Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: Address, Phone Number, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Reviews: 4.5/5
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
4.5
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1-2 hours
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4.5
485 reviews
Excellent
296
Very good
138
Average
40
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Amanda F
33 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Friends
Jim was a legend! Highly knowledgeable, really entertaining and took the time to answer all our questions in a detailed way. There was so many koalas to see, alongside kangaroos and historical plants. Get along to support a great eco business recovering after the fires!
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
impossible50
Sydney, Australia606 contributions
Apr. 2022
Our group of 4 did both the daytime tour and a dusk tour, on two separate days. We were in small groups and Jim, the owner, gave us a real insight into both the wildlife and the impact of the big fires in 2020.
The vegetation is regrowing at a great rate, and there was plenty of wildlife to see. Lots of koalas, Roos, and Tamar Wallabies, and we saw two echidnas up close on the dusk tour. Staying at Western KI cabins gave us close easy access.
The vegetation is regrowing at a great rate, and there was plenty of wildlife to see. Lots of koalas, Roos, and Tamar Wallabies, and we saw two echidnas up close on the dusk tour. Staying at Western KI cabins gave us close easy access.
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Creschendo
Sydney, Australia58 contributions
Apr. 2022
Before even leaving the rendezvous point, Jim provides you with a great deal of knowledge regarding the history of the sanctuary, it's place in the koala ecosystem and the impact of the 2020 fires. Then it’s time for the stars of the show - koalas in the wild. It’s great to be able to see these wonder creatures looking healthy in the protected environment of the sanctuary. The visit continues with an introduction to the other unique flora and fauna of the sanctuary. Jim patiently answers all your questions with in-depth knowledge and a clear passion for his subject.
Don’t miss it !
Don’t miss it !
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
penm80
26 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Couples
We went on the Sunset Nocturnal Tour and it was excellent. Saw some koalas, kangaroos and lots of wallabies! The tour itself was really informative both on the wildlife and the bushfire recovery. Jim is super knowledgeable. Great to also support the sanctuary as it protects habitat when so much on the island has been cleared for farming etc.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emma C
3 contributions
Jul. 2021
The koala walk was an absolute highlight of our trip to Kangaroo Island. It was very informative and engaging. I really enjoyed hearing about the bushfires and the effects on vegetation and animals. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Seeing the effects of the bushfire and the incredible regeneration of the area was really interesting and uplifting.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AstroBBoy666
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Heartbreaking to hear what happened during the bushfires 18 months ago but uplifting to see nature coming back. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would recommend anyone visiting KI to book a ticket.
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gaelle
3 contributions
May 2021
Wanting to avoid zoos-like venues where wild animals are kept in enclosures, my husband and I wanted to get close to nature and learn more about the KI ecosystem. We were not disappointed by Jim's kind and knowledgeable approach and happy to spot animals in their natural environment. We learned so much about this rugged, yet beautiful part of the world and the effects of the devastating Black Summer bushfires on the flora and fauna. Spoiler: there is hope and nature's resilience is already showing signs of recovery. Thanks Jim for sharing all this with us.
Written 4 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joyce018
Melbourne, Australia228 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Couples
What a day exploring Kangaroo Island. We did a circuit from Kingscote. Visited the Raptor Domain. Went on to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. We nearly left when we did a circuit and couldn't see any reception area. Fortunately we persisted and called the mobile number posted on a handwritten sign by the gate. Jim answered and obliged us with a personal guided tour in his Land Rover 1958. After a most informative 2 hours, we were so impressed with what he had done since the bushfire in Jan 2020 which roared through the 2000 hectare sanctuary.
Don't wait till KI has fully recovered from the decimation caused by the fires and Covid. Regeneration has begun. Go now and tell Jim that Joyce sent you.
Don't wait till KI has fully recovered from the decimation caused by the fires and Covid. Regeneration has begun. Go now and tell Jim that Joyce sent you.
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maisie
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Couples
We did the private nocturnal tour with Mel. Mel is warm&friendly & was very knowledgeable about all the different types of flora & fauna and the fire impact to the area. We came across koalas, one with a little bubba&lots of wallabys feeding around us and birds. A lovely way to spend the evening, thanks Mel!
Jess&Ikuo
Jess&Ikuo
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard S
Shepparton, Australia16 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Couples
We arrived late as we had not booked...no problem we were warmly accommodated by our guide Mel...obviously the tour and finding the Koalas then the informative Mel keeping us well advised regarding the progress of the recovery after the fires. This is an impressive tour tom understand the habitat of the Koala and the restoration of that.
Thanks Mel and Jim
Thanks Mel and Jim
Written 10 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi, are you open Christmas Day or boxing day
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD8,099 contributions
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 7797 S Coast Rd, Karatta SA 5223, Australia
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday(Christmas Eve)9AM–5PM
Wednesday(Christmas Day)Closed
Holiday hours
Thursday(Boxing Day/Proclamation Day)9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
Saturday 9AM–5PM
Sunday 9AM–5PM
Phone: +61 8 8559 7344
Nicole F
805-66015 contributions
Is it worth it to take a guided tour for day?
gecko24
Brisbane, Australia557 contributions
Overseas visitors seem to enjoy the extra info they receive from a guided tour. The nocturnal tour is very popular and the only way to visit and see any nocturnal wildlife. For a day visit there is lots of signage telling you about the koalas and easy to spot the koalas as trees with them in are marked. Kangaroos are just out and about as was an echidna when we visited so I am less sure a day tour is really necessary. You are best reading what other overseas visitors have to say about the benefits of a tour.
Cody13_12
South Shields, UK45 contributions
Hi, I'm going to be staying at Western KI Caravan Park and would like to do the nocturnal tour. I know its not wise to drive towards dusk, is it possible to get to Hanson Bay from the caravan park without a car?
jlou-12
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
It is only 2 km from Caravan Park to Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Drive slowly and you are fine. In fact it should be great fun especially with children because there is so much to see.
The problem is Kangaroo Island is large (160 kilometers long) and people get impatient and drive too fast.
Anita M
Warsaw, Poland250 contributions
Hi, can we just go and visit or do we have to book a stay? How much is the entrance fee? Thanks!
jlou-12
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
No booking required if you take a self guided tour.You can visit any time during opening hours which is 8am till 6pm Oct-April and 9-5 May to September.
The nocturnal tour is best but it requires a booking. It starts at sunset daily.
Bec G
Sydney, Australia39 contributions
Is there a chance to pet a Kangaroo whilst visiting the sanctuary? Are you allowed?
jlou-12
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
We have abundant wildlife.... 500-1000 kangaroos, 5000+ wallabies, 50-100 koalas, tens of thousands of birds but you cannot pet or feed any of them because everything is wild!
Everything becomes highly visible toward sunset. We recommend doing a nocturnal tour because there is a huge difference between night and day. Think of it as a night club...things really get hopping when the sun goes down. There is always a lot to see but during the day (especially summer time) the kangaroos retreat to the shade so it is best to take a guided tour to avoid disappoitment.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is 5000 acre wildlife conservancy with stunning ocean front accomodation.
We have about 2000 acres of cleared land (old farm land) which makes wildlife easy to see if you know where to look.
Chiara B
Bracciano, Italy2 contributions
Quanto costa l’entrata?
jlou-12
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
AUD $10 for self guided tour
AUD $20 for guided day tour
AUD $40 for guided nocturnal tour
The nocturnal tour is best (especially in summer) because the koalas wake up at sunset and all the other wildlife becomes more active at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hotels near Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary:
- (1.12 km) Western KI Caravan Park and Wildlife Reserve
- (5.74 km) Southern Ocean Lodge
- (6.42 km) Hanson Bay Cabins
- (7.30 km) Rocky River Heritage Accommodation
- (14.10 km) Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Accommodation