Kangaroo Island is less than one hour ferry ride from the mainland of South Australia, yet here you’ll feel a million miles away.

The Galapagos Islands of Australia, this is one of the world’s greatest nature based destinations, and with more than one third of the land preserved in conservation parks, the island acts a sanctuary where native Australian animals roam free.

People travel from all over the world to see sea lions basking on unspoiled white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalyptus trees, and bottle-nosed dolphins and fur seals jumping from the sea. Though more than 260 bird species also call Kangaroo Island home, and it is here that you have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s most impressive birds of prey.

How We Got Up Close With Australia’s Birds of Prey

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One of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island is a visit to Raptor Domain. It is by far the most incredible wildlife experience South Australia has to offer; a rare opportunity to witness and interact with Australia’s most extraordinary raptors up close.

You will meet Hobbit the hobby falcon, Casper the barn owl, Wally the tawny frogmouth, Banjo and Clancy the laughing kookaburras, Jedda the wedge-tail eagle, and other birds of prey. Though this isn’t your average bird show, and there is nothing in cages to see.

An environmental and educational rehabilitation center for sick, injured, and orphaned raptors from all over Australia, owners Dave and Leeza Irwin allow visitors unprecedented access to their birds, extending an invitation to join their keepers as the raptors are fed and exercised by flying around the arena and hunting mock prey.

The aim is to release as many recovered birds back into the wild as possible, though the sad reality is that not all raptors who find sanctuary here are able to be rehabilitated. Those who can’t be released become “ambassadors for their species as part of the In-Flight Birds of Prey Presentation”.

In-Flight Birds of Prey Presentation

The ‘In-Flight Birds of Prey Presentation’ is a one hour presentation which runs at 11.30am and 2pm each day. Tickets cost $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for children, which is exceptional value for money.

Seated in an outdoor arena, raptors are presented by very knowledgeable and passionate keepers, who offer a great deal of information and interesting facts about each species. Comfortable with human interaction, each bird shows off their incredible aerial skill, and then happily lands on your arm or lap as you pet them or hold them on a glove.

After the show, you can pay an additional $10 fee to hold and have photographs taken with a majestic wedge-tail eagle, the cost contributing to the care of rescued birds.

To witness the impressive birds of prey in action, and at such close proximity, is a reason worth making the trip to Kangaroo Island alone. This is one of the most interactive wildlife experiences in Australia, and a fantastic chance to learn more about the birds and their role in the environment.

Photo Gallery

Practical Information

Raptor Domain also has a Fang-Tastic Reptile Encounter that is equally interactive, educational, and entertaining, as well as a Venom Pit which offers an interactive show and tell in a safe environment with some of Australia’s most venomous critters.

Visitors are escorted to and from the arena at the start and end of each show. You are unable to walk around the grounds freely, though for those wanting to spend the whole day, you can start with the Venom Pit at 10:30am, then Birds of Prey at 11:30, stay for lunch, and then join the “Fang-Tastic” reptile presentation at 1:00pm. ($38 for adults or $28 per child for the full day). But if you can only catch one show, make sure it’s the Birds of Prey.

The afternoon presentation is when the majority of tour buses pass through, so aim for the morning if you can. We attended the morning presentation with only 7 other people, which meant a lot more time for each individual to interact with the raptors.

Raptor Domain is open every day (excluding Christmas day). Located just off Seal Bay Road, it is approximately a 45 minute drive from Kingscote and only 10 minutes to Seal Bay Conservation Park and the Little Sahara sand dunes. Visit the Raptor Domain website for bookings and more information.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

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