Australian Wildlife
The chance to observe prolific birds and native wildlife from kangaroo and emu to sea lion and koala.
Combine Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges, Barossa Valley and Murray River for a holiday that epitomises how sustainability, fun and fulfilment in Australia’s great outdoors can all come together.
Contribute to echidna research and citizen science programs with expert Peggy Rismiller on Kangaroo Island, stay at Arkaba, a 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy comprising 1,200 species of plants and almost 300 birds and take guided walks and canoe excursions on a Murray River cruise aboard a solar-powered houseboat. A combination of self-drive and guided activities allows for flexibility and freedom with minimal internal flights required.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Outstanding Lodges
From a traditional homestead to a world-class restaurant and a lodge with never ending views.
World-class vineyards
Sample some of Australia’s premium wines in regions known for their Shiraz and Riesling grapes.
4
The Flinders Ranges
Explore dramatic outback and ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Flinders Ranges.
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Day 1
Adelaide
Arrive into Adelaide
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Day 2
Adelaide - Flinders Ranges
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Day 3 - 4
Flinders Ranges
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Day 5
Flinders Ranges - Barossa
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Day 6
Barossa
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Day 7
Barossa - Adelaide - Kangaroo Island
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Day 8 - 9
Kangaroo Island
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Day 10
Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
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Day 11-13
Adelaide - Murray River
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Day 14
Return to Adelaide
Day 1
Adelaide
Arrive into Adelaide and transfer to your hotel to overnight.
Day 2
Adelaide - Flinders Ranges
Pick up your hire car and drive approximately 5 hours to the Flinders Ranges and you accommodation for the next 3 nights.
Day 3 - 4
Flinders Ranges
Spend the next 2 days exploring Arkaba’s private wildlife conservancy on foot and by 4×4 for the chance to see iconic Australian fauna such as kangaroos, yellow-footed rock wallabies and western quoll. Your guides will provide engaging interpretation and memorable insight into Arkaba’s impressive conservation projects.
Spend a morning in one of Arkaba’s wildlife hides or take an early morning birding safari with one of Arkaba’s bird experts. There is of course the opportunity to venture outside of the conservancy, and visit ancient Aboriginal rock art or fossil sites in the Flinders Ranges.
Day 5
Flinders Ranges - Barossa
Drive south for approximately 4 hours to the Barossa Valley and check into your accommodation. You could stop for a unique and authentically Australian dining experience at the Prairie Hotel…
Day 6
Barossa
Spend the day sampling some of Australia’s premium wines including Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, all of which are grown in the region.
Day 7
Barossa - Adelaide - Kangaroo Island
Drive to Adelaide airport, leave your hire car and board your flight for the short hop to Kangaroo Island! On arrival you will be met and driven to your accommodation on the south coast of the island.
Day 8 - 9
Kangaroo Island
During your stay at Southern Ocean Lodge (due to reopen in the second half of 2023), take an e-bike tour along the meandering Cygnet River or get involved with echidna research and citizen science programs with expert Peggy Rismiller. Following the devastating fires, meeting the conservationists and witnessing first-hand Kangaroo Island’s natural regeneration is an uplifting experience.
Day 10
Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
Return to the airport for your short flight back to Adelaide where you will collect your hire car and drive approximately 3 hours inland to the Murray River where you will board your Houseboat.
Day 11-13
Adelaide - Murray River
Over the next 3 days, from the comfort of your solar powered houseboat, The High River, explore the Murray River by kayak, on foot and by boat to spot red kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, goannas and possums. Birding on the Murray River is particularly good, with rainbow bee-eaters, red-necked avocets, parrots and migratory waders being particular highlights.
Day 14
Return to Adelaide
Disembark your boat and drive back to Adelaide for your onward travel.
More Details
Rewilding
Outback experience at Arkaba
Venture deep into the vast and beautiful outback of Southern Australia and the Flinders Ranges, spending three nights at Arkaba, a small, intimate homestead, with a history dating back to the 1850s. Arkaba’s recent, dynamic conservation initiatives have countered years of ecological damage caused by intensive farming, acting as a catalyst for the return of myriad native species. The Flinders are home to huge river red gum trees, wide gorges and extensive bushland providing natural habitat to many of Australia’s iconic wildlife including kangaroos, emus, kookaburras and yellow-footed rock wallabies. Take guided walks and 4×4 safaris around the conservancy, spend mornings at Arkaba’s wildlife hides or go further afield and visit ancient Aboriginal sites.
Food and Wine
Barossa Valley
South Australia has a dynamic and exciting reputation for outstanding local food and wine Stay amidst the vineyards and wineries of the Barossa Valley at the Louise Hotel. A contemporary hotel with just 15 rooms, it is renowned for its award-winning restaurant, Appellation. Join the chefs in the kitchen garden or at the local farmers market or ask the sommelier to show you the wine cellar.
Regeneration
Kangaroo Island
Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island is home to rugged cliffs lined with hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches. It is a haven for wildlife including sea lions, penguins, echidnas, koalas and possums. Take an e-bike tour along the meandering Cygnet River or get involved with echidna research and citizen science programs with expert Peggy Rismiller. Following the devastating fires, meeting the conservationists and witnessing first-hand, Kangaroo Island’s natural regeneration is an uplifting experience.
Spend three nights at Southern Ocean Lodge (due to reopen in the second half of 2023) – sitting high on a cliff side above sandy coves and crashing waves below. The panoramic views from this lodge seem endless.
Light footprint
Murray River Explorations
With departures in March, April, October and November, join the 12-berth solar-powered houseboat High River, for a 3-day safari along the Murray River. Powered by 52 solar panels, High River has no need for a diesel-powered motor making it the perfect carbon-light option for discovering the biodiversity of the which Murray River. Alongside local guides, explore the meandering creeks and tranquil backwaters by canoe, and take walks with local naturalists to spot red kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, goannas and possums as well as a wealth of birdlife.
If travelling between May and September, a four-day walk can be booked as an alternative, featuring easy days of hiking along Australia’s greatest river.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Our partner in Kangaroo Island, Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours has been at the forefront of policy development for responsible Koala viewing based on over 27 years of research. In 2006, the organisation launched the Sustainable Koala Watching Code, implementing a welfare policy for guides, researchers and staff members to reduce human behaviours that may negatively impact koalas. Maintaining a distance of 10 metres (horizontally) from koalas, never surrounding a koala’s tree and avoiding excessive movement or noise around wild koalas.
Arkaba’s biodiversity is still in a state of recovery following the ecological damage done by over a century of sheep farming and the clearance of vegetation for agriculture. Working with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Arkaba’s robust conservation efforts have been the catalyst for this recovery, eradicating feral herbivores and predators to allow native species to thrive. The property now sits on a protected wildlife conservancy of 24,300 hectares which provides a sanctuary to over 1,200 species of plants and 300 different species of birds. Tourism provides essential funds towards financing many of Arkaba’s conservation initiatives.
Drought is a major threat in Australia, so efficient water management practices are an essential component of sustainable operations. The High River houseboat we use on the Murray River is powered by 52 solar panels generating an impressive 20 kilowatts of electricity, enough to mean that a diesel-powered motor is not required. The owners and operators of High River, recently established the Murray River Trails Fund, supporting organisations at the forefront of improving the region’s biodiversity, river floodplain health and status of threatened species in the region.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £10,495 Per person
When to travel
South Australia can be visited for most of the year but the best time is from October to May. Kangaroo Island has a Mediterranean climate so is a good destination year round, with the exception of June to September when it could be cold and wet – that said the wildlife in the winter is great and luxurious accommodation such as Southern Ocean Lodge have beautiful open fires.
The Southern Outback ranges can get extremely hot during the summer months from October to March and temperatures can reach freezing at night and in the early mornings during winter, from June to September. Murray River cruises operate in March, April, October and November.
Holiday Inspiration
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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