by Adam Priest
Nestled close to Vivonne Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, our Heritage-listed private property at Little Sahara offers a rare opportunity for bird enthusiasts to explore diverse habitats teeming with life. With exclusive access to this expansive landscape, our guided eco-tours take you deep into areas few visitors ever see, where both common and uncommon bird species can be sighted throughout the year.
Diverse Bird Habitats
River Woodland
Wander amongst majestic South Australian Blue Gums and Tea Trees where birdlife thrives in every season. Freshwater pools, flowing strongly in winter and persisting through summer, provide a haven for countless species. Look for:
- Kangaroo Island Crimson Rosella (subspecies)
- Bassian Thrush
- KI Grey Currawong
- KI Brown-headed Honeyeater
- KI Red and Little Wattlebirds
- Spotted Pardalotes
Keep your ears tuned for the melodic Grey Shrike Thrush—but don’t be surprised if it turns out to be a clever Golden Whistler, well-known for mimicking their calls!
Coastal Heath & Shrubland
A favourite for smaller species such as:
- KI Superb Fairy-wren
- KI Striated Thornbill
- Eastern Spinebill
- Silvereye
- KI White-browed Scrub Wren
If you’re lucky, you may spot the shy KI Southern Emu-wren or the striking Beautiful Firetail, both species of conservation concern after recent bushfires reduced much of their habitat. Spotting them here is a true privilege, and we encourage you to share your findings on Ebird or Birdata to support ongoing conservation.
Isolated Beach
Scan the shoreline for powerful White-bellied Sea Eagles and graceful Ospreys hunting for fish such as Australian Herring and Yellow-eyed Mullet. Along the tide line, keep an eye out for the endangered Hooded Plover, along with Sooty and Pied Oystercatchers. For the best sightings, time your tour with a low tide, and always follow your guide’s instructions to help protect these fragile coastal habitats.
Coastal Limestone Cliffs
From these spectacular cliffs, gaze out over the ocean for pelagic species including Petrels, Shearwaters, and the occasional Albatross. Watch as Australasian Gannets ride the air currents before plunging into the sea after schools of fish, a breathtaking sight.
Sand Dune Fringe Shrubland and Groundcover
On the edges of our inland sand dunes, raptors patrol the skies. Look for Nankeen Kestrels and Black-shouldered Kites hovering in search of prey, while higher above, Wedge-tailed Eagles soar effortlessly on the updrafts. You may also glimpse Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, feeding on acacia seeds among the shrubs. Also, recently sightings of the elusive Western Whip bird have been recorded.
Wildlife Beyond Birds
While birdwatching is the focus, you’ll also have opportunities to encounter other wildlife, including Koalas (guaranteed), KI Kangaroos, Echidnas, Heath Goannas, and Tammar Wallabies. At coastal sites, seasonal sightings may include Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, and even migrating Humpback or Southern Right Whales.
How We Explore – By UTV Buggies
We explore Little Sahara using five-seater UTV buggies, travelling along existing tracks originally created by the property’s first owners. This allows us to reach a variety of habitats with ease while keeping our impact low.
Your interpretive guide will drive the buggy, point out key locations, and, where suitable, lead you on short walking sections to give you the best chance of observing birdlife and other wildlife quietly and respectfully.
Along the way, you may encounter species such as Koalas, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, Echidnas, Heath Goannas, and Tammar Wallabies. At the coastal sites, there is also the possibility of seeing Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, Dolphins, and during the right season, Humpback or Southern Right Whales.
What to Bring
- Binoculars
- Australian bird field guide
- Camera
- Weather-appropriate clothing (dull colours or camouflage preferred)
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Drinking water
Suggested Birdwatching Tours
The best way to explore all habitats in one journey is on our 170-minute Ultimate Buggy Tour—perfect for dedicated birders. If you’d like a tailored experience, consider upgrading to a private tour, so the focus remains entirely on birdwatching without compromise.
Other options include:
- 110-minute Koala Walking Tour – perfect for exploring River Woodland habitats.
- 110-minute Surf & Sand Buggy Tour – a faster-paced adventure that still offers diverse bird-spotting opportunities.
Share Your Sightings
We encourage all guests to record their bird sightings on Birdata or Ebird and share photos online, tagging Little Sahara Adventure Centre. Every record helps conservation efforts and builds a better understanding of Kangaroo Island’s unique birdlife.
Join us for a birdwatching adventure like no other—where local expertise and breathtaking landscapes make every outing memorable.
If you’re hoping to focus on particular bird species, please reach out to us beforehand so we can have a guide ready. Keep in mind, sightings are in the wild and can’t be guaranteed.