Wetlands to Waves: Signature SA Birding Experience

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10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Join professional wildlife photographer Amanda Vallance of Avian Adventures Australia for a full-day, hands-on bird photography workshop exploring South Australia’s finest bird habitats.
This immersive experience is designed for beginners and experienced photographers alike. You’ll not only visit spectacular wetlands and coastal sites but also learn how to photograph birds step-by-step — from camera setup and composition to lighting, fieldcraft, and ethics. Each stop includes guided instruction and personalised feedback to help you master your skills in real time.

What's Included

Bottle of water and Lunch to all visitors
Air-conditioned vehicle
Birdwatching guide or Ornithological guide
Birdwatching binoculars
Lunch not included

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up and drop-off are available from all Adelaide locations, including airports, cruise ports, homestays, Airbnbs, restaurants, and hotels. If your preferred location doesn’t appear at checkout, don’t worry — once your booking is confirmed, simply get in touch with us. We’ll do our best to include your stop for a small additional fee, if required.

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Journey into the Hills and Wetlands Meet in Adelaide’s CBD and enjoy a scenic drive through the Mount Lofty Ranges. As you travel, Amanda introduces camera modes, exposure basics, and what to expect from the day’s workshop. Light refreshments are provided while you leave the city behind for open countryside.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Reflections and First Light Begin your workshop at Laratinga Wetlands, a peaceful series of ponds alive with morning activity. Learn to balance exposure and composition to make the most of the soft, early light. Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australasian Grebe, Musk Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Grey Teal, Hardhead, Australasian Shoveler, Great Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterels, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Welcome Swallow. Workshop Focus: Reflections, aperture control, and framing subjects through natural vegetation.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Through the Heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula Enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive south, passing farmland and low wetlands where raptors often soar. Amanda explains focus tracking and anticipation of movement while you travel. 11:00 AM – Mount Compass Wetlands Hidden Voices of the Reeds A haven for shy waterbirds, Mount Compass Wetlands invites slow, mindful photography. Learn silent-shutter use, spot metering, and manual focus for subjects in dense reeds. Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Black Swan, Spotless Crake (occasional), Australian Reed-Warbler, Little Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Dusky Moorhen, Swamp Harrier. Workshop Focus: Bird behaviour, anticipating movement, and shooting through reeds in variable light.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Country Flavours and Camera Recharge Stop at the iconic Port Elliot Bakery, a local favourite famous for its pies and vanilla slices. Enjoy a relaxed coastal lunch and review your morning images while Amanda provides feedback on exposure and composition before heading to the seaside for the next session.

    1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Victor Harbor & Granite Island Causeway Seabirds in Motion Victor Harbor delivers dramatic coastal scenery and constant bird movement. Walk the causeway or photograph from shore as gulls and terns glide above the surf. Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Crested Tern, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked Stint, Bar-tailed Godwit (seasonal), Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Little Pied and Great Cormorants, Nankeen Kestrel. Workshop Focus: Fast shutter techniques, panning for motion, and flight tracking for sharp, dynamic shots.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    From the Victor Harbor foreshore, you can cross the historic causeway to Granite Island, a rugged and windswept island known for its striking granite boulders, sweeping ocean views, and rich wildlife. The walk itself is scenic and relaxing, or you can ride the famous horse-drawn tram for a unique experience. Once on the island, follow the Kaiki Walk, a loop trail offering panoramic views of Encounter Bay and chances to spot seabirds, dolphins, and even whales during migration season. Granite Island is a natural gem just minutes from the mainland, full of coastal beauty and wildlife encounters.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Explore one of Granite Island’s hidden gems is Nature’s Eye – a naturally formed rock pool surrounded by granite, resembling a giant eye gazing out to sea. It’s a stunning spot along the Kaiki Walk, perfect for a photo and a reminder of nature’s quiet artistry.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Where River Meets Sea Conclude the workshop at the River Murray estuary, capturing birds bathed in golden light. Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australian Pelican, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Red-necked Avocet, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black Swan, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Black Cormorant. Workshop Focus: Golden-hour lighting, silhouette techniques, and storytelling composition. ( Time permitting )

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Homeward Bound – Review and Reflect Relax on the journey home as Amanda leads an informal discussion on image review, white-balance correction, and post-processing tips. Arrive back in Adelaide around 5:45 PM inspired and confident in your new bird-photography skills.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Benders Bus Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Pastry Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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