Ancient Ranges, Island Sanctuaries & Coastal Wonders
South Australia showcases extraordinary natural diversity - from the ancient, rust-coloured peaks of the Flinders Ranges rising dramatically from desert plains, to the wildlife paradise of Kangaroo Island surrounded by pristine Southern Ocean waters, to the vast wetlands of the Coorong supporting thousands of migratory birds.
With over 340 parks and reserves protecting more than 21 million hectares (21% of the state), South Australia offers incredible wilderness experiences, Aboriginal cultural heritage spanning 50,000+ years, and some of Australia's most accessible wildlife encounters.
Explore SA's diverse landscapes with Cooee Tours and experience world-class national parks just hours from Adelaide.
📍 430km north of Adelaide
Ancient Mountains Wilpena PoundSouth Australia's largest and most spectacular national park features the iconic Wilpena Pound (Ikara), a natural amphitheatre of mountains rising 1,000 metres. The Flinders Ranges are among Earth's oldest mountain ranges, with geological history spanning 800 million years.
Highlights: Wilpena Pound, St Mary Peak, Brachina Gorge (geological trail), Aboriginal rock art, yellow-footed rock wallabies, stunning Outback scenery
📍 Ferry from Cape Jervis or flight from Adelaide
Wildlife Sanctuary Coastal BeautyAustralia's third-largest island is a wildlife wonderland with multiple conservation parks. See sea lions lounging on beaches, koalas in native habitat, diverse birdlife, and spectacular coastal rock formations like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Highlights: Flinders Chase NP, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, koalas, sea lions, Little Sahara sand dunes, pristine beaches
📍 Southeast of Adelaide
Wetlands Birdwatching ParadiseA 140km stretch of coastal lagoons, sand dunes, and wetlands of international significance. The Coorong supports over 230 bird species including migratory waders that travel from Siberia. Made famous by the film "Storm Boy".
Highlights: Birdwatching, pelican colonies, 4WD beach driving, fishing, Aboriginal cultural heritage, Storm Boy filming locations, salt lakes
📍 Yorke Peninsula tip
Surfing Coastal WildernessThe southern tip of Yorke Peninsula features rugged coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, heritage sites, and some of SA's best surfing breaks. The park protects important coastal mallee vegetation and marine life.
Highlights: Pondalowie Bay, Ethel Wreck, Cape Spencer, surfing, coastal walks, wildflowers (spring), fishing, lighthouse ruins
📍 Eyre Peninsula
Pristine Beaches AquacultureSpectacular coastal wilderness on the Eyre Peninsula featuring pristine white sand beaches, sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and calm turquoise waters. The adjacent Coffin Bay is renowned for premium oysters.
Highlights: Point Avoid, Almonta Beach, Yangie Bay, 4WD touring, beach camping, emus, fishing, oyster farm tours nearby
📍 Adelaide Hills, 20 minutes from Adelaide
Easy Access Wildlife EncountersAdelaide's backyard wilderness featuring eucalypt forests, walking trails, and the popular Cleland Wildlife Park where visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and get close to koalas. Mount Lofty Summit offers panoramic Adelaide views.
Highlights: Cleland Wildlife Park, Mount Lofty Summit, Waterfall Gully, bushwalking trails, close kangaroo encounters, koalas, platypus
📍 Eyre Peninsula, near Port Lincoln
Dramatic Coastline Whale WatchingRugged coastal park featuring spectacular cliff scenery, secluded beaches, and important marine environments. The adjacent waters are home to southern right whales (winter), great white sharks, and sea lions.
Highlights: Memory Cove, Sleaford Bay, whale watching (June-October), rock pools, coastal walks, Cape Donington, 4WD access
📍 Southeast SA, 330km from Adelaide
World Heritage Fossil SitesWorld Heritage-listed for containing one of the world's best-preserved fossil records from the last Ice Age. The limestone caves contain megafauna fossils dating back 500,000 years, including giant kangaroos, marsupial lions, and wombats.
Highlights: Victoria Fossil Cave, Alexandra Cave, bat colony observations, fossil displays, cave tours, wetlands
📍 Fleurieu Peninsula, 90km south of Adelaide
Coastal Walks Wilderness CampingThe largest park on the Fleurieu Peninsula offers dramatic coastal scenery where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the Southern Ocean. Features the Heysen Trail's coastal section with spectacular cliff-top walks.
Highlights: Heysen Trail coastal section, Blowhole Beach, Deep Creek waterfalls, kangaroos, camping, rock climbing, coastal panoramas
Kangaroo Island specialties: Kangaroo Island kangaroos (distinct subspecies), glossy black cockatoos, sea lions, fur seals, short-beaked echidnas
Flinders Ranges icons: Yellow-footed rock wallabies, red kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, iconic Outback species
Coastal encounters: Southern right whales (winter), Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, little penguins
Birdlife: Over 400 species including major Mitchell's cockatoos, mallee emu-wrens, pelicans, and migratory waders
Adelaide Hills: Cleland, Morialta, Mount Lofty - easy day trips with excellent facilities
Fleurieu Peninsula: Deep Creek, Coorong - coastal beauty close to Adelaide and wine regions
Kangaroo Island: Multiple parks forming wildlife sanctuary - ferry or flight access
Eyre Peninsula: Coffin Bay, Lincoln - remote coastal wilderness with marine experiences
Flinders Ranges: Ikara-Flinders Ranges - iconic Outback landscapes and ancient mountains
Southeast: Naracoorte Caves, Coorong - World Heritage fossils and wetlands
Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom across the Flinders Ranges, mild temperatures, perfect for hiking
Summer (December-February): Beach parks ideal, hot in Flinders Ranges, whale season begins
Autumn (March-May): Comfortable temperatures everywhere, autumn colours in Adelaide Hills, excellent wildlife viewing
Winter (June-August): Whale watching season peaks, cooler weather perfect for Outback exploration, occasional snow in ranges
Getting around: Car rental recommended for flexibility. Most parks accessible via sealed roads. Some remote areas require 4WD. Coach tours available from Adelaide.
What to bring: Sun protection, water bottles, sturdy walking shoes, layers (temperatures vary), binoculars for wildlife, camera, swimming gear
Best for first-timers: Cleland Conservation Park (close to Adelaide), Wilpena Pound (iconic), Kangaroo Island (wildlife encounters)
Best for adventurers: Remote Eyre Peninsula coast, multi-day Heysen Trail sections, 4WD touring through Flinders Ranges
Family-friendly: Cleland Wildlife Park, Morialta Conservation Park, Belair National Park (Adelaide's oldest)
Experience South Australia's remarkable national parks with knowledgeable local guides who reveal the stories behind the landscapes. From ancient Flinders Ranges geology to Kangaroo Island's wildlife secrets, we create immersive experiences that showcase SA's natural wonders.
Our SA tours include: Expert local guides, park entry fees, comfortable transport, wildlife spotting opportunities, Aboriginal cultural insights, and small group experiences for personalized attention.
Book Your SA National Parks TourEntry to South Australian national parks requires a vehicle entry fee or parks pass. Options include daily entry, holiday passes, or annual passes offering unlimited access. Some parks have camping fees separate from entry. Purchase online, at park entry stations, or visitors centres. Passes support conservation and park maintenance.
South Australia leads in conservation with successful breeding programs and predator-free sanctuaries. Kangaroo Island's isolation has protected species that declined on mainland Australia. The Flinders Ranges recovery of yellow-footed rock wallabies shows successful habitat protection. SA parks continue important work protecting endangered species and restoring ecosystems.