Background

Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara

A crucial habitat for migratory shorebirds, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into the natural world just north of Adelaide.

4

Discover a haven for migratory birds at the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park, also known as Winaityinaityi Pangkara. Located a short drive north of Adelaide, this sanctuary provides critical habitat for over 27,000 birds annually, including threatened species, at the southern end of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Explore diverse coastal ecosystems and witness nature's great migration.

A brief summary to Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best birdwatching opportunities.
  • Bring binoculars and a bird book to help identify the diverse species.
  • Check the park's website for information on guided tours and ranger-led activities.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for coastal conditions, as the weather can change quickly.
  • Be aware that the Bakers Creek Trail Head and carpark at Thompson Beach will be closed for construction from May 19, 2025, until August 2025.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Adelaide, head north on the M2 North-South Motorway. Exit onto the A1 Port Wakefield Highway. After 35.4 km, exit (or bear left) towards Dublin. Turn left in Dublin and continue for 8 km to reach the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park. Parking is available, but can be limited. There are no fees to enter the park.

  • Public Transport

    From Adelaide Railway Station, take the Gawler Line train towards Gawler Central. Alight at Salisbury Station and transfer to Bus 224 towards Dublin. Get off at 'Dublin - Old Port Wakefield Rd' (Stop ID: 44). The sanctuary is a 1.5 km walk from there. Walk north on Old Port Wakefield Rd, then turn left onto Tuckeroo Dr. A single MetroCard fare is around $4. A 3-day MetroCard Visitor Pass offers unlimited travel on the Adelaide Metro network for a fixed fee.

  • Rideshare or Taxi

    Book a rideshare service or taxi from anywhere in Adelaide. Enter 'Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, Dublin SA 5501' as your destination. The trip takes approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $80-$100 for a one-way trip.

Unlock the Best of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park

The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara, protects a vital habitat for migratory shorebirds along the eastern coast of Gulf St Vincent. The park spans over 60km of coastline and encompasses 2,457 hectares of land. Winaityinaityi Pangkara, meaning 'a country for all birds and the country that surrounds these birds' in the language of the Kaurna people, reflects the area's significance to both the local community and the global avian population. Each year, up to 27,000 shorebirds gather in the sanctuary between September and March, with over 50 different species of migratory birds recorded. Many travel from as far as Siberia and Alaska, passing through 22 countries along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The park provides refuge for threatened species such as the Curlew Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, and Eastern Curlew. The sanctuary's diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, saltmarshes, and tidal mudflats, provide abundant food sources for the birds. Visitors can explore the park via easily accessible gateways at St Kilda and Thompson Beach. Walking trails and boardwalks offer opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation. The park also aims to rehabilitate former salt pan areas, manage water quality, and promote indigenous engagement.

Popular Experiences near Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park

Popular Hotels near Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park

Select Currency