Highlights

• Visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Troubridge Island and learn their stories
• See native wildlife including playful dolphins, sea lions, emus, rock wallabies, kangaroos and numerous birds at national parks and protected habitats
• Collect and shuck your own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay, paired with local wines
• Enjoy sunset sailing past the stunning coastal formations of Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island
• Meet the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and taste pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island
• Be rewarded with striking views and peaceful native forest environs on South Australia’s coastal walking trails at Cape Donington & Lashmar Conservation Park
• Enjoy a variety of walks including the coastal walks at Cape Willoughby, dune walk at Point Sir Isaac, beach walks at Reevesby and Forest walks of Cape Donington and Lashmar Conservation Park
• Learn from our Guest Lecturers of the fascinating Indigenous heritage and exploration history of Matthew Flinders
• Enjoy refreshing dips in the turquoise waters and relax on deserted silica white beaches

Inclusions

• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)

Day 1: Depart Adelaide

Arrive at the Lakes Resort Hotel Port Adelaide at 2:00pm to meet with the Coral Expeditions team for your for SailSAFE check-in. A pre-cruise transfer will then transport you to Coral Geographer for boarding at 4:00pm, ready to depart Adelaide at 5:00 pm. Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before your first delicious dinner as we cruise towards Kangaroo Island.

Day 2-10: Wild Islands of South Australia Cruise

Antechamber Bay & Cape Willoughby - Kangaroo Island

Antechamber Bay, located on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula, is one of Kangaroo Island’s finest coastal havens. The deserted, untouched long beach of the bay is where Chapman river meets the sea. The area is covered with Forest of gum trees and narrow-leaf mallee which makes the walk at Lashmar Conservation park truly a magnificent experience.

At the other end of the bay, Cape Willoughby juts into the ‘Backstairs Passage’ – the narrow strait between Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula that was named by Matthew Flinders as the ‘private entrance’ to the two gulfs. Lighting this 14km wide strait is the Cape Willoughby Light Station. We will visit the Lighthouse keeper’s cottage and learn of it’s interesting stories and have opportunity to climb the Light house itself. In the grounds, we will do a loop walk from the Lighthouse to the beautiful smuggler’s Cove and often the special KI wallaby are spotted along the way.

Walks

Cape Willoughby Light Station Heritage Walk (1 Hour Return, 1.9km, Moderate)
A hike into the sheltered gully of the original light station settlement. An insight into how the early light keepers lived, with demanding routine and isolation heightened by the distance between their homes and the light house. Visit the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Sturt Light), the first lighthouse in South Australia.

Antechamber Bay Walk (1 Hour Return, 4.2km One Way, Easy-Moderate)

Cape Willoughby Smuggler’s Cove Walk (1 Hour Return, 1.5km one way, Easy)

Lashmar Conservation Park (1 Hour Return, 1km, Easy-Moderate)

Western River Cove - Kangaroo Island

Today, land at isolated Western River Cove to visit the beautiful historic homestead. There may be an opportunity to meet the homestead owners and hear their stories. A walk along the ridge reveals spectacular views of the valley at the back of the property, and the beach offers excellent swimming. Weather permitting, visit beautiful Snug Cove. Later, cruise past the rarely viewed norther cliffs of Kangaroo Island towards Cape Borda.

Reevesby Island

Head to Reevesby Island, part of the Sir Joseph Banks Group; an archipelago on the eastern coast of the Eyre Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, this island is one of the largest of the group. Women played a major role in the island’s history, especially in the early days leading up to the Great Depression. Take a hike around this important seabird breeding site and visit the homestead and machinery sheds. This beautiful chain of islands offers a range of sheltered bays, golden sand beaches and reefs teeming with marine life.

Flinders Island

Located around 35kms from the Eyre Peninsula Coast, Flinders Island has a long history of sealing, whaling, and farming. Owned by the Woolford family since 1979, they run an established sheep farm, abalone harvesting business and are working to establish a safe haven for vulnerable native species. Meet the Woolford family to learn about the history and conservation projects on the island.

Visit the Kapara shipwreck at Bryant’s Bay, and stroll through the shearing sheds at the farm. Taste fresh abalone at Eyrewoolf Abalone.

Walks

Western River Cove Walk to Viewpoint (1 Hour, 2km Return, Moderate/Steep)
A walk from the beach to the nearby historic Western River Homestead and the river valley beyond. While the beautiful homestead survived, the whole valley was heavily impacted by last summer’s fires, with opportunity to look at the effects of these fires and the bushland recovery since.

Flinders Island Shearing Shed Walk (45mins, 1.3km Return, Easy)

Bryant’s Bay & Kapara

1. Sealing Ruins Walk (15mins, 500m, Easy)
2. Kapara Boiler Walk (10mins, 500m, Moderate/Rocky-Sandy)
3. Sheok Forrest Walk (30mins, 1.5km, Moderate)
4. Cliff Walk (30mins, 1.5km, Hard/Rocky Climb-Walk)

Coffin Bay

Bordered by sea and National Parks, Coffin Bay is a stunning destination. The pristine waters of the bays in this area are home to numerous pods of dolphins, sea lions, seals and many seabirds. Emus and kangaroos roam and the natural beauty of the turquoise sea, white sand dunes, and bright blue sky is a wonderful backdrop to our day’s adventures.

Here we will walk through the Coffin Bay National Park at Point Sir Isaac to get an understanding of the forests and environment – enjoy the interpretation of the heathlands, mallee forest and she-oak woodlands. Discover the tranquil bays, protected from the might of the Southern Ocean, and snorkel or kayak with the chance to spot some of the marine life.

There is also the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable wild cuisine experience – enjoy a small boat cruise along the oyster beds to collect and enjoy them fresh from the sea.

Boston Island

Today we explore Boston Island, which lies between Port Lincoln and Cape Donington. Roughly 6km long, Boston Island is very hilly and has four beautiful beaches. Within the island landmass there is about 2,500 acres of grassy, hilly slopes with many sheep. Given its sheltered coastal aspect there is much birdlife on the island with Sea Eagles, Cape Barren Geese, Wedge Tailed and some 40 or so other species that make the island their home. Explore this important seabird breeding area, with walks along golden sand beaches and learn of the history of this island.

Cape Donington & MacLaren Point

A headland at the most northerly part of the Jussieu Peninsula on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula, Cape Donington is a great spot to enjoy refreshing sea views and rocky coastline. Take a dip at Cape Donington Beach before heading along the 2km trail over to September Beach. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos, emus or goannas near the Cape Donington lighthouse, or head out to Donington Island to view long-nosed fur seals or Australian sea lions from the Xplorer.

Walks

Donington Loop Hike – Lincoln National Park (2 Hour Return, 6.2km Circuit, Moderate)
Admire offshore islands, granite outcrops and sandy beaches as you explore the Donington Peninsula. Populations of Australian Sea Lions and New Zealand Fur-seals inhabit Donington Island near the lighthouse.

Walk Donington September Beach (1 Hour Return, 2km, Easy)
A short, easy hike with refreshing sea views and rocky coastlines.

Stamford Hill Hike to Woodcutter’s Beach (1.5 Hour Return, 4km, Hard/Steep and Irregular surface)
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Lincoln National Park, Boston Bay and numerous offshore islands from the historic Flinders Monument at the top of Stamford Hill. A reasonably challenging hike, this trail has some moderate inclines but has a good trail surface.

Penneshaw - Kangaroo Island

As a secondary option, we may visit historical Penneshaw. Landing at Hogs Bay where we will learn of the history of Baudin and Flinders

Walks

Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail (1.5km, Easy)
The trail is 1.5 km in length; an easy walk but with some steps, offers original artwork in a beautiful natural setting.

Fireball Bates Walking Trail (1-2 hours, 3km)
George Bates, called Fireball because of his red hair, was one of the first settlers to Kangaroo Island. He joined a sealing expedition in 1823, jumping ship 13 years before settlers arrived. The trail begins at the now closed Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre and loops down to near the ferry and back.

Wallaby Track (3km, moderate)
It’s a 3 km return hike which follows a natural spring fed creek bed with naturally occurring waterfalls into limestone features. A little more challenging, so wear good sturdy walking shoes.

Day 11: Arrive Adelaide 

This morning we arrive into Adelaide at 7:30am for an 8:30am disembarkation.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

2024 departure dates: 31 October and 10 & 20 November

*Limited sole use occupancy available.

*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. A non-refundable 20% deposit is required at time of booking, balance of the fare is due 90 days prior to departure. A $500pp date change fee for changes made more than 90 days before departure applies. Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies. Further Coral Expeditions terms & conditions apply. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions.

General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.