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Australia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, with out-of-this-world animals you must see to believe. From the iconic koala to the rather peculiar-looking platypus, there are countless opportunities to experience nature up close and personal… And these two are just the tip of the iceberg!
With its vast national parks, protected marine reserves, and expert-guided wildlife tours, Australia invites you to encounter these remarkable creatures in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or a curious traveller, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the land Down Under. Here’s where you can go for the most unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Koalas may spend most of their time snoozing on eucalyptus trees (18 to 20 hours, to be exact!), but along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, you’ll find plenty of them wide awake and busy munching on leaves.
Fun Fact: Before you start calling these adorable creatures “koala bears,” hold on—because they’re not bears at all! Koalas are actually marsupials, more closely related to kangaroos, bandicoots, and possums. And just like kangaroos, female koalas have a special pouch where they rear their young!
Best Way to See Them: Self-drive along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Kennett River and Cape Otway. For an expert-led experience, book a wildlife tour in Australia that includes guided walks and conservation insights.
Stay at: Drift House Port Fairy, a boutique luxury hotel where rich history meets award-winning design. Staying in one of their six beautifully-crafted suites leaves you with more than just a memorable experience–it directly supports local businesses and contributes to the community, with a charitable donation made for every booking.
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters in Australia, and it’s probably on every nature-lover’s bucket list. Make a visit sometime between March and July, so you catch these certified gentle sea giants as they migrate to Ningaloo Reef, and snorkel alongside them in the crystal-clear waters. Needless to say, it’s a surreal experience that will be difficult to top.
Fun Fact: Whale sharks not only have teeth on their skin (dermal denticles) that give their texture a rough feel, but recent studies have revealed they also have tiny teeth on their eyes! This unique feature isn’t found in any other vertebrates, making these already incredible creatures even more fascinating.
Best Way to See Them: Join a wildlife tour in Australia departing from Exmouth or Coral Bay, where spotter planes help find the whale sharks for an up-close encounter that’s safe for both you and the whales.
Stay at: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, a luxury eco-camp where your tent opens directly onto the beach, allowing you to be fully immersed in nature—eating, sleeping, and running straight to the beach, all while sharing the landscape with the local wildlife.
The platypus is one of Australia’s (if not the world’s) most mysterious creatures, and Tasmania is one of the best places to see them in the wild. These shy, egg-laying mammals can often be spotted at Lake St. Clair, Warrawee Forest Reserve, and along the Derwent River.
Fun Fact: Platypuses are the original trolls of the animal world! When European naturalist George Shaw first encountered a platypus in the 1790s, he understandably thought someone was playing a prank on him! In fact, he was so baffled by this four-legged, beaver-tailed, Frankenstein duck creature that he dissected it, and was certain he’d find stitches.
And did we mention that they glow under a UV light too?
Best Way to See Them: To boost your chances of laying eyes on this incredible creature and confirming its existence firsthand, wake up early, as they’re most active at the crack of dawn (or at dusk). For a guided experience, consider joining a platypus-spotting tour in Latrobe, the “Platypus Capital of the World.”
Stay at: Pumphouse Point, a cosy lodge nestled on the shores of Lake St. Clair, perfect for recharging after an early morning of platypus spotting.
Torn between a relaxing day at the beach and watching kangaroos? At Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, you don’t have to choose. Here, you can lounge on the soft white sand and soak up the sun alongside the kangaroos, making it one of the most iconic and Insta-worthy places for wildlife watching in Australia.
Fun Fact: kangaroos are actually left-handed! Studies have shown that about 95% of the time, they prefer using their left paw for tasks like grooming and eating—and save their right paw for activities that require more strength. Pretty cool, right?
Best Way to See Them: Simply visit during the day! Kangaroos here are accustomed to people, making it easy to capture the perfect shot.
Stay at: Esperance Chalet Village, a stylish yet laid back retreat for true animal lovers where birds vastly outnumber people. Just a stone’s throw away from scenic national parks and pristine beaches, this hideaway is the perfect base for discerning travellers looking to explore Western Australia’s stunning coastline in effortless comfort.
The prehistoric-looking cassowary is a rare and fascinating bird that plays a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. The Daintree Rainforest is one of the best places to spot them, particularly around Cape Tribulation and Jindalba Boardwalk.
Fun Fact: The cassowary may be the third-largest bird in the world, but certainly aren’t big on love. During the mating season, they set aside their solitary ways to find a mate, but once the female lays her eggs, it’s all on dad from there. This devoted single parent builds the nest and incubates the eggs for 50 days, rarely eating or drinking during this time. Talk about dad-ication!
Best Way to See Them: Join a guided rainforest walk or river cruise with a local expert who knows exactly where these elusive birds like to roam.
Stay at: Silky Oaks Lodge, a luxurious treehouse retreat nestled in the heart of the Daintree, where it’s so comfy and inviting that you’ll want to take a page out of the cassowary playbook and just stay in for the entire day.
Every evening, hundreds of little penguins waddle from the ocean back to their burrows on Phillip Island—a heart-warming wildlife experience that’s perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
Fun Fact: Unlike the solitary cassowary, penguins are known for their lifelong commitment to their mates. Species like the Adelie penguin will return to the same spot to reunite with the same partner every breeding season.
And if the thought of lifelong penguin monogamy hasn’t restored your faith in finding true love yet, this just might do the trick: male penguins often woo their mates by gifting them rocks—because, apparently, nothing says “I love you” like a well-chosen stone! The females use these rocks to build their nests, making them a true gesture of love… and a practical gift too!
Best Way to See Them: Visit the Penguin Parade viewing platforms, or opt for a VIP wildlife tour in Australia that includes behind-the-scenes access to conservation areas.
Stay at: Quincy Hotel Melbourne – Located on the iconic Flinders Lane in the heart of Melbourne, this stylish hotel puts you within walking distance of the city’s best dining, art, and cultural experiences—offering a perfect blend of energy and comfort.
For a seamless escape from the city, book a premium Phillip Island day tour from Melbourne with Local Way Tours. Experience wildlife encounters, gourmet food and wine, and the magic of the famous Penguin Parade—all led by expert local guides.
Wombats are some of Australia’s most beloved creatures, and there’s no better place to meet these marsupials than Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Catch a glimpse of these chunky critters grazing along the walking trails, especially at dusk.
Fun Facts: Wombats use their tough, cartilage-filled behinds to butt-ress themselves against predators, even crushing skulls with them! And here’s Fact “number two,” which is equally interesting… they have cube-shaped poop, which helps them mark their territory without it rolling away.
Best Way to See Them: Take a twilight tour with a local guide for the best chance of spotting wombats, as well as other nocturnal wildlife like Tasmanian devils and quolls.
Stay at: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, a cosy yet elegant lodge that perfectly combines comfort and charm, letting you immerse yourself in the beauty of the alpine wilderness.
Wildlife watching can be quite unpredictable in itself, with no guarantees of spotting your favourite creatures, but with AUNZ Holidays, you can rest easy knowing that everything else is taken care of. A carefully curated itinerary ensures you see Australia’s most incredible wildlife in a responsible, ethical way, with the added bonus of:
Exclusive Access: Private wildlife encounters and expert-led tours you won’t find on your own.
Tailored Itineraries: Effortlessly blending luxury accommodations with unforgettable wildlife experiences, so you can fully immerse yourself in Australia’s natural wonders while enjoying every moment of your adventure.
Stress-Free Travel: From securing your bookings to making last-minute changes, your AUNZ Holidays Expert ensures every aspect of your wildlife adventure is smooth and hassle-free.
From koalas in the treetops to penguins waddling along the shore, wildlife watching in Australia offers you a front-row seat to nature’s best show. Contact your AUNZ Holidays Expert to start planning your personalised wildlife adventure today!
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.