By Adam Priest | Fly-Fishing and Eco Tour Guide | August 2024
Hi, I’m Adam Priest.
I operate a guided fly-fishing business called TnT Guided Fly Fishing NZ, offering trips across the Taranaki and Taupō regions of New Zealand during the trout fishing season (October to April).
During the off-season, my family and I travel to Kangaroo Island (South Australia). There, I’m fortunate to work casually as a guide with Little Sahara Adventure Centre — a stunning eco-tourism destination along the island’s south coast.
Exploring Little Sahara
Little Sahara is protected under a Heritage Agreement and offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of natural environments:
– River woodlands where koalas are a daily sight
– An isolated white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters
– Dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into the ocean
– And, of course, Little Sahara’s famous 2.5 square kilometres of inland sand dunes.
Visitors can join a range of interpretive adventures at Little Sahara, including:
• Koala walks through the woodlands
• Electric fat bike tours across dunes and bushland
• Guided side-by-side tours to the coast
• Sandboarding and tobogganing, which are popular low-impact activities for all ages.
Being a guide here combines adventure with education. It allows me to share the importance of conservation while helping visitors create unforgettable memories.
Why Visit Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island (KI) is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Over a third of the island is dedicated to national parks and conservation areas. On any given day, visitors might see:
• KI kangaroos
• Tammar wallabies
• Koalas
• Echidnas
• Goannas
• Fur seals
• Dolphins
• Glossy black cockatoos
…and many more native species.
The island also offers remarkable natural attractions:
• Seal Bay — guided tours to view Australian sea lions basking on the beach
• Penneshaw — night tours to spot little penguins under the stars
• Kelly Hill Caves — limestone cave tours and adventure caving (I once worked there as an Interpretive Officer)
• Flinders Chase National Park — home to Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and prime whale-watching spots.
Moreover, the new $20 million Interpretive Centre at Flinders Chase showcases the island’s ecosystems, history, and the iconic Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail — a five-day hike through untouched wilderness.
A Destination for Foodies and Adventurers
Beyond the wildlife, Kangaroo Island offers incredible experiences for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitors can enjoy:
• Local wines from boutique vineyards
• Fresh seafood, whether through shore fishing, jetty fishing, or charters
• Near-pristine beaches for swimming and snorkeling
• Estuaries ideal for paddle boarding or kayaking.
If you’re after a day of fun on the dunes, Little Sahara is the perfect destination. However, please remember to avoid the fragile coastal dunes, which are still recovering from bushfires and rising sea levels.
Protecting This Special Place
Unfortunately, vehicle collisions are a major threat to KI’s wildlife, particularly between dusk and dawn.
In my 20 years living and visiting here, I’ve never hit a kangaroo or wallaby — thanks to careful daytime driving and constant alertness.
You too can help protect the island’s wildlife:
– Drive slowly, especially near dawn and dusk
– Travel during daylight hours whenever possible
– Support local conservation organisations, such as:
-
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network
-
KI Wildlife Park
-
KI Wilderness Project
-
Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife
-
Birdlife Australia
Every small action contributes to a safer environment for wildlife.
Climate Change and Community Action
Another major threat to Kangaroo Island’s delicate ecosystems is climate change.
Changes in rainfall, increasing temperatures, more frequent bushfires, and rising sea levels are already impacting the landscape.
At Little Sahara and across the island, we encourage government bodies, researchers, and local groups to run climate change workshops, seminars, and citizen science programs.
These initiatives offer visitors and locals a deeper understanding of the issues and how they can contribute to protecting these precious places.
Education and collaboration are crucial. Whether it’s attending a seminar, volunteering for a conservation project, recording wildlife sightings, or simply making sustainable choices, everyone has a part to play.
Even small efforts, multiplied across communities, can have a powerful impact on protecting Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, coastline, and forests for generations to come.
We warmly invite all visitors, locals, and businesses to get involved, stay informed, and be part of the solution.
Let’s Connect
If you’re keen to learn more about fly fishing — or if you’re just looking for a guide to help you get started — you can find me at:
www.guidedflyfishtaranaki.com
Facebook: TnT Guided Fly Fishing NZ
Instagram: @tnt_guiding_nz
Or maybe I’ll see you on a tour at Little Sahara, Kangaroo Island.
Cheers,
Adam Priest | Tour Guide
Guide Adam driving the buggy!