6 of SA’s best animal encounters

By Clair Morton
Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Ever wanted to snuggle up to a cuddly koala? How about snorkelling with scores of giant cuttlefish? There are so many ways to get up close with wildlife in South Australia, and some experiences are unique to the state. Here are a few we’re most excited about:

Swim with giant cuttlefish

For just a few months each year, from May to July, visitors to Whyalla can immerse themselves in an underwater world filled with giant cuttlefish.

That’s because the Eyre Peninsula’s Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park serves as a breeding ground for these normally solitary cephalopods.

Thousands of cuttlefish – some males measuring more than 60cm long – converge here each year, and they seem to be completely oblivious to the snorkelers above them, which makes for a truly unique experience.

The water does get very cold in winter, so it’s best to wear a thick wetsuit.

Get cosy with a cuttlefish in Whyalla.

Enter the lion’s den

Being within clawing distance of a pride of lions isn’t normally something that people jump at the chance to do, but what if your safety could be guaranteed?

Monarto Zoo’s Lions 360 experience is the only place in Australia where you can do just that.

When you enter the dome shaped cage, it’s clear you’ve stepped in their territory as they deftly manoeuvre around and on top of the frame. The experience is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

Member offer: RAA members save 5% on Monarto Zoo entry.

Get within claw's reach of the lions at Monarto Zoo.

Kayak with dolphins

There’s just something about seeing a pod of frolicking dolphins that warms the heart and puts a smile on faces both young and old. So it’s lucky that Adelaide has its own dolphin sanctuary just half an hour from the CBD.

Embarking on a kayak tour in the Port River is truly a family-friendly activity, and the perfect environmentally-friendly way to encounter these magnificent animals.

Not to mention that the mangrove areas just happen to be spectacularly beautiful.

Member offer: If you’re an RAA member, you can save 5% on a two-hour family tour.

Kayak with dolphins in the Port River.

Say hi to the natives

With koala cuddling sessions on offer every day, the Gorge Wildlife Park at Cudlee Creek truly lives up to its name.

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, this native Australian wildlife park is home to dingoes, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas and fruit bats, just to name a few.

You can walk among the roaming kangaroos and wallabies and even feed them if you want to. Book here today.

Hang with the wallabies at Gorge Wildlife Park.

Dive with great white sharks

What’s a great white’s favourite music? You might be expecting a punchline here, but this question isn’t a joke, and the answer, according to Port Lincoln’s Adventure Charters, is ACDC.

To attract sharks to the tour company’s underwater shark diving cages, they use environmentally-friendly and ethical sound vibrations rather than chum to attract the huge predators that lurk off the Lower Eyre Peninsula.

Apparently, they also respond well to the Hilltop Hoods. Find out yourself by booking a tour.

Rodney Fox Great White Shark Expeditions

Go shark cage diving in Port Lincoln.

Dine with a giraffe

You don’t have to go on an African safari to make friends with a giraffe. In fact you’re likely to get closer to the world’s tallest animals at Adelaide Zoo, home to females Dharba and Kimya.

The half-sister duo loves chowing down on ash, elm and jacaranda branches, and each day from 1.30pm, up to 20 visitors get the chance to hand-feed one of these gentle giants.

Member offer: RAA members get 5% off this and other animal experiences at Adelaide Zoo, plus they save on entry too.

Lunch with a giraffe at Adelaide Zoo.

Feeling inspired?

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