The Experience
Kangaroo Island - Experience Australia's Wildlife
Often called "Australia’s Galápagos," Kangaroo Island is home to thriving populations of kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and sea lions, while its offshore waters are teeming with dolphins and migrating whales.
Kangaroo Island is a true wilderness paradise, where rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and untouched landscapes create one of Australia’s most extraordinary nature escapes. Recognised by The New York Times as one of the best places to travel in 2023, this breathtaking island is a haven for wildlife lovers, offering rare encounters with native species in their natural habitat.
What's Included?
Everything is organised for you, from travel to the island, to experiences, to food & drink. All you need to worry about is having enough space on your memory card to capture all of the amazing encounters we will experience.
This is what's included:
- Return bus from Adelaide to Cape Jervis
- Return Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw
- Transport across the island
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- National Parks Pass
- 2 days of private Dolphin swim experience
- 3 x Sea Lion watching experience
- 1:1 Preworkshop tuition session
- Education in the field
- Online Group Editing and Social Media sessions post workshop
Here is what is NOT included:
- Flights to Adelaide Airport
- Accommodation for the night before and after the workshop (we will be departing Adelaide at 6am on the first day and not returning to Adelaide until 10pm on the last day.
A hybrid Experience
This workshop is designed to cater for both wildlife enthusiasts in the water and on land. We will experience swimming with dolphins in shallow (3-5 meter) water and a range of land and marine animals in their land habitat.
Who is this for?
This workshop is designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned photographers looking to refine their skills. Whether you're just starting out or already confident behind the camera, tuition will be tailored to your experience level, ensuring you get the most out of every moment.
You don’t need to be a photographer to enjoy this experience—just a passion for adventure and a love for the natural world. If you don’t have your own gear, no problem! I have multiple cameras available for hire, including equipment for both land-based and underwater photography, so you can capture every stunning detail of this unique island.
When & How Much?
2025 Date
16th May - 22nd May 2025
(Please not you will need to arrive into Adelaide on the 15th May in time for the workshop commencing. Your return flight will need to be from the 23rd May as we will not be arriving back into Adelaide until late.
Workshop cost: $4,649 AUD
A $1,000 deposit is required to secure the booking and the remainder of the balance is due by 16th April 2025.
2026 Date
20th March - 27th March 2026
(Please not you will need to arrive into Adelaide on the 19th March in time for the workshop commencing. Your return flight will need to be from the 28th March as we will not be arriving back into Adelaide until late.
Workshop cost: $4,749 AUD
A $1,000 deposit is required to secure the booking and the remainder of the balance is due by 20th February 2026.
The Benefits of Joining
Cost is inclusive of everything you will need on the island
Expert photography guidance from professional wildlife photographer Ross Long
Perfectly crafted itinerary - based on my own experience of the best wildlife experiences that are available
Education in the field - more time outside exploring
Personalised photography tuition - based on where your photography level
Access to prime photography locations at sunrise and sunset
Intimate Group Size of eight people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
animal encounters
There are a huge range of animals that we will encounter on Kangaroo Island, this includes two days of diving alongside bottlenose dolphins. We will encounter NZ fur seals, Australian Sea Lions, Koalas, Kangaroos, Echidnas and much much more.
Dolphins
Australian Sea Lions
Fur Seals
Whales
Koalas
Echidnas
Kangaroo Island Kangaroos
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Leafy Sea Dragon
YOUR WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
Your workshop experience begins before we embark on the trip to Kangaroo Island with a private 1:1 online session with Ross Long. This helps to ensure that we cover certain topics on the field that you want to learn.
Once we are on Kangaroo Island the days will be long and filled with none stop wildlife encounters. The six days will be broken down based on which part of the island we explore and what animals we look for.
When we wrap up the trip, we will then come together again for three online workshop sessions that includes photo and video post production, social media strategy and management and a show and tell where we review all of our photos once they are edited.
Is this for you?
This workshop caters for all levels from those with absolutely no experience to those that are avid wildlife photographers. You do not need to be a strong snorkeller or freediver because the dolphins come to us and less movement results in better interactions.
What Will you learn?
This immersive experience does not focus only on camera settings. It will provide you with practical mindset techniques to help you anticipate and maintain patience that are essential in capturing breathtaking wildlife photography. You will learn a range of photography types including wildlife, underwater, landscape and astrophotography.
What do you Need?
Any camera, lens or action camera is suitable for this photography retreat. If you do not have an underwater camera, I have a GoPro, Insta 360 and Joby SeaPal for phones that can be borrowed. Included in the trip is snorkel hire and wetsuit hire for the dolphin experience.
LEARN FROM A PROFESSIONAL
Ross Long has photographed for the South Australian and Kangaroo Island Tourist Board as well as a range of resorts. His visits has therefore afforded him with local knowledge which qualifies him in providing you with a wildlife rich experience.
About
Ross Long
Multi-award winning ocean, travel and lifestyle photographer, videographer and writer based in Byron Bay, Australia. I craft stories that evoke wanderlust and inspire audiences to pack up their bags and set out on their own adventure. My imagery seeks to connect audiences with nature and the natural environment.
FAQs
- Return bus from Adelaide to Cape Jervis
- Return Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw
- Transport across the island
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- National Parks Pass
- 2 days of private Dolphin swim experience
- 3 x Sea Lion watching experience
- 1:1 Preworkshop tuition session
- Education in the field
- Online Group Editing and Social Media sessions post workshop
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included, however, you will need to purchase flights to and from Adelaide and accommodation for two nights either side of the workshop dates.
There is only one accommodation option which is with Seafront Hotel. You will have your own private Sorrento Hotel room.
Sorrento Hotel Rooms feature queen bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, flat screen smart T.V, tea & coffee making facilities, mini bar, refrigerator, cutlery, crockery, iron, ironing board and hair dryer. Free WiFi available. All linen provided.
Yes, all meals are included including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The trip begins in Adelaide. You will need to arrive into Adelaide a day before the workshop as we will get a bus transfer from Adelaide to the ferry terminal at Cape Jervis. At the end of the workshop, we will catch a ferry from Kangaroo Island back to Cape Jervis and a connecting bus back to Adelaide. You will need a night's accommodation after the workshop in Adelaide.
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided upon booking. If you have any questions relating to the trip, please reach out to me via email or on Instagram.
The workshop includes 2 x dolphin private boat charters where we will spend the day snorkelling with these gentle creatures.
We will visit Seal Bay which is a nesting site of the Australian Sea Lion. We will have a guided tours so we can capture photos and learn all about these animals. We have the option to visit as much as we like. We will do a minimum of three sessions with golden sunset light.
We will travel across the island visiting areas that I know well and where we are likely to find a range of animals.
We will spend time in Flinders Chase National Park and visit a range of beautiful landscapes that are unique to the island.
There are no luggage restrictions on the bus and ferry.
Snorkel gear is included as part of the experience, however if you have your own I recommend bringing it. Wetsuits are also available from the operator. Again, I recommend bringing your own. You will want at least a 5mm wetsuit and a hood.
Wetsuit, wetsuit top and wetsuit socks
Mask & Fins
Weight belt (also available to hire)
Camera gear (anything from professional gear to action cameras)
Laptop
A comprehensive list of equipment will be sent to you when you book.
This experience is catered for everyone from absolute beginner snorkellers to advanced snorkellers and beginner photographers to advance photographers. The purpose of the group sessions is to learn and experience together. There will be 1:1 sessions as part of the group session and individual 1:1 sessions throughout the trip.
Absolutely not, everyone will still have a fantastic experience with an array of wildlife. For those interested, I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances
The water temperature in May is around 17-19 degrees. It is therefore recommended you bring a 5mm wetsuit or the operator will have a wetsuit available to use as well as other snorkel hear. A hood to go over your head is also recommended.
Yes, it is important that you bring your own weight belt with weights if you want to dive down with the dolphins.
