7 best South Australian eco tours

By Samuel Smith
Published: Friday, May 28, 2021

From the outback to the ocean, experience the best of our stunning state without leaving a footprint.

1. SA Eco Tours
Multiple regions

Take the front seat with SA Eco Tours’ 4WD Eco Safari, exploring Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy, the Flinders Ranges or the Yorke Peninsula, sustainably.

The guides at SA Eco Tours are true blue bushmen with a passion and respect for the outback. SA Eco Tours is an accredited tourism business and a member of EcoTourism Australia.

2. Ancient Land Tours
Eyre Peninsula

Ancient Land Tours will take you straight through the heart of our wild west – the Eyre Peninsula.

Think deserted beaches, towering sand dunes and mammoth rocky outcrops. Ancient Land’s Southern Right Whale Tour gives guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see our ocean’s gentle giants at the very edge of the Nullarbor.

Ancient Land Tours has EcoStar accreditation.

See southern right whales with SA Eco Tours. Image: SA Eco Tours — See southern right whales with Ancient Land Tours. Image: Ancient Land Tours

3. Witchelina and Hiltaba nature reserves
Outback SA

Managed by Nature Foundation – a not-for-profit, investing in conserving, restoring and protecting South Australian landscapes – Witchelina and Hiltaba nature reserves provide the perfect opportunity to get back to nature in our magnificent outback.

Witchelina extends from Lake Torrens in the south to Marree in the north, encompassing 3 bioregions. Hiltaba adjoins the Gawler Ranges and features magnificent granite hills overlooking plains of diverse grasses and woodland habitats.

4. Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary
Adelaide Hills

Warrawong, nestled amidst the leafy Adelaide Hills, is the only confirmed home of the platypus in South Australia, with a breeding colony calling the tranquil sanctuary home. You’ll also encounter koalas, kangaroos, bettongs and potoroos.

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Image: supplied by Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary — Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Image: Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island

Exceptional Kangaroo Island’s small-group and private tours are all about spectacular landscapes, non-intrusive wildlife experiences and great food and wine. They’re recognised as one of Australia’s leading eco-certified tour operators.

6. Big Duck Tours
Fleurieu Peninsula

Big Duck Boat Tours offers unique ocean adventures. See seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, beautiful islands and coastline from the comfort of a 27-seater boat. Their Southern Ocean Adventure and Seal Island tours are Advanced Ecotourism-certified.

Big Duck Tours. Image: supplied by Big Duck Tours — Big Duck Tours. Image: Big Duck Tours

7. Rawnsley Park Station, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge Discovery Tour
Flinders Ranges

Explore the Flinders Ranges’ 600-million-year-old landscape, witnessing the grandeur of 2 of the most spectacular gorges in the region – Bunyeroo and Brachina. This 4-hour tour includes a complimentary morning tea and fascinating insights by a knowledgeable guide.

All tours at Rawnsley Park Station have Eco Certification IV accreditation at Nature Tourism Level.