Port MacDonnell Pelagic

Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters

Trip Details

Departure
Port MacDonnell, South Australia
Schedule
Selected dates, year-round; contact operator for availability
Price
AUD 300 per person; AUD 1,800 (Mon–Fri) / AUD 2,100 (weekends and public holidays) boat charter for groups up to 12

About This Trip

Port MacDonnell, on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, is the state's most productive pelagic departure point, with trips heading 30 km south-southwest to the edge of the continental shelf where seabird feeding commences. The waters here sit at the boundary of the cool Southern Ocean and the warmer Great Australian Bight, generating excellent seabird diversity including Shy Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Blue Petrel, multiple shearwater species, and storm-petrels. Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters, in operation since 2000, is the longest-established charter operation from this port and offers both individual bookings and full vessel hire for birding groups.

Operator Website View on eBird

Related Trips

Balls Pyramid Seabird and Sightseeing Tour

Sea to Summit Expeditions

Australia › Lord Howe Island (New South Wales)
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  • Departures run throughout the year subject to sea conditions and demand; the Tasman Sea crossing to Balls Pyramid (approximately 23 km south-east of Lord Howe Island) is weather-dependent and requires a calm-enough window; contact operator to arrange dates; October–April is the primary seabird breeding season for the majority of LHI species, though Providence Petrel is most conspicuous on land March–July; albatross species extend the offshore interest into austral winter
  • AUD $150 per person (Balls Pyramid Bird and Sightseeing Tour, maximum 8 passengers aboard MV Noctiluca); contact seatosummit@gmail.com or +61 2 6563 2218 for bookings and current availability

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Further Reading

Best Pelagic Birding Trips in Australia

A guide to Australia's top pelagic trips, covering key departure ports, target species like albatrosses and petrels, and the best seasons to go.

When to Go Pelagic Birding in Australia

A seasonal guide to pelagic birding in Australia across NSW, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Port MacDonnell Pelagic depart from?

The Port MacDonnell Pelagic departs from Port MacDonnell, South Australia, Australia.

When does the Port MacDonnell Pelagic run?

Selected dates, year-round; contact operator for availability

How much does the Port MacDonnell Pelagic cost?

AUD 300 per person; AUD 1,800 (Mon–Fri) / AUD 2,100 (weekends and public holidays) boat charter for groups up to 12.

Who operates the Port MacDonnell Pelagic?

The Port MacDonnell Pelagic is operated by Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters.

How do I book the Port MacDonnell Pelagic?

You can book the Port MacDonnell Pelagic directly through Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters using the operator link on this page to check availability and reserve a seat.