Kangaroo Island, South Australia
1st - 8th May 2026
7 nights / 8 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of transport, accommodation, meals and all ocean and land based activities
Starting from AUD $4,995
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
Expert photography guidance from professional wildlife photographer Ross Long
Cost is inclusive of everything you will need on the island other than breakfast and flights to and from Adelaide
Perfectly crafted itinerary - based on my own experience of the best wildlife experiences that are available
Access to prime photography locations at sunrise and sunset
Personalised photography tuition - based on where your photography level
Intimate Group Size of six people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Join me for an unforgettable 8 day, 7 night journey across Kangaroo Island, where rugged coastlines, peaceful forests and thriving marine life come together to create one of Australia’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. This adventure is designed to slow you down, reconnect you with nature and immerse you in the magic of the island.
Across four dedicated days on the water, we’ll explore the remote north west coastline by boat, drifting into sheltered coves and cruising along dramatic cliffs as we search for the island’s iconic wildlife. You’ll have the chance to swim with playful Australian sea lions and long nose fur seals, and if nature allows, encounter dolphins gliding through crystal clear waters.
Back on land, we’ll wander through eucalyptus forests in search of sleepy koalas, visit the legendary Seal Bay to learn about the endangered Australian sea lion colony, and soak in the quiet beauty that makes this place so special.
All meals will be catered and every detail taken care of so you can settle into the rhythm of island life and enjoy each day as it arrives.
If you’re looking for a week filled with ocean air, meaningful wildlife encounters and moments that leave you inspired, Kangaroo Island is ready to welcome you.
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.
You don't need to worry about a thing. I have created a schedule that will make the most of the time that we have on the island to maximise your experience
Kangaroo Island is a pristine island and wildlife haven, here I can personally guarantee that you will witness more wildlife life than ever before
I limit the size of my workshop to six people so that we can provide an intimate experience. Learn with like minded people and make new friends.
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, AUS
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, AUS
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
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.
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 and sea lions come to us and less movement results in better interactions.
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.
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.
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.
I have created an itinerary so you don't need to worry about a thing. (Note the itinerary is simply a guide and the plan may somewhat changes due to weather conditions and other uncontrollable variables.
Welcome to your first day of the Kangaroo Island adventure. Today is the first day of many early morning alarm clocks as you need to be at Adelaide Central Bus Station for 6:30am. We will make our way down to Cape Jervis where we will then board the Sealink ferry over to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
There we will be collected and taken to our incredible accommodation on the island. We will settle in, enjoy the wildlife and landscapes that surround us.
We will head to the beach through the caves and enjoy some of the local wildlife. The evening will be spent preparing our cameras, getting settled, enjoying a meal together and watching the sunset over Stokes Bay Beach with lots of kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and wallabies close-by.
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Stokes Bay and observe the local wildlife. After which time we’ll enjoy some breakfast and then get collected by RAD KI who will take us to Flinders National Park. We’ll enjoy Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and other wildlife experiences. We can expect to see koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and even platypus if we are very lucky.
We will then depart Flinders Chase National Park and head to Seal Bay where we will experience the Australian Sea Lion Colony with golden light. From Seal Bay we will make our way back to Stokes Bay to enjoy a dinner and sunset.
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Stokes Bay and observe the local wildlife. We will then get our camera gear ready and commence with our education session on how best to capture the dolphins. The dolphin, seal and sea lion swim will commence early morning to take advantage of the natural light that will bring the area to life. It is not just the marine life that makes this area special, it is the raptors, largest cliffs in South Australia and calm bays.
Once we return home, we will upload our footage and begin working through some edits and I will go through an editing masterclass. There will be home cooked dinner made ready for us.
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Stokes Bay and observe the local wildlife and go for an early morning swim for those brave enough. We will then get our camera gear ready and be collected by KI tours who will take us out swimming with the dolphins that rest in crystal clear shallow waters. We will then make our way to the northmwest of the island, Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Area. This is a very quiet part of the island which has low visitor numbers. We will wander through the different bays and look for local wildlife and wild beaches great to drone. We will then head back to Admirals Arch to enjoy sunset with the New Zealand and long nosed fur seals. After sunset, we will make our way back to Stokes Bay to enjoy a home cooked dinner and a quiet night of editing.
The final days will be spent exploring the island looking for different animals. There will be more editing and workshop sessions. On our final day, we'll enjoy a big home cooked dinner made for us and all the local wildlife.
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Stokes Bay and observe the local wildlife. We will pack up everything we need and prepare to leave our accommodation at 10am. From there we will head in land to the many different areas to look for koalas and echidnas. If time permits we will do one last visit at Seal Bay. From there we will make our way towards Penneshaw and enjoy sunset and dusk with the local colony of seals and penguins. We will then have one last dinner before boarding the ferry back to Cape Jervis at 7:15pm.
This will be our earliest wake up call with a 4:30am alarm. We then have an hour and a half drive to Cape Willoughby to capture the sunrise with the famous Kangaroo Island Kangaroos. These are different to mainland kangaroos as they are black/grey in colour and very fluffy. We will enjoy the scenery and landscape and go for a walk looking for koalas and echidnas.
We will then make our way to Penneshaw for breakfast at a local cafe and then head back to our accommodation for a relaxed afternoon. We will spend this time working through a social media masterclass where we will start to put together our first carousel posts and reels and post them to social media. Sunset can be enjoyed at Stokes Bay with the local wildlife. A perfect opportunity to drone. We can then go out for dinner or enjoy a home cooked dinner.
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Stokes Bay and observe the local wildlife. We will pack up everything we need and prepare to leave our accommodation at 10am. From there we will head in land to the many different areas to look for koalas and echidnas. If time permits we will do one last visit at Seal Bay. From there we will make our way towards Penneshaw and enjoy sunset and dusk with the local colony of seals and penguins. We will then have one last dinner before boarding the ferry back to Cape Jervis at 7:15pm.
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included other than breakfast, which we will stop off at the supermarket to pick up easy breakfast options. You will need to purchase flights to and from Adelaide and accommodation for two nights either side of the workshop dates.
Yes, lunch and dinner will be included in the experience. We will have private catering so we can focus on the experience rather than worry about cooking or driving to restaurants to eat. The only meal not included is breakfast, but we will stop off at supermarkets so people can purchase what is suitable for them.
There are three accommodation options at our cliffside beach cottages on the famous Stokes Bay Beach. This is shared accommodation with a mix of private and shared rooms. There also also private cottages for those wanting their own space. I have chosen this accommodation because we are guaranteed to be surrounded by wildlife.
Fully self contained one and three bedroom Seaside Cottages on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. Cottages are set on 80 acres bordering Stokes Bay beach and being revegetated, providing sanctuary to abundant wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, birds, echidnas, and koalas discovering our newly planted gums. Pods of dolphins and resident pelicans are also sighted often at Stokes Bay.
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 6am. 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 arriving back at 10pm. You will need a night's accommodation after the workshop in Adelaide.
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided upon booking. After arrival to the island, we will begin exploring our local accommodation and all the wildlife that inhabit it. Once settled, the adventure begins with a range of trips across the island by land and by boat. You can expect to spend each day with a range of different animals all whilst enjoying the company of a small group, incredible operators and my photography guidance.
The workshop includes 3 x tours of the North Western side of the island to swim with dolphins, seals and sea lions on a private boat charter. It also includes 1 x dolphin swim experience in shallow crystal clear water.
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 will do two 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.
This experience is catered for everyone from absolute beginner 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 mandatory for the safety of you and orhers
The water temperature in May is around 22 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 gear. A hood to go over your head is highly recommended. A comprehensive packing list will be sent to you.
It is optional based on whether you want to pack the extra weight
