Is the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary worth visiting?
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 04/02/2024
Reading time: 3 mins
Encounter native Australian wildlife in its natural habitat at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nestled in the southwest of Kangaroo Island is Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately-owned conservancy home to some of Australia’s most precious wildlife.
Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas are just some of the many fascinators creatures that visitors flock to the Sanctuary to encounter. Despite being regularly affected by wildfires, the land on and around Hanson Bay has remained incredibly resilient. To this tday, it is still home to over 190 native plant species.
The 5,000-acre Sanctuary is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, boasting over 40 species of birds, (many of which are Australian natives)!
The Sanctuary borders the many spectacular landscapes of Kangaroo Island, allowing visitors to marvel at pristine beaches, striking coastlines, old-growth maritime bushland, and forests.
Take a Guided Koala Walk & Bush Fire Ecology Tour
If you’ve always wanted to see koalas in the wild, Hanson Bay offers an exceptional close-up experience where you’re bound to get a sighting of these cute little guys!
As you walk through the sanctuary’s supervised areas, your guide will teach you all about the many abundant species dwelling there, and how they have adapted in the face of regular bush fires, which have been reshaping the environment since records began.
Observe Australia’s Abundant Native Bird and Animal Wildlife
Fun fact – most of Australia’s wildlife comes out at night! On this private, exclusive 90-minute tour, you’ll get to see koalas, tammar wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, bats, and possums in their natural habitats.
With the stunning Great Southern Skies as a backdrop, this fun, exciting, and educational discovery walk will get you right up close to these fascinating animals out in the stunning native bush.
Stay in a Cabin at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
For an immersive wildlife experience topped with stunning coastal views from a luxury room, guests can stay in one of the Bay’s cabins, located at the end of Hanson Bay Road, off the highway near Southern Ocean Lodge and Flinders Chase National Park.
Each cabin has a slow combustion wood fire plus a full kitchen including a dishwasher and microwave. Cosy! The cabins are a 14km walk from Remarkable Rocks and Kelly Hill Caves.
Explore Kangaroo Island’s rich natural beauty and Cultural Attractions
At just 4,405-square kilometers, Kangaroo Island is relatively easy to explore in a short time. In fact, it takes just two hours to drive from end to end. There’s more abundant nature to explore either side of the Reserve – Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park and the Flinders Chase National Park, Cliffords Honey Farm, and iconic beaches such as Bales Beach and Stokes Bay Beach.
Cultural attractions include the wonderful Penneshaw Market (held the first Sunday of every month from October-April), known for showcasing the offerings of a range of local producers, artists, gardeners, artisans, and more, and the old-time St Albans Church.
Take a tour around Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is overflowing with natural and cultural attractions, so to really get the most out of your time in this little slice of paradise, you might consider taking a one or two day tour!
You’ll get close encounters with the island’s natural wildlife – belonging to both land and sea – and the chance to explore Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and more!
