Australia Family Adventure

This half day experience is a spectacular introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes and takes full advantage of the Lodge’s unique location. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a fur seal colony are just some of the trip highlights. Wander amongst the rare Cape Barren Geese and search the leafy eucalypts for a sleepy koala.

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Seal Bay is home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join our naturalist guide on the shores of the Southern Ocean for an exclusive tour on the beach with these wild animals. Learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site. It’s just one of the many privileges of Kangaroo Island.

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Take a scenic walk starting right on the Lodge’s doorstep atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk affords a bird’s eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline. Stand on top of the cliff with the wind blowing, look out to sea and realise there is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems.
Tip: A photographer’s dream!

Discover the intriguing natural heritage of this wild island in the Baudin Lounge. This informative visual presentation hosted by resident naturalist staff provides insight into the Island’s discovery and natural history and gives an overview of its many spectacular attractions.

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Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, a historic island property reached by a short drive from the Lodge and where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze. Observe these creatures in their natural environment, sip premium South Australian beverages and enjoy a ‘Kanapé’ whilst the sun goes down on another magical day.

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Departing from the Lodge, this fun, interpretive quad bike adventure tour heads into the neighbouring natural bushland at Hanson Bay Sanctuary. ‘In-helmet’ commentary is provided by a Southern Ocean Lodge naturalist guide leading the expedition, providing an insight to the local wildlife and landscape seen along the way. The Sanctuary is home to kangaroos, koalas, possums, wallabies, echidnas, goannas and birdlife in abundance, so bring a camera and sense of adventure. This adventure is available to guests 16 years and over. Additional cost applies.

Take a kayak from the Lodge and glide with a guide along the calm and meandering waters on the South West River, beginning at nearby Hanson Bay. Enjoy the scenery and a variety of birdlife, flora and fauna that inhabit this diverse ecosystem.

Additional cost applies.

Beachcombe to a nearby secluded beach, reel and tackle in hand. Cast off and enjoy some peaceful solitude whilst dolphins crest the waves in welcome. Return to the Lodge where the chef will transform fresh catches into an epicurean delight for lunch or dinner. The beaches and coves are also a great spot for an early morning or afternoon walk.

Additional cost applies.

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A visit to Hanson Bay Sanctuary to discover a world that comes alive while you are asleep. Spot the local koalas at their most active, encounter kangaroos, wallabies and possums up close whilst searching for other wildlife such as owls, bats and echidnas. A fun and educational discovery walk.

Additional cost applies.

Explore the back country of Kelly Hill Conservation Park through the historic Grassdale property and onto Hanson Bay Beach. A fascinating variety of vegetation types from eucalypt woodlands through mallee and coastal heath can be experienced on this medium grade walk. The views over Grassdale lagoons also provide the opportunity for sighting water birds and the meandering trail hosts a number of terrestrial orchids and wildflowers.

Additional cost applies for guided walks.

The untouched wilderness of Kangaroo Island provides inspiration for artists working across an amazing range of mediums. This half day tour follows a journey that takes in both the Rustic Blue and Kangaroo Fine Art Gallery. Learn the stories and see the works of renowned artists including Janine Mackintosh, ceramist Mark Capon and Indiana James with his incredible sculptures created from recycled and found objects.

Additional cost applies.

Perfect for those with a keen interest in food and wine, and its journey from paddock to plate: a short one at Southern Ocean Lodge! This half day tour takes in some of Kangaroo Island’s finest producers, whose products are each showcased on the menu; sample wines at Two Wheeler Creek Vineyard, view freshwater crayfish at the adjacent Andermel Marron Farm, see the sheep milking and taste heavenly haloumi at Island Pure Sheep Dairy and meet the Ligurian bees and their precious honey at Island Beehive.

Additional cost applies.

It's a Ringer's life in the Outback so be immersed in cattle station activities.

There’s never a boring moment on a Station, and there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved and dusty with the team as they care for the cattle.

Get out in the paddocks in four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles. Activities include bore checks, lick runs and cattle yard work. There’s poddy calves to be fed and muster training to do. Or take a farm tour to learn about everything that happens on site.

There are usually two major musters during the dry months of April to September, and guests are welcome to watch if lucky enough to time their visit with a muster.

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Let the world drift past on the namesake Bullo River.

The Bullo River Gorge is a stunning location that can only be taken in from a boat. The river banks are lined with mangroves, fig trees and pandanus, while the red cliffs tower over the water.

There is at least one resident crocodile but regularly seek smaller freshies sunning themselves on the riverbank.

The six-seater electric motor boat takes you on a relaxed pace to the gorge, and fishing rods are on board to try catch a barramundi on the way.

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The landscape takes on a new perspective when viewed from the back of a horse.

Pack a pair of boots to experience Bullo River Station from the back of Australia’s legendary stock horse. Or experience the serenity of the outback and wildlife with a horse ride along bush tracks, billabongs and rivers.

There are stock horses available for guests to ride subject to riding ability with expert assistance and guidance of one of the team members.

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The talent of the Miriuwung-Gajerrong ancestors is captured with art sites across the Station’s vast landscape.

Numerous Aboriginal rock art sites have been found hidden in the Station’s rugged red cliffs and ridge lines. The Miriuwung-Gajerrong people lived on and managed the land before white people came, and there is still much to learn about the cultural significance of these vivid depictions.

The galleries are only accessible by guided tour in an all-terrain vehicle or helicopter.

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Witness Bullo River Station’s half a million acres of breathtaking pristine landscape by helicopter.

See the convergence of the Victoria and Bullo rivers, fly along winding gorges and land near private waterfalls to enjoy a gourmet picnic. Explore swimming holes high up on the escarpment, far away from crocodiles and visit Aboriginal rock art sites that very few people have.

See vast grass plains speckled with herds of cattle and wild buffalo. Land near remote waterholes and watch the cattle, buffalo and wildlife congregate.

Bullo’s helicopter expeditions are tailor-made to guest's interests. Specialised heli-fishing tours are also available.

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Bound by the Victoria and Bullo rivers, with abundant waterholes, billabongs and seasonal creeks, Bullo River Station is teeming with wildlife.

Birds, wallabies, crocodiles, goannas and other reptiles are native to the Station. The cool mornings and evenings are the best time to see the wildlife as they congregate on the water’s edge.

The Station is a bird watchers paradise with around 180 resident and migratory bird species spotted on the property. Emus, magpie geese, whistling ducks, wedge-tailed eagles, red wing parrots, brolgas and the elegantly long-legged jabiru to name a few.

One of the world’s two known populations of the pygmy crocodile is found on the Bullo River. This elusive reptile is a rare but delightful sight.

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Picnicking on top of a remote waterfall in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest is one of the coolest things to experience when in Tropical North Queensland.

Lift off with eco-certified operator Nautilus Aviation from Silky Oaks’ own helipad heading for the coast. View the extraordinary meeting place of the rainforest and reef from a thrilling new perspective. Get the camera ready!

Heading back inland, cue the Jurassic Park soundtrack and soar at Pterodactyl heights over the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest before an exhilarating touchdown at Stewarts Creek Waterfall, a magical location only accessible by helicopter. Soak up wildly beautiful views and strip-off for a swim in the cool, spring-fed waters.

Experience a bucket-list worthy high with a gourmet picnic atop the falls complete with sparkling wine for a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

Tariff: From $1,405 per adult
Duration: 30 minutes flying and 1 hour at waterfall
Departs From: Silky Oaks Lodge

Operator
Nautilus Aviation

Activity essentials
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellant
Swimwear and towel
Camera
Good mobility

Minimum 2 passengers, maximum 6 passengers based on weight and heli aircraft availability. Passengers need to have a good mobility to participate in this experience due to uneven ground at the waterfall location.