• Mount Lofty - Explore the Hills and Wetlands

Gather in Adelaide’s CBD and embark on a picturesque drive through the Mount Lofty Ranges. During the journey, Amanda will introduce camera modes, exposure fundamentals, and outline the day’s workshop. Enjoy light refreshments as you leave the city behind for the open countryside.

• Laratinga Wetlands - Reflections and Dawn Light

Start your workshop at Laratinga Wetlands, a tranquil series of ponds bustling with morning life. Discover how to balance exposure and composition to capture the soft, early light.
Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australasian Grebe, Musk Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Grey Teal, Hardhead, Australasian Shoveler, Great Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterels, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Welcome Swallow.
Workshop Focus: Reflections, aperture control, and framing subjects through natural vegetation.

• Mount Compass Wetlands - Through the Heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula

Enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive south, passing farmland and low wetlands where raptors often soar. Amanda will explain focus tracking and anticipating movement during the drive.

11:00 AM – Mount Compass Wetlands

Hidden Voices of the Reeds
A sanctuary for elusive waterbirds, Mount Compass Wetlands encourages slow, mindful photography. Learn to use silent shutters, spot metering, and manual focus for subjects in dense reeds.
Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australasian Shoveler, Grey Teal, Black Swan, Spotless Crake (occasional), Australian Reed-Warbler, Little Grassbird, Golden-headed Cisticola, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Coot, Dusky Moorhen, Swamp Harrier.
Workshop Focus: Bird behavior, anticipating movement, and shooting through reeds in variable light.

• Port Elliot Bakery - Country Flavours and Camera Recharge

Visit the iconic Port Elliot Bakery, a local favorite renowned for its pies and vanilla slices. Enjoy a leisurely coastal lunch and review your morning images while Amanda provides feedback on exposure and composition before heading to the seaside for the next session.

• Victor Harbor - Victor Harbor & Granite Island Causeway

Seabirds in Motion

Victor Harbor offers dramatic coastal scenery and constant bird activity. Walk the causeway or photograph from the shore as gulls and terns glide above the surf.
Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Crested Tern, Pacific Gull, Silver Gull, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked Stint, Bar-tailed Godwit (seasonal), Australian Pelican, White-faced Heron, Little Pied and Great Cormorants, Nankeen Kestrel.
Workshop Focus: Fast shutter techniques, panning for motion, and flight tracking for sharp, dynamic shots.

• Granite Island - From the Victor Harbor foreshore, cross the historic causeway to Granite Island, a rugged and windswept island known for its striking granite boulders, sweeping ocean views, and rich wildlife. The walk itself is scenic and relaxing, or you can ride the famous horse-drawn tram for a unique experience. Once on the island, follow the Kaiki Walk, a loop trail offering panoramic views of Encounter Bay and opportunities to spot seabirds, dolphins, and even whales during migration season. Granite Island is a natural gem just minutes from the mainland, full of coastal beauty and wildlife encounters.
• Nature’s Eye - Discover one of Granite Island’s hidden gems, Nature’s Eye – a naturally formed rock pool surrounded by granite, resembling a giant eye gazing out to sea. It’s a stunning spot along the Kaiki Walk, perfect for a photo and a reminder of nature’s quiet artistry.
• Murray Mouth Lookout - Where River Meets Sea

Conclude the workshop at the River Murray estuary, capturing birds bathed in golden light.
Regular Birds (verified via eBird): Australian Pelican, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Red-necked Avocet, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black Swan, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Black Cormorant.
Workshop Focus: Golden-hour lighting, silhouette techniques, and storytelling composition.

( Time permitting )

• Adelaide - Homeward Bound – Review and Reflect

Relax on the journey home as Amanda leads an informal discussion on image review, white-balance correction, and post-processing tips. Arrive back in Adelaide around 5:45 PM inspired and confident in your new bird-photography skills.

• Bottle of water and Lunch to all visitors
• Alcoholic beverages
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Birdwatching guide or Ornithological guide
• Birdwatching binoculars

Join professional wildlife photographer Amanda Vallance from Avian Adventures Australia for an engaging full-day bird photography workshop in South Australia’s premier bird habitats. This comprehensive experience caters to both beginners and seasoned photographers. Participants will explore stunning wetlands and coastal locations while learning bird photography techniques, including camera setup, composition, lighting, fieldcraft, and ethical practices. Each location offers guided instruction and personalized feedback to enhance your skills effectively.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.