Limited to 12 Travelers
A Diverse Safari Down Under with Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats & Wallabies
Southern Australia is full of dramatic landscapes, unique flora and quirky animals. From the familiar koala and ferocious Tasmanian devil to the lesser-known wombat and echidna, native wildlife abounds. Many unusual species stir to action after dark, and we seek them out at dawn and dusk. Step inside a cave to marvel at bioluminescent glowworms. Converse with researchers at the Conservation Ecology Center responding to urgent challenges facing at-risk species in the Cape Otway region. Marvel at sea stacks off the rugged Southern Ocean coast. At the secluded lodges we tuck into each night, kangaroos and Tammar wallabies may frequent your front stoop. Offshore, the isolated isles of Tasmania and Kangaroo Island boast their own endemic species, prized national parks and winemaking prowess. Discover it all on this grand survey of the wonders way down under.
This trip will be hosted by a SDZWA Wildlife & Conservation Expert
The host for this trip will be an SDZWA expert on wildlife specific to the region. They will be with you every step of the way to educate and inspire you, and to share their passion for nature! Check back for more details.
Trip Highlights
Seek out Australia's intriguing native species—kangaroo, koala, wallaby, platypus, echidna, pademelon, wombat and the elusive Tasmanian devil!
Explore the diverse habitats of far-south Australia in the wildlife-rich reserves of Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and Cape Otway—away from crowds.
Absorb warm Australian hospitality at secluded private lodges and a luxury riverside camp, and enjoy farm-to-table meals sourced with local bounty.
An Exclusive Encounter with Wild Australia
Australia is hardly an unknown destination. Its unique wildlife, dramatic coastlines and diverse landscapes are high on travelers' must-see lists. When you explore Australia with SDZWA, however, you'll have anything but a standard approach. Learn more about what sets our trips apart:
- A Distinctive Focus on Nature & Conservation
Australia's impressive landscapes and unique wildlife are front and center on our one-of-a-kind itinerary. From the remote edge of Kangaroo Island to the rugged mountains of Tasmania, we explore World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuaries, internationally protected wetlands and more, learning about efforts to protect these wild habitats and native animals. - Chartered Flights Maximize Your Time in Nature
Australia is a huge country. That's why we fly between many of our itinerary highlights. But adhering to commercial air schedules and logistics can eat up precious safari time down under. That's why we charter planes to and from Kangaroo Island. On the day we return fly from KI to Warrnambool, a commercial schedule would require a full travel day including a layover—but with a chartered flight, it’s only about 90 minutes of travel total. You don't want to come this far to spend excessive time sitting in airports or driving (although the drives we do include are integral for an immersive experience in nature!). - Visit Six National Parks
Diversity is the appeal on our southern Australia adventure, which includes six spectacular national parks: Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell National Park on Cape Otway, and four national parks in Tasmania: Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair, and Mount Field. - Search for Unique Wildlife When Viewing is Best
Since most Australian species are nocturnal, we devote our days to exploring scenic landscapes and maximize our wildlife viewing opportunities around sunrise and sunset, when low light draws out the marsupials, echidnas and other species that stir to activity during the night. Typical Australia tours don't generally adapt to this important consideration. - Explore with Just 12 Travelers...and TWO Expedition Leaders
In a small group, we can seek out more remote places in nature and stay in intimate lodges (sometimes with exclusive occupancy), close to wildlife and conservation sanctuaries. With fewer people, you get a deeper nature experience. And with two Expedition Leaders – and a SDZWA Host - for just 12 guests, you're assured flexibility in activities and personal attention.
Itinerary
Day 1–12: Discover the diverse landscapes and ecology of far-south Australia as we explore four national parks and a host of private nature reserves teeming with endemic and endangered wildlife.
Accommodations
Mayfair Hotel
Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide's newest 5-star boutique hotel is set in the heart of the city in a heritage-listed and impeccably renovated Romanesque-style building. Sink into a luxury room decorated with warm contemporary detail in soothing neutral tones. Custom-crafted king-size beds are made in South Australia, and spacious en suite bathrooms have a walk-in rain shower, bathrobe and slippers, and L'Occitane toiletries. Other amenities include a media hub, large screen TV, mini bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and hand-selected artwork. Due to the historic nature of the building, each room has its own unique floor plan. Stylish public spaces include a restaurant and bar featuring South Australia's fines wine and locally sourced cuisine. Named after the original building's architects, the Hennessy rooftop lounge is set beneath the steeply pitched roofline and incorporates a bar and relaxation leading to a glass-topped open-air terrace.
The River Suites
American River, South Australia
Situated high on a ridge overlooking Eastern Cove in the small fishing town of American River, near Pelican Lagoon and scenic hiking trails, the River Suites provide an optimal location from which to explore Kangaroo Island. With just nine rooms tucked among the trees, this small boutique hotel offers a personal, intimate atmosphere. At the top of the hillside property, the dining room features expansive views over the ocean, while the heated swimming pool and gardens are situated on the middle level. Guest rooms are located the first level, with private balconies and a view of the sea. Each room has a king-size bed that can be converted to two twins, plus an en suite bathroom with robes. Furnishings feature rich hardwoods, and amenities include air conditioning, TV, mini bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Birdwatching on the property is outstanding, and we regularly encounter the endangered glossy black cockatoo, royal spoonbills, black swans, pelicans and superb blue wrens, along with tammar wallabies and brush-tailed possums.
Daysy Hill Country Cottages
Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia
Enjoying a bucolic setting in Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road route, Daysy Hill is a family-owned and run enterprise with owners who live on the 55-acre site. Guest accommodations are set among 5 acres of beautifully landscaped cottage gardens and native flora with scenic country views in the heart of the Shipwreck Coast. Each modern cottage—no two of which are alike—has a private deck; rustic wood ceilings, floors and/or wainscoting made of pine or Tasmanian oak; kitchen and separate living room/lounge area with flatscreen TV and Wi-Fi; and an en suite bathroom with walk-in shower. Cottages have views of Port Campbell Bay, the Newfield Valley or adjoining farmland that sources some of the inn’s fresh local produce. Sheep, cattle and chickens at home on the property add to the authentic country atmosphere, while native birds lend their songs, and occasionally, a wild koala will pass through. The dark night sky, away from city lights, offers an entrancing tableau for stargazers, and when fire danger is low, the cozy fire pit offers a space to gather and toast marshmallows.
Chris’s Beacon Point
Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia
Nat Hab/SDZWA groups enjoy exclusive occupancy of this dramatic property, in private 4-star villas that offer 180° views above Skenes Creek and Bass Strait through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Set high in the Otway Ranges above the Great Ocean Road, Chris's Beacon Point offers an unmatched sense of seclusion. Each air-conditioned villa features clean lines and a bright white palette accented with cool, muted tones to create a calm and restful space. Relax on the sofa in the living room with a panorama of the ocean out your window, or watch a movie on the large LCD TV. Bedrooms have one queen and two single beds, with crisp white linens. Spacious bathrooms have raised porcelain sinks and glass-enclosed tiled, walk-in showers. Early risers can make their own cup of tea or coffee in the kitchenette, then head out to the private balcony to look for koalas in the nearby manna gum trees as the sun comes up over the water. Some lucky guests occasionally find koalas hanging out on their deck!
Cradle Mountain Lodge
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, Australia
This lakeside lodge at the edge of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers warm hospitality, local food and wine, indulgent spa treatments and close proximity to the wonders you want to explore. Located close to the main lodge and linked by timber boardwalks, each private cabin is set discreetly in the wilderness with a balcony overlooking the lake or bushland. Cabins reflect a crisp modern sensibility with bright accents and plenty of lounge space. Cozy armchairs and a daybed round each cabin’s gathering space around the gas fireplace, and rooms include en suite bathroom, a queen size bed, and coffee and tea making facilities. Gather around the fireplace at the on-site Highland Restaurant with its refined mountain vibe.
Truffle Lodge
Gretna, Tasmania, Australia
Described as a “5-star hotel under canvas,” Truffle Lodge offers guests a peaceful, unhurried experience in nature. Surrounded by farm country and wild bush, the lodge shares space with wildlife, including resident platypus and charming marsupials that appear at dusk. Styled like a bush safari camp, with vintage atmosphere and contemporary comfort, the lodge enjoys an incomparable setting on the banks of the Derwent River with a view of the mountains beyond. Guests stay in individual safari tents, but “tent” belies the true nature of these elegant accommodations, which are spacious suites (870 square feet) with rustic ambience captured in wood plank floors, wicker trunks and furnishings made of leather and recycled wood. Its name comes from the terrain on which it is built: one of Australia’s first truffieres — a plot of land cultivated to produce truffles.
MACq 01 Hotel
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Located in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront on Macquarie Wharf, MACq 01 is a unique luxury hotel designed to connect guests with engaging fables and pieces of history that make up the remarkable story of Tasmania. Billed as a "storytelling hotel," MACq 01 offers guests a journey involving "people, time and place," paying homage to the seagoing First Tasmanians who settled this coast more than 42,000 years ago, followed by a colorful cast of characters from whalers to convicts to shipbuilders and ladies of the evening. The contemporary hotel is built to resemble the shipping shed that formerly occupied this location on Hobart's working waterfront and is situated on Hunter Island, a small rocky outpost in modern-day Hobart harbor and one of the earliest sites of European settlement in Tasmania. Guests are within easy walking distance of the Hunter Street Precinct where many of Hobart's trendiest cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and day spas are found.
From your room's private balcony, drink in the surrounding view of yachts, docks, convict-built sandstone warehouses, and a huge expanse of open blue water. Inside, discover the intriguing themes that permeate the hotel: through its design and storytelling motifs, each guest room reflects one of five Tasmanian character traits, inviting guests to learn more about what makes Tasmanians distinctive. Innovative decor is creative and quirky in a way that reflects the Tasmanian personality, including large local-landscape murals at the head of plush king-size beds. Sleek, ultra-modern en suite bathrooms include a large walk-in shower. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a large flatscreen TV, wireless speaker and mini bar. Public spaces include the Lounge, with its circular open fireplace crafted by a local stonemason and artifacts representative of traditional Aboriginal tools that have been crafted by Aboriginal people today. Tasmania's acclaimed food and drink are celebrated at the hotel's Old Wharf Restaurant and two refined luxury bars. Suffice it to say, this is no ordinary cookie-cutter hotel!
Trip Pricing
Trip Price: $16,995 (+internal air).
Internal Air Cost: $2,992 per person (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Single Occupancy: For a single room, add $3,995. Contact us to learn how you can avoid the single supplement.
Deposit: $500 per person
Group Size
Limited to 12 Travelers with Two Expedition Leaders
A very important feature of our South Australia expedition is the limited group size, as nature travel is most meaningful when experienced in the company of fewer travelers, and our environmental footprint is lighter.
Included
Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of SDZWA wildlife and conservation expert(s) and Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leaders, local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some alcoholic beverages, most gratuities, airport transfers for those arriving by air on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
Internal air fee includes: Private charter flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, private charter flight from Kangaroo Island to Warrnambool, and flight from Melbourne to Launceston, Tasmania, plus airline baggage fees and any additional taxes and fees on these flights (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Not Included
Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passports and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, and optional travel protection insurance are not included.
Physical Requirements: Easy / Moderate
This adventure does not require a particularly high degree of physical fitness, however, walks can range from 1 to 4 miles in fluctuating climates and environments. Although these walks are easy to moderate in terms of physical exertion, they can sometimes include fairly steep, uneven or slippery terrain. A variety of early morning and night walks, often in dim light, are offered throughout the itinerary. In order to fully enjoy the experience, travelers should be able to walk unassisted for at least 2 miles over sometimes-rough terrain and inclines. Our days start early and/or finish late, and are full with activities.
Having two Expedition Leaders guiding this trip is of vital importance so we are able, at times, to divide our groups according to varying physical abilities. This advantage ensures that our guests can move at the pace, and travel the distance, that suits their preference. Please note that all walks and activities are optional, and travelers should only participate in those activities in which they feel comfortable. While travelers are not required to participate in all activities, should you opt out of a scheduled activity, we cannot always guarantee alternatives will be available. Travelers who would like to take longer or more strenuous hikes may have limited opportunities to do so at their leisure. Many days involve long drives on winding roads, including over mountain passes at altitudes as high as 6,000 feet.
Mandatory Insurance
Since the areas we travel to are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we strongly recommend that all guests have, at minimum, medical evacuation insurance for this program. While this is not required, we make this strong suggestion in the interest of our guests' safety. We recommend that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations, and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more information about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer, by calling 800-543-8917.
Getting There and Getting Home
This trip begins in Adelaide, South Australia and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. You must arrive in Adelaide by 4 pm on Day 1 in order to join your group for your orientation dinner. We recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to Day 1 of your trip to adjust to the time difference. You may depart Hobart at any time on your final day.
We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find better fares online.