Wildlife & parks

Untouched bushland, scenic rivers and spectacular coastline, where you can discover whales, penguins, birdlife and camp or bushwalk in our many parks.

Meet the giants of the deep as they venture as close as 100 metres to the shore – or even closer – at Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor. From June to October, you will see a spectacular water display with breaching, tail lobbing, spyhopping, blowing and body rolling. Keep up to date with whale-watching reports to determine the best times to see these amazing animals.

Fleurieu Peninsula has some of the most fascinating and unique animals you’re ever likely to encounter. One of these is the enchanting Little Penguin, the world’s smallest penguin species, which is found in Granite Island Recreation Park. Take one of the guided penguin tours at dusk to see these shy creatures up close, and learn about them in the underground Penguin Interpretation Centre to which you’ll receive free admission as part of your tour. For tour details telephone (08) 8552 7555.

The Fleurieu Peninsula hosts many parks, and some of the most challenging and scenic walking trails this state has to offer.

One of these is the Heysen Trail, which at 1200 km is one of the longest walking trails in Australia. The Fleurieu section of the trail meanders through Newland Head and Deep Creek conservation parks, showcasing windswept coastal scrub, spectacular seascapes and stunning views of Backstairs Passage and beyond.

The Deep Creek Cove Hike in Deep Creek Conservation Park also presents spectacular coastal views and the opportunity to encounter a variety of flora and fauna.

Wildlife on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Victor Harbor is one of the easiest places in South Australia to see Southern Right Whales, which often come close to shore along the coastlines of the Peninsula, especially in Encounter Bay, during their winter migrations.

Southern Right Whales migrate to South Australian waters between June and October each year to breed. The SA Whale Centre at Victor Harbor provides whale sighting information - June to October (phone 1900 931 223).

Granite Island Victor Harbor is home to 2000 Little Penguins. They return to their island nests at dusk and tours of the colony are run every evening.

Dolphins and Fur Seals are commonly seen off the Peninsula’s southern coast and along the beaches of Gulf St Vincent and, while the Leafy Seadragon may seem a bit tame to some, scuba divers search for this rare, delicate creature in Rapid Bay, Second Valley and Victor Harbor.

Back on land, there’s a wealth of wildlife, some of it quite shy and hiding away in the 20 or so national parks and reserves of the Peninsula – but not so the Western Grey Kangaroo which, at certain times of day, can be seen in mobs grazing like sheep in paddocks.

One delightful place where Grey Kangaroo can be reliably seen is around Tent Hill in Deep Creek Conservation Park, one of the best places on the Peninsula for wildlife. The 4500 hectare park has many less obvious inhabitants worth seeking out such as such as Shortbeaked Echidna, Ring-tailed Possum and Yellow-footed Antechinus.

Perhaps the most prolific and spectacular wildlife is to be found in the air with more than 230 species of birds inhabiting the region.

Coorong National Park is famous for its migratory waders. Birdwatchers are rewarded at the Onkaparinga Estuary, Aldinga Scrub and areas around Mount Compass, Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island.

Murray River is alive with birdlife ... black swans, egrets and many species of ducks thriving in the shallow waters and river reeds.

The Peninsula’s national parks also teem with birdlife, with up to 100 species recorded in some of them, many are easily spotted when walking.

Species of high conservation importance include the Southern Emu Wren, Yellow-tailed Black–Cockatoo, Glossy Black–Cockatoo, Peregrine Falcon, White–bellied Sea Eagle, Painted Button Quail, Chestnutrumped Heathwren, White’s Thrush, Elegant Parrot, Lewin’s Rail and Latham’s Snipe.

If all this sounds too energetic, the armchair way to appreciate the region’s wildlife — and to take it home — is to visit Goolwa’s Porter St Wildlife Gallery, where wildlife artists show their paintings and prints.

Children enjoy the Urimbirra Wildlife Park, near Victor Harbor, which is home to more than 400 Australian native animals and bird species.

National Parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Granite Island Recreation Park
The adorable Little Penguins are only a fragment of this park’s appeal. There’s also the opportunity to ride the horse-drawn tram or stroll across the 600 metre wooden causeway to Granite Island. Scenic walking trails circle and cross the island passing fascinating rock formations and lookout points for whale-watching. Take a picnic, visit the kiosk or dine at the fully licensed bistro. If you like fishing, mullet, flathead and salmon can be caught from the Screwpile Jetty or causeway.

Deep Creek Conservation Park

You’ll love this park for its scenic coastline, lush, green valleys and stunning wildflowers in spring. Just an hour from Adelaide, this park has it all. You can walk the famous Heysen Trail, have a picnic in beautiful surrounds and see diverse wildlife including seabirds, Western Grey Kangaroos, Short-beaked Echidnas and even Yellow-tailed Cockatoos. In addition to its 4 campgrounds, there’s award-winning accommodation that boasts spectacular views and a high level of comfort. For further information on accommodation phone Ridgetop Retreats on (08) 8598 4169.

Onkaparinga River National Park and Recreation Park

Did you know that South Australia’s second longest river is only 34 kilometres from Adelaide? You could be forgiven for thinking it’s the Riverland rather than metropolitan Adelaide as you explore this tranquil oasis. Characterised by River Red Gums and lush open grassland, it is one of the few parks in South Australia that offers canoeing and rock climbing. Take the Wetland Trail to see prolific bird life, visit the Sundews Lookout for scenic gorge views, or indulge in a picnic at Chapel Hill. The challenging and rugged nature of this park makes it a great place to get active. There’s a good chance you’ll see Koalas, kangaroos and Echidnas during your visit.

Coorong National Park

This is one of Australia’s major landmarks. The Coorong is a spectacular saline lagoon stretching 100 kilometres, separated from the ocean by the sand dunes of Younghusband Peninsula. There are some fantastic sites to behold, including Jacks Point, which is home of the largest breeding colony of Australian Pelicans. Experience Jack’s Point Observatory, which has high-powered binoculars that let you see many of the thousands of birds that visit and breed on the nearby islands.

There’s also Parnka Point or “Hells Gate”, the narrowest point between the northern and southern Coorong lagoon. The scenery is sensational and is best enjoyed in a canoe or over a picnic lunch using the facilities provided.

Newland Head Conservation Park
Get set for the ultimate weekend escape. With panoramic views of Waitpinga Creek, Encounter Bay and Kangaroo Island, Newland Head Conservation Park is something not to be missed. Located near the popular seaside town of Victor Harbor, it is a great place to go surfing, beach-fishing and bushwalking on the Heysen Trail.Gas barbecues provide the perfect solution to a big appetite and picnic facilities are provided. Bring your tent to camp for the weekend or stay in Victor and visit daily.

Talisker Conservation Park

Gain a first-hand insight into South Australia’s past by exploring the heritage-listed ruins in Talisker Conservation Park. They provide a well-preserved record of 19th century mining. Learn about the stories, values and work ethic that saw this Cornish community succeed.

Scott Creek Conservation Park

This is a fascinating reminder of what was once a thriving community. European settlers first occupied the area in the 1830s and mined for copper and silver from the 1850s, producing some 310 kilograms of ore by the time production ceased in 1887. Explore the remnants of the Almanda Mine office, stone chimney, dairy, engine house and settler’s cottage via 2 half-hour interpretive trails. The park also provides habitat for the Southern-brown Bandicoot and a variety of birds.

Home | About Fleurieu Peninsula | Maps & Virtual Tour | Accommodation | Attractions | Tours & Transport
Must See & Do | Festivals & Events | Brochures & Contacts | Search this Site
Site Map | Useful Links | |Disclaimer | Privacy | © Copyright 2003-2008