AUSSIE ARK

Immersive wildlife conservation opportunities

Southern Crossings are proud supporters of Aussie Ark, a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting and recovering Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems.

At the heart of Aussie Ark is its predator-proof sanctuaries; vast safe havens where endangered species can live without threat. Within these protected landscapes, populations grow stronger until ready for release into larger, wilder habitats. Each one is a living laboratory, proving that with the right conditions, nature has the power to heal itself.

Much of the focus of Aussie Ark’s work is on breeding insurance populations to safeguard endangered species by creating secure, genetically diverse populations that act as an “insurance policy” against extinction. Carefully managed breeding strengthens genetic diversity, and every new generation raised within the programs brings species one step closer to recovery. The outcome is more than survival, it is the rebuilding of robust, self-sustaining populations that can one day repopulate their natural homes and restore ecosystems under threat.

Animals raised in Aussie Ark’s breeding programs form the core of rewilding. Every joey, pup or hatchling raised is a step towards restoring wild populations. The program began in 2010 with Tasmanian Devils (the now endangered creatures used to inhabit the Barrington Tops where the Aussie Ark sanctuary is located) and has since been expanded to include a wide range of other endangered species.

The 400 hectare predator-free sanctuary north of Sydney is home to thriving populations of Koalas, Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, and Parma Wallabies, acting as a stunning stronghold for some of Australia’s most threatened species. It is an important wildlife initiative that we are proud to be able to share with Southern Crossings travellers.

Aussie Ark has since also expanded its work to other projects and locations. You can learn more about their work here.

IMMERSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a privileged window into Aussie Ark’s wildlife conservation work with an immersive, and exclusive to Southern Crossings, experience from Sydney.

The day starts with an early morning scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour, the city’s sparkling waterways, surrounding national parks and farmlands to land at Aussie Ark’s wilderness sanctuary in the Barrington Tops.

Touring the property by CanAm vehicle and guided by an expert ranger, Southern Crossings travellers enjoy private access to the sanctuary and are given special access to Aussie Ark’s Species Recovery Areas for the opportunity to see and interact with some of Australia’s most elusive and endangered animals up close including Eastern Quolls, Tasmanian Devils and Rufous Bettongs. Our guests also have the privileged opportunity to learn how to track one of their resident koalas.

Unlike traditional wildlife encounters, this is an immersive opportunity to step inside a working conservation sanctuary where critical breeding and rewilding programs are actively rebuilding wild populations for a personalised and authentic experience that is sure to create treasured memories and meaningful connection to Australia’s unique wildlife.

The day continues with a scenic helicopter flight to a waterside restaurant – accessible only be air or boat and surrounded by tranquil national parks, where guests have the opportunity to reflect on the morning’s experiences over a leisurely long lunch before returning to Sydney by seaplane, flying over the Northern Beaches to land on Sydney Harbour as the day draws to an end.