If you’re a wildlife lover, then here are five of the best experiences that you can explore around this time of the year in South Australia:
* Whale watching:There is nothing like watching these beauties sway. South Australia has a mighty coastline and there are some spectacular sights one can witness along it from time to time. Yet, nothing compares to the annual southern right whale migration. The majestic whales can be spotted along the coastline of Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula’s Victor Harbor and on the far west coast of the Eyre Peninsula. These 90 tonne giants can be seen swimming, peeking and making their way through the water, usually from the beginning of May to the end of October each year, creating quite a spectacle for viewers.
* Dive with giant Australian cuttlefish: The current season brings about the annual migration of the native giant Australian cuttlefish, which is one of the most spectacular events under the water — and it is absolutely unique to South Australia. Each year between the months of May and August, they gather in thousands to mate and spawn off the coast of Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula. Popularly known as the chameleons of the sea, cuttlefish change colours and patterns wildly as they swim around, making for an underwater circus that snorkellers and divers won’t want to miss, just 5 hours away from Adelaide city.
* Shark cage diving: South Australia is one of only two places in the world and the only place in Australia where you can go cage diving with one of the most feared predators in the world — the great white shark. A number of charter services operate from Port Lincoln in Eyre Peninsula and include safety equipment and refreshments. One of the most amazing things to watch out for is the way tour operators attract the sharks— it’s either blood (because well..you know, sharks) or rock music.
* Swim with tuna: Put on a wetsuit and take a plunge into an undersea aquarium to swim with southern Bluefin tuna — known as the ‘Ferraris of the sea’. This experience brings swimmers face-to-face with tuna as well as a diverse range of fish species that make South Australian waters their residence. A touch tank allows visitors to get up close and personal with marine life as well. The best part of it all — the experience is now coming to Victor Harbor, just an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
* Inland wildlife watching on Kangaroo Island: While winter brings about plenty of exciting sights to witness under and above water, South Australia also has plenty of wildlife to see inland. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive echidna train, which involves one female echidna being pursued by up to 10 males. Bird-watchers can see black swans nesting in wetlands and along rivers, while migratory wading birds arrive around August. This is also the time you will see the little ones of kangaroos and wallabies peeking out from their mothers’ pouches. The best of Australia’s native wildlife is there aplenty as well with koalas living happily in the Adelaide Hills, a mere 20-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. They can be warm and welcoming, always looking for a hug.
[“source=hindustantimes”]
