Take a Walk on the Wild(life) Side in South Australia

See whales migrating off the coast and spy Australian animals in their native habitat at these havens for animal lovers.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and echidnas can be seen all over the island. For a closer look, head to Hanson Bay Koala Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park or Paul’s Place.

Get wet and wild underwater

Take a shark cage diving expedition and come face-to-face with great whites off the coast of Port Lincoln. Swim with tuna, cuttlefish, dolphins and sea lions. Snorkel the Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula and spot the Leafy Sea Dragon.

Watch for whales

Head to a lookout point at Head of Bight or jump on board with Chinta Tours’ Whales and Wheels, to see whales migrating between May and October. Closer to Adelaide, you can also see them at Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula – but you might need to bring your binoculars.

Get close to koalas and kangaroos

Feed a kangaroo, hold a koala and meet more than 130 species as they roam freely in their native bushland habitat at Cleland Wildlife Park, less than an hour from Adelaide. Mikkira Station in Port Lincoln is also a great place to see koalas in the wild.

Zoos and wildlife parks

Adelaide Zoo is home to more than 1800 animals and 400 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. At Gorge Wildlife Park, wombats, dingoes, kangaroos and koalas reside along with monkeys, alligators, meerkats and ostriches. Monarto Zoo is one of the world’s largest open range zoos, where more than 500 animals can be seen.

Image Credits: Copyright SATC & Lachlan Swan.