded Fruit-dove and White-lined Honeyeater. Also here are Little Woodswallow, Black-tailed-treecreeper and the sandstone form of Helmeted Friarbird. We then enjoy a last look around Kakadu before making our way out of the park and back to Darwin, exploring enroute.
Accommodations in Darwin (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 15      Darwin to Perth

Darwin is surrounded by a fantastic diversity of habitat types that we spend the rest of the day exploring for a range of interesting birds and mammals. Mangrove and monsoon forests are especially rich, hosting an impressive range of possible highlights includes the elusive Chestnut Rail, Rufous Owl, Orange-footed Scrub-fowl, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, the striking Rainbow Pitta, Forest Kingfisher, Red-headed Myzomela, Mangrove Robin, Green Oriole, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Green-backed Gerygone, Spangled Drongo, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Great Bowerbird, Pheasant Coucal, Pied and Silver-backed Butcherbirds and Red-collared Lorikeet. Little Red Flying-fox and Agile Wallaby are possible mammal highlights. This afternoon we fly from Darwin to Perth. On arrival at Perth airport, you are met by your local guide and transferred to the nearby hotel where the group can check in and freshen up before a late dinner. 
Accommodations in Perth (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 16      Perth

Today we explore the Perth area. This includes a visit to Kings Park, a 400-hectare reserve near central Perth, two thirds of which is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological diversity. The Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora is located within this area. This afternoon is spent around the Perth wetlands including Herdsman Lake for waterbirds such as Blue-billed Duck, Musk Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Freckled Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Nankeen Night-Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Buff-banded Rail, Australian Crake, Spotless Crake, Swamp Harrier and Australian Hobby. There is also an option for those who wish to take some down time today and perhaps travel into the city of Perth to explore by yourselves. The group can reunite for dinner this evening. Accommodations in Perth (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 17        Perth to Cheynes Beach

This morning after an early breakfast we travel to the southern coastline of Western Australia. Today is a long travel day but we stop en route to bird. We visit the Darling Range in search of the first of the endemics with Western Wattlebird and Gilbert's Honeyeater. We continue to Williams and stop at the Beaufort River to look for Pink-eared Duck, Elegant Parrot, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Rufous Songlark, White-winged Triller and a chance of Painted Buttonquail and Black-tailed Native-hen. We continue to Kojonup and then to Rocky Gully where we look for Western Corella and Baudin's Black Cockatoo. We travel to Mt. Barker and then stop at Porongurup for more chances of Baudin's Black Cockatoo and Scarlet Robin. We hope to arrive at Cheynes Beach in time for a first look for Noisy Scrubbird. 
Accommodations in Cheynes Beach (B,L,D)

Wed., Sept. 18        Cheynes Beach | Waychinicup Inlet

This morning we take a pre-breakfast walk to look for Noisy Scrub-bird and Western Bristlebird. After breakfast, we spend the morning looking for Western Whipbird (nigrogularis), White-breasted Robin, Red-winged Fairy-wren, Splendid Fairy-wren, Western Wattlebird, Western Spinebill, Red-eared Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Brush Bronzewing, Brown Quail, Sooty Oystercatcher and Pacific Gull. Lunch at Cheynes Beach. After lunch, we look for Rock Parrot along the beach and then visit the very scenic Waychinicup Inlet for more chances of Red-winged Fairy-wren, Red-eared Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Gilbert's Honeyeater, Carnaby's Black Cockatoo, Baudin's Black Cockatoo, Swamp Harrier, White-bellied Sea-Eagle. There are also good chances during the day for Southern Brown Bandicoot and several reptiles and with luck Quokka and Bush Rat. After dinner, we take a spotlighting trip in search of Spotted Nightjar and Tawny Frogmouth with chances of a few mammals, frogs or reptiles. 
Accommodations in Cheynes Beach (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 19       Cheynes Beach | Stirling Range | Albany

We spend the early morning at Cheynes Beach if needed, and then travel to the Stirling Range where we spend the morning looking for Emu, Hooded Plover, Carnaby's Black Cockatoo, Elegant Parrot, Regent Parrot, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Western Yellow Robin, Scarlet Robin, Restless Flycatcher and chances of Crested Shrike-tit, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Little Eagle, Rufous Songlark, Southern Emu-wren, Western (Rufous) Fieldwren and Square-tailed Kite. This is also a great place to view wildflowers. After lunch, we go to Albany for more chances of Red-winged Fairy-wren, White-breasted Robin, Western Rosella, Red-eared Firetail and chances of Buff-banded Rail, Fairy Tern, some shorebirds and if time permits some seabirds. If needed, we have the option of visiting Two People's Bay which is a good backup site for Western Bristlebird and Western Whipbird (nigrogularis). This evening we return to Cheynes Beach with another chance to spotlight for nocturnal birds and mammals after dinner.
Accommodations in Cheynes Beach (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 20        Cheynes Beach to Narrogin

Another fairly long travel day today, but we break it up with lots of exploring. We leave Cheynes Beach early and travel to the Porongurup National Park to visit the karri forest. We look for Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, Western Rosella, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Gilbert’s Honeyeater, Western Whistler, Red-winged Fairywren, White-breasted Robin, Scarlet Robin, Rufous Treecreeper and our first chance of Western Shrike-tit. We then visit the Stirling Range NP where we look for Western Yellow Robin, Restless Flycatcher, Western Shrike-tit, Regent Parrot, Elegant Parrot, Purple- crowned Lorikeet, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Little Eagle, a chance of Western Thornbill and with luck an Australian Owlet-nightjar sitting at the entrance of its hollow. After lunch we look for Emu and Hooded Plover before heading north to our accommodation at Narrogin, hopefully with enough time to make a short visit to Fox’s Lair NR to look for Western Rosella and Red-capped Parrot.
Accommodations in Narrogin (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 21      Dryandra State Forest, Narrogin

We depart after an early breakfast for Dryandra State Forest. We hope to see Bush Stone-curlew, Painted Button-quail, Carnaby's Black Cockatoo, Elegant Parrot, Rufous Treecreeper, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, Western Thornbill, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Gilbert's Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, White-browed Babbler, Varied Sittella, Jacky Winter, Scarlet Robin, Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, Western Yellow Robin and Crested Shrike-tit. We also search for Numbat throughout the day, with the best chance in the late afternoon. After an early dinner, we take a walk in an extensive fenced enclosure within Dryandra State Forest where the Department of Parks & Wildlife’s amazing efforts at breeding a variety of threatened species has been very successful. We may encounter Bilby, Boodie (Burrowing Bettong), Mala (Rufous Hare-wallaby), Marl (Western-barred Bandicoot) and Mernine (Banded Hare-wallaby). This hare-wallaby is the sole surviving species of sthenurine kangaroos in a safe fox-free environment. We return to our accommodations in the late evening. 
Accommodations in Narrogin (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 22        Narrogin to Perth

We depart early this morning after breakfast. Activities for today depend on what we haven't seen. We have further options for Regent Parrot, Hooded Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Red-eared Firetail, Baudin's Black Cockatoo, White-fronted Chat, Rufous Songlark, Brown Songlark, Gilbert's Honeyeater, Western Wattlebird and Fairy Tern. This afternoon is spent around the Perth wetlands including Herdsman Lake for waterbirds such as Blue-billed Duck, Musk Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Freckled Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, Nankeen Night-Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Buff-banded Rail, Australian Crake, Spotless Crake, Swamp Harrier and Australian Hobby. 
Accommodations in Perth (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 23       Rottnest Island

Today we spend the day at Rottnest Island which is accessed by a 90-minute ferry ride. We spend the day walking around the island, exploring the captivating flora and fauna, diverse marine life and wildlife and enjoying the natural landscapes while discovering the island’s rich and significant heritage. Today is the best chance of seeing the endearing Quokka (Short-tailed Scrub-wallaby), a small macropod that has become famous for their cute appearance. Rottnest Island provides habitat for the largest Quokka population and is critical for the species’ survival. We return to Perth and transfer to our hotel to freshen up before dinner. 
Accommodations in Perth Hotel (B,L,D)

Tues., Sept. 24         Perth to Hobart

We have a leisurely start this morning before we transfer to Perth airport for our flight to Hobart, Tasmania. This is a full day of travel allowing for time-zone changes.
Accommodations in Hobart (B,L,D)(some meals at airports)

Wed., Sept. 25         Hobart Reserves & Drive to Eaglehawk Neck

This morning we begin our explorations of spectacular Tasmania by visiting several reserves in the Hobart area including Mount Wellington. This mountain, at a height of 1,270m (around 4,150 feet), affords spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscape on a clear day. Here we also take a walk through a fern glade with towering tree ferns where we have our first chance to see the endemic and rather shy Scrubtit as well as Tasmanian Scrubwren and the stunning Pink Robin. Further endemic highlights we look for today include Green Rosella, Tasmanian Native Hen, Black Currawong and Yellow Wattlebird. In the early afternoon we enjoy the scenic drive to Eaglehawk Neck. On arrival we bird some of the areas of interest enjoying the spectacular sea cliffs and breathtaking scenery typical of the area. We may well see Yellow-throated Honeyeater as well as a range of more widely distributed species including White-bellied Sea Eagle and Black-faced Cormorant. 
Accommodations on the Tasman Peninsula (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 26         Tasman Island Cruise (or optional land-based touring including a visit to Tasman NP)

This morning we take a three-hour wilderness cruise along the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck in southern Tasmania. The cruise travels beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. Guests explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves. The coastline is part of the Tasman National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales and abundant sea birds in the thousands. At any time of year, we're likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants and Peregrine Falcon, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat. The custom built boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of the Tasman Peninsula. Each vessel holds a maximum of 43 guests. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment. The boats are safe, comfortable and gentle on the environment due to their fuel efficiency and low emission operation. Those participants that chose not to join the cruise can do some land-based touring with your local guide. Lunch is provided after the cruise and we then have time to explore the nearby Tasman National Park before returning to our accommodation late afternoon. 
Accommodations on the Tasman Peninsula (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 27         Maria Island Excursion

We leave this morning to travel up the East Coast to Triabunna, where we take the short 30-minute ferry ride across to Maria Island. Maria is an island with a rich history, a World Heritage Listed Probation Station, fossil cliffs and a great array of wildlife. On the way across to Maria Island, we look out for seals, dolphins, Orcas and whales. Maria is a fascinating island with a wide variety of bird and mammal species. Of the mammals, we can expect to see Forester Kangaroo, Tasmanian Pademelon, Bennett’s Wallaby and Common Wombat. Maria Island has an abundant bird assemblage, with 11 of the 12 Tasmanian endemics occurring here. We use our time to stroll slowly around the northern part of the island, with outstanding scenery, and a large number of bird species including Cape Barren Goose, Australasian Pipit and Skylark on the grazed grasslands and Forty-spotted Pardalote, Swift Parrot, Black Currawong and several species of honeyeaters in the wooded areas. We head back on the afternoon ferry and return to Hobart. Depending on the mood and weather we may opt for some spotlighting after dinner in a Hobart reserve to search for Southern (Tasmanian) Bettong, Tasmanian Pademelon, Bennett’s Wallaby and Brush Tailed Possum. 
Accommodations in Hobart (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 28          Hobart & Bruny Island

Depending on our timing and conditions we may opt to start our day in reserves around Hobart or alternatively venture directly down to Bruny Island. Situated 40km south of Hobart, Bruny Island is separated from the Tasmanian mainland by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and accessed by a vehicle ferry. The ferry trip takes approximately 15 minutes where one can enjoy some wonderful scenery and possibly Little Penguins or dolphins alongside the ferry. This afternoon we visit Bruny’s southern coastline to view the second oldest lighthouse in Australia, and search for species such as Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Olive Whistler and Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo. Here we also have a chance to see the Tasmanian subspecies of Short-beaked Echidna, one of Australia’s two egg-laying mammal (montreme) species. After dinner tonight, we visit the Little Penguin and Short-tailed Shearwater colony to view these species at their burrows. 
Accommodations on South Bruny Island (B,L,D)

Sun., Sept. 29         Bruny Island

Today we have a full day to explore Bruny Island. We start the day birding at ‘Inala’, a privately owned 1,500-acre wildlife sanctuary, which is home to all 12 Tasmanian endemic bird species, including one of the largest known colonies of endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. Strong-billed, Yellow-throated and Black-headed Honeyeaters, Dusky Robin and Green Rosella are also regulars here. Several hides and platforms have also been built around the property that provide close views of some very special species, including a variety of raptors. At this time of year, we can expect to see the endangered white colour morph of Grey Goshawk, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon and if we are lucky, Wedge-tailed Eagle. We also visit a variety of habitats on the island, from coastal beaches for Hooded Plover, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Pacific and Kelp Gulls, to rainforest areas in search of Pink Robin and the endemic Scrubtit, Tasmanian Scrubwren and Tasmanian Thornbill. Tonight, we take an evening drive in search of Tasmania’s nocturnal marsupials. We are likely to see some species that are now restricted to Tasmania including Eastern Quoll (a relative of the Tasmanian Devil) and Tasmanian Pademelon. Bennett’s Wallaby and Brush-tailed Possum are also common here and rare golden/white colour morphs of both these species can sometimes be found. If we are lucky, we may also see Long-nosed Potoroo and some nocturnal birds like Tawny Frogmouth and Tasmanian Boobook. 
Accommodations on South Bruny Island (B,L,D)

Mon., Sept. 30            Bruny Island to Mt. Field Area 

This morning we depart Bruny early for Mount Field National Park. This area is an excellent back up site for endemic species, notably Scrubtit and Black Currawong, and is also a great place to experience a range of habitats from fern gullies with waterfalls, to alpine heathland and cool temperate rainforest boasting some of the tallest Eucalyptus in Australia. Today we have our first chance of seeing the bizarre Platypus, the other species of Australian monotreme. In the late afternoon we make our way out of the park to a nearby farm stay where we overnight. 
Accommodations near Mt Field NP (B,L,D)

Tues., Oct. 1       Mt Field to Cradle Mountain 

This morning we travel north to Cradle Mountain National Park. While today is largely a travel day, we enjoy lovely scenery and stop en route to bird and stretch our legs. We arrive at our accommodation near the National Park in the late afternoon. This accommodation has been chosen as it offers a chance of seeing one of Australia’s most threatened and charismatic mammals in the wild. This is one of the only places left where one has a reasonable chance of seeing Tasmanian Devils. Here the wild devils and Spotted-tailed Quoll visit the verandas of the cabins at dusk and with any luck this provides an excellent opportunity to view and photograph these elusive creatures. 
Accommodations near Cradle Mountain (B,L,D)

Wed., Oct. 2         Cradle Mountain Area 

Today we have a full day to explore the area around Cradle Mountain and parts of northern Tasmania. This should provide a good chance to see more of Tasmania’s endemic bird species that we may have missed previously, such as Black Currawong and Yellow Wattlebird. In addition to the great birding, we can view endemic Tasmanian rainforest flora with ancient Gondwanan connections such as Pencil and King Billy Pines, Myrtle and the famous Fagus (Nothofagus gunnii) which is Tasmania’s only deciduous tree. This is also a good area to view Common Wombat. We also have a good chance of viewing Platypus, one of Australia’s most bizarre mammals. We return to our small lodge for another opportunity to view Tasmanian Devils and Spotted-tailed Quoll from our cabins. 
Accommodations near Cradle Mountain (B,L,D)

Thurs., Oct. 3         Departures or Kangaroo Island Extension

This morning we travel towards Launceston, visiting some wetlands enroute where there is a chance to view several waterbird species including Purple Swamphen, Spotless Crake, Australian Shelduck, Black-fronted Dotterel and Little Grassbird. We then travel to Launceston airport where you can depart for home. If you are on the extension, we fly to Adelaide. (B,L)

 

Kangaroo Island: Rare Mammals & Birds Post-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

The only thing that could possibly top our Grand Australia itinerary is our post-tour extension to Kangaroo Island, where introduced Koalas, Tammar Wallaby and namesake endemic Kangaroo Island Kangaroos are just the start of the terrific mammals and rare birds like Cape Barren Goose and Glossy Black Cockatoo we hope to see.

Itinerary: Kangaroo Island

Thurs., Oct. 3        Launceston to Adelaide
This afternoon we connect with our flight to Adelaide You transfer to your hotel on your arrival and you are on your own for dinner tonight as you won’t be with a local guide this evening (options available at the hotel) and time to pack a smaller bag to take with you on your short stay on Kangaroo island.
Accommodations in Adelaide 

Fri., Oct. 4 & Sat., Oct. 5      Kangaroo Island 
Early breakfast at the hotel this morning before leaving for the Adelaide airport for our flight to Kangaroo Island . On arrival at Kangaroo Island, we are met by our local guide who spends two full days exploring this amazing Island with us. During our stay here we search for Koalas (which have been introduced to the island) and visit a Conservation Park which is home to Tammar Wallaby (a species that is almost extinct on the adjoining mainland) and Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (a subspecies of Western Grey Kangaroo that only occurs here). We also visit a beautiful sandy beach to see Australian Sea Lions, watch their pups nursing, or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. Nearby Cape du Couedic is also home to a Long-nosed (New Zealand) fur seal colony, which now numbers over 50,000 after being decimated by hunting in the early 1800s. We should also be able to see some Australian and Long-nosed Fur-seals and we look for Short-beaked Echidna (a distinct sub-species lives on the island). The island is also home to a range of rare birds including Cape Barren Goose and Glossy Black Cockatoo. Our accommodation is situated near a known black cockatoo roost which maximises our chances of seeing this beautiful endangered species. 
Accommodation in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island (B,L,D)

Sun., Oct. 6       Fly Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
Enjoy a free morning to relax and explore with lunch on your own today. We transfer from the hotel to Kingscote airport for your flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide. On arrival we are transfered to the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight with time to repack your bags. 
Accommodation at an Adelaide Hotel (B)

Mon., Oct. 7      Departures
Depart Adelaide. (B)

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $11,400 DBL / $13,250 SGL, from Darwin, Australia. Cost includes all specialist guiding and transport for day and night tours as outlined above, all meals as outlined in the itinerary, activities outlined in the itinerary, National Park entry fees, and other miscellaneous costs. Price does not include international or domestic Australian airfares, the airport transfer on day 1, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and expenses of a personal nature (snacks, travel insurance, internet, laundry, tips etc).

Cost of the Kangaroo Island extension is per person, based on occupancy: $2150 DBL / $2550 SGL. 

The cost of the internal flights is approximately $600 USD pp for the main tour and approximately $450 pp for the extension, subject to change.

Price is based on exchange rate from November 20, 2023. Subject to change if there is more than a 5% increase.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Main Tour Arrival Airport: Darwin International Airport (DRW)

Main Tour Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive September 11, 2024 no later than 5:00 PM.

Main Tour Departure Airport: Launceston Airport (LST) in Tasmania

Main Tour Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart October 3, 2024 after 2:00 PM.

Post-tour Extension Departure Airport: Adelaide Airport (ADL)

Post-tour Extension Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart October 7, 2024 at your leisure.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Travelodge Resort Darwin. You can book online and send us the confirmation number, with the goal being you won’t have to switch rooms. If you want to get out and explore Darwin a bit, Mindil Beach, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, and Bicentennial Park are all within 1.5 miles of the hotel. Darwin is very walkable and transportation options include taxis and Uber. 

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

 

Items of Note

Meals & Drinks
Breakfast generally consists of a continental style breakfast with cereal, fruit and yoghurt and tea/coffee. Full cooked breakfast is not generally offered at most locations. Lunch generally consists of a packed lunch style meal eaten in the field, with sandwich/filled roll, fruit, and a drink. Dinner is usually two course and consists of several options for main with the choice of either an appetiser or dessert. Drinks (soft and alcoholic) are generally not included but at lunches and breakfasts juice may be made available.

The itinerary
While we aim to follow the itinerary as planned, please note that the itinerary provided should only be used as a guideline. Depending on individual trip circumstances, weather, and local information, the exact itinerary may not be strictly adhered to. The guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary as they see fit.

The Extension Pelagic
This activities is weather dependent and we will try to reschedule within the timeframe of the tour if it is cancelled due to bad weather.

• Angus McNab
  

  Angus has been a professional wildlife biologist for the last 13 years. In this time he has worked across Australia with a particular focus on Northern Australia and has undertaken several projects internationally. He has extensive experience in wildlife based projects, animal trapping, handling and data collection on all Australian vertebrate taxa. From an initial fascination with reptiles, he broadened his interest and expertise to include all vertebrate taxa, though still considers pit-vipers to be his main interest spending much of his time abroad searching for them. Recently he put some of his knowledge to use, writing and photographing a field guide ‘The guide to Tasmanian Wildlife’ which was released in November 2018. ( Available in the Inala gift shop on Bruny)
  
  He has developed considerable field knowledge, and a thorough knowledge of wildlife ecology which enables him to execute highly professional wildlife surveys and monitoring projects and work as a wildlife and natural history guide. He continues to survey throughout Australia and currently guides through the Kimberley, Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics, Victoria, and Subantarctic New Zealand.

  Other trips with Angus McNab

  • Grand Australia
    September 18 - October 10, 2025, w/Kangaroo Island: Rare Mammals & Birds extension

Essential Information +

Pace & Protocols +

Packing List +

Suggested Reading List +

Useful Links +

• Papua New Guinea: Bucket List Birding
  FULL
  June 25 - July 9, 2024
• Australia: Queensland’s Wet Tropics
  FULL - Check out Birding New Zealand!
  July 7 - 16, 2024
• Indonesia's Best Birding
  September 11 - 29, 2024, w/Komodo Dragons & Endemic Birds Flores Island extension