BigRuss

So here's the current plan for a family trip:

Fly to Sydney, four nights.
Fly to Uluru, two nights.
Fly to Adelaide, four nights.

We only have a short time (Americans on vacation, 'nuff said) and some short people (boy 7.5, girl 5) with us (me, wife). The kids will love to see critters - wallabies, kangaroos, birds, dolphins, whales, etc. We'll probably go to Taronga and Featherdale while in the Sydney area.

We're going in June - first and second weeks. Other than Kangaroo Island, which we may not be able to get to, what good areas are within day-trip distance of Adelaide or Sydney to see the native fauna in the native habitat? What coastal areas will be full of marine mammals?

Thanks in advance.

northie

Cleland Conservation park 11 kms from city of Adelaide is worth looking at.

longhorn55

With 4 nights in Adelaide, I would really try to get to KI for a couple of nights as that will be the best place for viewing the native animals in the wild. (Is there some reason you're going to Adelaide in June if you aren't going to KI? Usually, visitors head north in the winter where it's nice and warm.)

Barring a trip to KI when you are in Adelaide, I'd visit Cleland Wildlife Park. It's not seeing animals in the wild, but it's a good place to get up close with the animals, pat them and feed them. And, unlike in NSW, you can hold a koala (for a fee) at Cleland.

BigRuss

We liked Adelaide when we were there before the hobbits arrived (contrary to their beliefs, we did exist before they debuted in the world). Concerned that KI itself would be too cold.

We saw 'roos in the wild in Barossa. Wondering if we could see the native fauna en route to Clare Valley area or out on one of the innumerable peninsulas near Adelaide.

longhorn55

My first trip to KI was in the month of July. We just wore warm clothing and were good for sightseeing. The temperature was cool, but the skies were clear and blue.

Em89

Around Sydney, it is luck if you find a decent number of the animals you are looking for in the wild. Manly has a small colony of penguins, but I haven't seen them in the wild yet.

We always take overseas guests down to Canberra for a night. It is always easy to spot Kangaroos on the surrounding mountains at dusk. I'm guessing that is not an option for you, however.

Definitely go to Featherdale, as I mentioned in your other post.

Spending a night outside of Sydney might also increase your chances of seeing animals in the wild. Would you stay overnight in the Blue Mountains?