Travel to Australia to see wildlife found nowhere else in the world.
When visiting a country as large as Australia, you’d be right to think there’s a lot to see and do. But beyond the surf, barbecues and Aboriginal heritage, Australia is one of the best places in the world to see animals.
Thanks to the country’s remote position in the Pacific, it’s home to many iconic Australian animals and species that are native only to Australia. And they’re iconic for a reason: nowhere else can you see native kangaroos hopping about their wild home, koalas clinging to eucalyptus trees in the bush or echidnas traipsing along the forest floor. But head north, and you’re in for an even more tropical treat. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a large population of beautiful marine life, while the mangroves and islands also treat lucky visitors to crocs, quokkas and flying foxes too.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about wildlife travel in Australia, from when to go, the best places to visit and what you’ll see while you’re there.
Australia National Parks & Wildlife Destinations
While you may be lucky enough to just look out your window and spot native Australian wildlife, there are dedicated areas across the country where spotting animals in the wild is an even more thrilling experience. Check out our favourite places to see wildlife in Australia below.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most visited attractions, the world’s largest coral reefs and a place that richly deserves its status as one of the seven wonders of the world. Marine animals that lucky visitors could see include sharks, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and, of course, hundreds of species of coral too.
Rottnest Island/Wadjemup
If you’ve ever seen a photo of an adorable smiling quokka, you’ve probably been desperate to see one in the flesh. Well, Rottnest Island/Wadjemup off the coast of Perth is where you’ll have the best chance. As well as these small relatives of kangaroos, you’ll also be able to see fur seals, Australian sea lions and plenty of reptiles.
Kangaroo Island
Named after the first thing spotted by early settlers to this piece of land off the coast of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island has lived up to its name ever since. But as well as being a great place to spot kangaroos hopping about the countryside, the island is home to koalas, echidnas, wallabies, goannas and more. There’s also plenty to do in the small towns and national parks too.
Tasmania
Australia’s largest island, Tasmania, is a haven for wildlife lovers. Though you won’t see native koalas here, the wilds of Tasmania are home to platypus, wombats and, of course, Tasmanian Devils. The landscapes are also exceptional. Comprising a blend of reefs, grasslands, mountains and rainforest, visitors to Tasmania can expect a feast for all the senses.
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park is a dream wildlife destination. A high concentration of koalas can be found here, giving you one of the best chances to see koalas along the Great Ocean Road here. But that’s not all – the habitat of this coastal park is diverse enough to support kangaroos and other marsupials in the forests and grasslands, and dolphins in the shallow waters of the cape.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is the best place in Australia to see penguins. Every night, the little penguins make the treacherous journey from the relatively safe waters, across the beach at the Nobbies and back to their homes. Visitors with tickets to the Penguin Parade can watch this incredible spectacle, but there are also plenty of opportunities on the island to see other birds, seals, wallabies and kangaroos too.
When to go to Australia
Visitors to Australia from the northern hemisphere will be pleased to know that our winters and summers are in complete opposition to those in the south. It is, therefore, a great place to escape to when the temperatures turn cold and the sun disappears at home. That said, Australia is well-known for its mild weather all year-round in most areas, so you can’t really go wrong.
While spring and autumn offer a good compromise between good weather and wildlife sightings, Australia’s winter is one of the best times to visit if your main goal is wildlife viewing. When it’s cooler during the day, the animals will be more active so you’re likely to see them throughout the day.
The height of Australian summer can be a tropical affair. Expect hot weather, long hours of sunshine and drowsy animals looking to escape the worst heat of the day. If you do brave the heat, keep to shaded, cooler areas to stand the best chance of seeing wildlife.
Where to Stay in Australia: Lodges & Hotels
Australia is a really popular place to travel to, which means there’s a huge selection of places to stay, and in a wide variety of styles, budgets and locations. Luxury options include safari-style lodges and villas, while people on a budget can enjoy wilderness camps and backpacker hostels.
How to Travel in Australia
Being such a vast country, travelling between destinations on opposite ends of the country will require a flight or two. That being said, there are lots of different airlines that fly in Australia, so you’ll have plenty of choice for times, and this thankfully brings the price of travel down too. Find the lowest flight prices on Skyscanner.
Trains and coaches are also very well run in Australia, and can be a great budget option. However, there may not always be a route that suits your itinerary. Do your research ahead of time by looking at Rail.Ninja for the latest prices, routes and timetables.
It’s also very easy to hire a car in Australia, though some companies restrict where you can take the vehicle due to the risk of driving on unpaved roads and at night. Make sure you check with the car hire company before you agree on a price, and shop around too. There are all the big name car hire brands, as well as some local to Australia that may give you a better deal. Discover great car hire deals on Skyscanner.
It may also be worth joining a tour group if the thought of all your travel being arranged for you ahead of time appeals. Check out G Adventures and Flight Centre for more information and inspiration.
Things to do in Australia
There’s plenty to do in Australia, no matter what your tastes or budget. Adrenaline seekers will benefit from opportunities to skydive, bungee jump, and much more, while food and wine lovers will enjoy the wineries and exceptional food.
