Australia is a land of unique and fascinating wildlife, from the iconic kangaroo and koala to the elusive Tasmanian devil and the prehistoric platypus. With its vast and varied landscapes, from rugged mountains and lush rainforests to endless deserts and pristine coastlines, Australia is a haven for nature lovers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best places to see wildlife in Australia. Whether you’re looking to spot kangaroos in the wild, swim with sea turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, or encounter exotic birds and mammals in the tropical rainforests, we’ve got you covered.
So join us as we uncover the top destinations to experience Australia’s incredible wildlife and discover why this beautiful country is a must-visit destination for any animal lover.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife. The island is home to a wide range of animals, many of which are endemic to the region. It goes without saying that visitors to Kangaroo Island have the opportunity to see kangaroos, but also wallabies, echidnas, koalas, sea lions and a variety of bird species too.
One of the best places to see wildlife on Kangaroo Island is Flinders Chase National Park. Here, visitors can witness the incredible beauty of the island’s natural landscape as it recovers from disastrous bushfires, while also encountering the animals that call it home. Kangaroos and wallabies can often be seen grazing in the open grasslands, while koalas are regularly spotted resting in the shade of eucalyptus trees, so keep your eyes peeled throughout your visit.
Another popular wildlife viewing spot on Kangaroo Island is Seal Bay Conservation Park, where visitors can observe a colony of Australian sea lions. This unique and endangered species is only found in Australia and is an unforgettable sight to behold. Book a guided tour for the best experience, and you’ll be allowed down onto the beach to get closer to the colony.
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is not only one of the world’s most famous natural wonders but also a haven for marine life. The reef system is home to various species, from colourful fish and sea turtles to sharks and dolphins.
One of the best ways to see wildlife on the Great Barrier Reef is through snorkelling or diving. With crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral formations, the reef offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of marine life. Visitors can swim alongside sea turtles as they glide through the water, or marvel at the graceful movements of rays and reef sharks.
Another way to see wildlife on the Great Barrier Reef is through a guided cruise. These tours often provide expert guides who can point out the different species and provide insight into their behaviour and habitat.
The Great Barrier Reef also boasts several islands and national parks, such as the Whitsunday Islands and the Daintree Rainforest, where visitors can see a variety of land-based wildlife. These include wallabies, kangaroos, and a wide variety of birdlife.
So whether you’re exploring the reef itself or the surrounding islands and parks, there are endless opportunities to witness Australia’s incredible marine and land-based life in all its glory.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territories
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, famous for its towering red rock formations and rich Indigenous culture. The park, formerly known simply as Uluru or Ayers Rock, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species unique to the region.
One of the most recognisable animals in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is the red kangaroo, the largest of all kangaroos, which can often be seen grazing in the open plains around the park. Visitors may also spot wallabies, dingoes and several species of reptiles, including the iconic thorny devil, throughout the park.
Another highlight of wildlife viewing here is bird watching. The park is home to more than 170 species of birds, including the magnificent wedge-tailed eagle and the colourful spinifex pigeon. During the breeding season, visitors may even spot the elusive Australian bustard, known for its spectacular courtship displays.
For a more in-depth wildlife experience, visitors can take a guided tour with a local Indigenous guide, who can share their knowledge and insights into the park’s wildlife and cultural significance. These tours may include bush tucker tastings, traditional hunting techniques and storytelling associated with the park’s flora and fauna.
Tasmania
Tasmania is a true wildlife paradise, known for its rugged wilderness and unique species. The island is home to a wide range of animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. From marsupials and birds to reptiles and marine mammals, Tasmania’s wildlife is just waiting to be discovered.
One of the best places to see wildlife in Tasmania is Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, which boasts a stunning landscape of rugged mountains, glacial lakes and ancient forests. Here, visitors can see many species of marsupials, including the iconic Tasmanian devil, as well as wallabies, echidnas and wombats.
Another popular wildlife viewing spot in Tasmania is Freycinet National Park, which is famous for its pink granite mountains, secluded bays and stunning beaches. The park is also home to the eastern quoll, a rare and endangered marsupial only found in Tasmania.
The island’s coastline is also a hotspot for wildlife, with opportunities to see seabirds, penguins, and seals. One of the best places to see these animals is Bruny Island, where visitors can take a boat tour to see seals, whales and dolphins, or observe the little penguins as they return to their nests after a day of fishing.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territories
Whether you’re exploring Kakadu National Park’s waterways, forests, or savannas, there are endless opportunities to witness the incredible diversity of Australia’s wildlife here. The park is home to over 280 bird species, wallabies, dingoes, and other mammals, as well as a variety of reptiles such as goannas and snakes.
Yet, one of the highlights of wildlife viewing here is the chance to see saltwater crocodiles on boat tours along the park’s rivers. As saltwater crocs are some of the largest and most deadly predators in the world, it’s important to observe them from a safe distance and with an expert guide.
Another highlight of wildlife viewing in Kakadu National Park is bird watching. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Australian Bustard and the Rainbow Bee-eater. If you are a keen birdwatcher, the best time to visit Kakadu is during the dry season, when the birds flock to more concentrated areas around watering holes.
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Wilsons Promontory National Park is a stunning wilderness area located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. The park is known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches and ancient rainforests, as well as its rich diversity of wildlife.
Iconic kangaroos and wallabies are common in Wilsons Promontory National Park, and visitors can often spot them grazing in open grasslands or lounging in the shade of eucalyptus trees in the heat of the day. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the stunning satin bowerbird, the noisy parrot, and the tiny, elusive superb fairywren. Reptile lovers should keep their eyes peeled for snakes, lizards and the iconic blue-tongued skink.
If you’re a fan of marine animals, Wilsons is also a popular destination for whale watching, particularly during the winter months when southern right and humpback whales migrate along the coast. Visitors can take boat tours or hike to lookout points to observe these magnificent animals as they breach and play along the coast.
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Australia, home to a staggering array of wildlife. This ancient rainforest is located in the far north of Queensland and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Here, visitors have the chance to see some of the world’s most exotic bird species, including parrots, cockatoos and other tropical birds, as well as a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards and geckos. Mammal lovers will enjoy looking out for possums, flying foxes and several other species of bats in the forest canopy.
One of the highlights of wildlife viewing in the Daintree Rainforest is the chance to see rare and endangered species such as the tree kangaroo and the southern cassowary. These elusive animals are rarely seen, but patient visitors may catch a glimpse of them if they’re really lucky.
The rainforest’s enviable coastal location by the Great Barrier Reef means it is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins and the elusive dugong – a cousin of the manatee.
Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, Western Australia
Rottnest Island – or to give it its Aboriginal name, Wadjemup – is a small island located just off the coast of Western Australia, famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is also a haven for wildlife and visitors can expect to see a variety of animals during their stay.
There’s no doubt you’ll already have heard of the island’s most famous resident, the quokka. These cute and friendly marsupials are found only on Rottnest and a few other nearby islands and are often the main reason to visit. Quokkas are often seen lounging in the sun or grazing on grasses and shrubs and are not afraid of human visitors, making them a popular subject for photos.
The island is also home to several bird species, including the osprey, the peregrine falcon and the rainbow lorikeet. Visitors can often spot these birds perched in trees and shrubs, or soaring over the island’s beaches and dunes.
The waters surrounding Rottnest Island are also home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals and several species of fish. Visitors can take boat tours or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to observe these animals up close.
Great Otway National Park, Victoria
Great Otway National Park is a vast and diverse natural environment, home to a wide variety of fascinating animals. Many of Australia’s iconic species can be seen here, including kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, which can be seen grazing in open fields or resting in eucalyptus trees.
The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds known to inhabit the area. Visitors can observe a variety of birds of prey, such as the powerful owl and the peregrine falcon, as well as brightly coloured parrots and cockatoos.
One of the highlights of wildlife viewing in Great Otway is the chance to see the elusive and endangered tiger quoll. These carnivorous marsupials are a rare sight, but visitors can increase their chances of spotting one by taking a guided tour with a local expert.
Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island, located off the coast of Victoria, Australia, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to observe a variety of fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
One of the highlights of wildlife viewing on Phillip Island is the chance to see the world’s smallest penguin species, the little penguin, which can be observed waddling ashore after a day of fishing at sunset. Visitors can watch these adorable birds in their natural habitat from the beach or from elevated viewing platforms at the Penguin Parade, where they can get an up-close look at the penguins as they make their way across the sand.
The island is also home to a large population of fur seals, which can be seen lounging on rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. Boat tours are available to view the seals up close, or visitors can watch them from vantage points along the coastline at the Nobbies Centre.
In addition to penguins and seals, Phillip Island is also home to a variety of bird species, including gulls, terns and cormorants, as well as land-based species such as wallabies, kangaroos and koalas.
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Australia is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise with a vast array of unique and fascinating creatures to discover. Whether you’re interested in watching kangaroos in the wild or swimming with whale sharks, Australia has something for everyone. From the rugged outback to the pristine coastlines, this vast and beautiful country is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking wildlife on the planet.
By visiting some of the best places to see wildlife in Australia, you can experience the wonder and beauty of these amazing animals up close. So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars and camera, and set out on an unforgettable adventure to explore the wild side of Australia!
