Go on a tour to get up close with Australia’s third-largest colony of rare sea lions and watch the playful creatures from a purpose-built viewing boardwalk.
Seal Bay Conservation Park is dedicated to the protection of Kangaroo Island’s local population of Australian sea lions. Approximately 1,000 sea lions reside in the beautiful south coast bay and can be viewed on a special tour of the conservation area. Experience one of the only places in the world where you can enter a colony of wild Australian sea lions and see the rare species in their natural environment.
There are two ways to encounter the graceful animals at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Go on a self-guided tour and stroll along the park’s boardwalk, where you’ll pass over dunes and coastal heath to reach a series of viewing platforms. Alternatively, join a guided tour and get access to the sea lion’s foreshore territory. Listen as your guide explains the endangered species’ behaviors. You might see pups frolicking around their mothers and immense bulls battling for rank.
Spend some time perusing the interpretive displays at the visitor center. This particular species is unique to the states of South Australia and Western Australia. Today, there are less than 15,000 Australian sea lions left in the wild. Watch the endangered creatures as they surf on the waves and laze on the sands. Be sure to admire the sea lions’ beautiful home, too. The untouched sand dunes and gorgeous beach provide a magnificent natural setting for the Seal Bay Conservation Park wildlife encounter.
Tours depart from the Seal Bay Visitor Centre and last for approximately 45 minutes. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and is 0.6 miles (900 meters) return. Tours operate several times a day and the self-guided tour is available any time the park is open. The park is closed on Christmas Day. Discounts are available for children, students and families. Note there is no food sold at the park, but there is a small shop with souvenirs and cold drinks. Picnic tables, barbecue areas and public restrooms are located at nearby Bales Beach.
Seal Bay Conservation Park is located on the island’s south coast and is a 45-minute drive from Kingscote. The visitor center has restrooms and free parking.
