FAIBS is a community group dedicated to protecting the birds and coastal habitats of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park, Winaityinaityi Pangkara, on South Australia’s Samphire Coast.

Each year, thousands of migratory shorebirds travel extraordinary distances from the Northern Hemisphere to spend the summer feeding and resting on our shores. The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary provides critical habitat where they can rebuild their strength before returning north to breed.

We are local volunteers who care deeply about this globally significant refuge. Through education, advocacy, monitoring and hands-on conservation, we work to safeguard shorebirds and the rich biodiversity of this unique coastal environment.

Whether you are a birdwatcher, nature lover, local resident or visitor, we invite you to join us in protecting this remarkable sanctuary for future generations.

Welcome to Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS)

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  • Double-banded Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover at Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary

    Double-banded Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover

  • Bar-tailed Godwits at adelaide international bird sanctuary

    Bar-tailed Godwits

  • Pacific golden plover at adealdie international bird sanctuary

    Pacific Golden Plover

  • ruddy turnstone with leg flag XYW

    Ruddy Turnstone

  • Black-tailed godwit showing tail

    Black-tailed Godwit

  • Greater sand plover at adelaide international bird sanctuary

    Greater Sand Plover

  • An adult and a juvenile crested tern

    Crested Terns

  • Sharp-tailed sandpiper at the Adelaide international bird sanctuary

    Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

  • A siae comparison of a red necked stint and a far eastern curlew

    Red-necked Stint and Far Eastern Curlew

  • Curlew Sandpiper showing breeding plumage

    Curlew Sandpiper

  • Great Knots on the Adelaide coastline

    Great Knots

  • Black-faced Cormorant in the Adelaide International bird sanctuary

    Black-faced Cormorant

  • Red Knot in breeding plumage

    Red Knot

  • Fairy Tern with leg bands on the Adelaide shoreline

    Fairy Tern

  • Bar-tailed Godwits in breeding plumage

    Bar-tailed Godwit

  • Red-capped Plover with chick on the Northern Adelaide coastline

    Red-capped plover with chick

  • White-bellied Sea Eagle

    White-bellied Sea Eagle

  • Sooty Oystercatcher roosting with Silver Gulls and Terns

    Sooty Oystercatcher

  • Common Greenshank

    Common Greenshank

volunteer in Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary

Volunteer with FAIBS

  • FAIBS hold community events usually on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Events held over winter include planting, direct seeding, de-guarding, weed control, clean-ups and more. When the birds are in residence, (October to April) we host information and identification sessions, providing scopes and binoculars. You dont need to be a member to come along, everyone is welcome.

  • Additional to the FAIBS events are Ranger hosted working bees held, generally, every 2nd Monday morning. This is a small, dedicated group, active in weed control, planting, seeding, clean ups, anything to assist the work of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park Rangers, (who also provide morning tea).

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Winaityinaityi Pangkara

The country of the birds

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water, and pay respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and their continuing cultural and spiritual connection to this country. Kudla yurlu kurrarinthi, to approach, stay, and leave peacefully, guides our interactions with this sacred place.

Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park -Winaityinaityi Pangkara

  • The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary stretches across more than 60 kilometres of coastline north of Adelaide along Gulf St Vincent, spanning four local council areas and bordering Adelaide’s northern suburbs. Within the sanctuary lies the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara, the country of the birds.

    Located at the southern end of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, the sanctuary is one of Australia’s most important habitats for migratory shorebirds. Each year, birds travel from breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Alaska, passing through 22 countries before arriving here.

    More than five million birds use this flyway annually, with more than 20,000 regularly found within the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, relying on its tidal flats, wetlands and coastal habitats to feed and rest during their long journeys.

  • These links take you to the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA- AIBS maps

    AIBS Map

    Northern portion

    Middle portion

    Southern portion

Port Gawler Beach

FAIBS 10 YEARS

FAIBS 10 YEARS

friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary

In 2026 FAIBS is marking its 10th anniversary and to celebrate we have a year full of fantastic events planned. Whether you are already a member or have never visited the sanctuary before, we would love to see you.

See upcoming events below or go to calendar for more.

Calendar

New T-shirts to mark our 10 year milestone

This beautiful artwork, created by Kaurna Elder Jeffery Newchurch, originated during the 10th Meeting of Partners of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership in Singapore in 2017. The collaborative design reflects the strong connections shared across countries along the flyway.

Through his artwork and storytelling, Uncle Jeffery shared a message of connectedness — speaking of the spirit of the birds and how people across nations are linked through the journeys of migratory shorebirds. The design celebrates these shared connections and our collective responsibility to care for the flyway and its habitats.

There are 3 T-shirt styles available in many colours, order yours here. Any profit made goes straight back into improving habitat for our migratory shorebirds and resident fauna in the sanctuary.

Upcoming Events

Planting Event

For our next FAIBS event we are planting in the dunes at Port Gawler.

Sunday 21st June, 10am- 1pm

Location: Recreation Drive Car Park, Port Gawler.

Join FAIBS and lend a hand as we work together to boost biodiversity and support local wildlife and our incredible shorebirds. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just curious to get involved, everyone is welcome!

It’s a great chance to connect with nature, meet like-minded people, and make a real difference.

Morning tea provided.

We’d love to see you there—bring a friend and help us grow something special!

Go to Google map

Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary- Future events

Please save the date:

Sunday 19th July, 10am- 1pm

Location details coming soon

Join FAIBS and help care for the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary through hands-on conservation activities such as habitat planting, saltmarsh clean-ups, weed control, and other projects that support local wildlife and shorebirds.

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a long-time volunteer or joining us for the first time. Come along, enjoy time in nature, meet friendly people, and help make a positive difference.

Morning tea provided. Bring a friend — we’d love to see you there!

Become a frequent flyer

Join the flyway to receive our monthly events emails, express an interest in becoming a paid member, or simply ask a question.

Flock of migratory shorebirds in the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary