There is a lot more to enjoying Australia’s wildlife than cuddling a koala or feeding a kangaroo. Check out these amazing wildlife experiences that take you beyond zoos and wildlife parks and up close with some unique Australian animals in their natural habitat.
Australian natives Natalie and Steve share the best Australian wildlife experiences that they’ve had. Plus we add in our favorite animal encounters in Australia too!
Table of Contents
12 Australian Wildlife Experiences
1. Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Dubbed the world’s happiest animal, you only need to search for ‘quokka selfie’ to see why.
With chubby cheeks, dark eyes and a toothy smile, it’s little wonder they win so many hearts. Quokkas show no fear of the tourists who visit them on Rottnest Island. Having a close-up encounter is not only easy to achieve; it is difficult to avoid.
What are Quokkas?
Quokkas are a miniature wallaby, shorter and stockier than kangaroos. They are native to Western Australia and Rottnest Island, which is one of the few places to see wild populations. This beautiful island is just a short ferry ride from Perth. If super cute is how you like your wildlife, make sure Rottnest is on your itinerary.
Additionally, the marine life around the island is wonderful, including seasonal sightings of blue and humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals.
2. Giant Australian Cuttlefish in South Australia
Each winter, more than 100,000 giant Australian cuttlefish arrive to breed in the waters near the South Australian city of Whyalla. This extraordinary mass migration can be viewed by snorkeling or diving.
The cuttlefish can be found just a few meters below the surface, accessible from the shore. Their long, flaring tentacles and trademark pulsating color changes create a fascinating sight as the big males compete for mates. However, be prepared for cold water; temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius require suitable gear from local dive shops, which is worth the effort.
Interestingly, dolphins and seals (but no sharks) often frequent the area, taking advantage of the easy meal.
3. Jumping Crocodiles in the Northern Territory
You won’t be getting in the water for this next adventure. Crocs––if you thought they couldn’t be more frightening, take a cruise on the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory. You’ll see them leap from the water for food, and the chomping sound of their massive jaws closing will send a chill down your spine.
During the cruise, a crew member holds a pole with a piece of meat at the end, drawing enormous saltwater crocodiles that gracefully launch themselves meters into the air for the bait. It is a spectacular sight to witness these powerful creatures in action.
4. Platypus Spotting in the Otway Ranges
If leaping prehistoric monsters aren’t your thing, platypus spotting on Victoria’s Lake Elizabeth might be more up your pace. These unique creatures are most active at dawn and dusk, allowing you to appreciate the serene beauty of the area during these times.
Surrounded by a dense forest of eucalypts and tree ferns, the tranquility of Lake Elizabeth gives it a meditative air. You can try spotting a platypus from the surrounding path or, better yet, go on a canoe tour to catch a glimpse from the water.
The platypus is so unusual that the first specimens were thought to be a hoax. They are covered in fur, lay eggs, have a duck-bill, and are notoriously difficult to spot. If you are lucky, one might surface near your canoe, placing you in an exclusive club of watchers.
5. Australian Fur Seals in Port Philip Bay
After spotting a platypus, stay in Victoria and head to the coastal town of Queenscliff to swim with Australian fur seals. This experience is even more interactive than Lake Elizabeth.
Described as the Labradors of the sea due to their playful nature, swimming with these seals means you’ll be face-to-face with inquisitive creatures while they perform their aquatic gymnastics around you. As you snorkel along, they swim beneath you, seemingly encouraging you to join in the fun; it is truly a joyful experience that leaves you with memories of a wonderful encounter.
6. Maria Island Wombats
Not as well-known as koalas and kangaroos, wombats share the same level of cuteness as quokkas. Maria Island off the east coast of Tasmania is the perfect locale to see these rotund, sleepy-faced animals.
A close relative of koalas, wombats prefer to lie in burrows or graze on open grasslands rather than perch in trees. You’ll have no trouble spotting them; they’re so accessible that authorities have introduced a wildlife pledge reminding visitors not to pat them. This precaution underscores their wild nature, even though their appeal is undeniable.
In addition to wombats, Maria Island houses Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and kangaroos, making it a highly regarded site for bird watching.
7. Far North Queensland Cassowaries
While cassowaries are not exclusive to Australia and can also be found in New Guinea, seeking them out leads you to tropical Far North Queensland. This exploration makes them worth the effort. Unlike Australia’s other large flightless bird, the emu, cassowaries can be a bit elusive.
Despite their six-foot stature and blue and red necks, you need to be in the right place at the right time to spot one. A good starting point is the Cassowary Coast near Mission Beach, which has several spotting hotspots. The easy 30-minute Lacey’s Creek walk takes you past crystal clear creeks and through tropical rainforest, an ideal environment for cassowaries.
As you walk quietly through this lush terrain, you have an excellent chance of encountering one of these magnificent birds.
8. Kangaroo Island South Australia
A trip to Kangaroo Island is one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia. This island is filled with kangaroos and wallabies, offering numerous opportunities to encounter these endemic mammals up close.
While there are many places to see kangaroos in the wild, Kangaroo Island boasts several protected areas worth exploring. The Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary provides a fantastic chance to observe koalas, while Seal Bay features a splendid boardwalk and guided tours to see the endangered Australian sea lions.
9. Great White Sharks – Port Lincoln
If you desire a thrilling encounter with Great White Sharks, Port Lincoln in South Australia offers tours that take you two hours off the coast to dive safely in a cage.
Adventure Bay Divers, a company recognized for various eco-tourism awards, uses music instead of chumming to attract the sharks. Interestingly, hard rock music serves as a lure; while waiting for sharks to approach, you can even play air guitar underwater!
10. Dingoes – Fraser Island
Fraser Island is known not only as the world’s largest sand island but also as one of the best places to see dingoes in the wild. These wild Australian dogs have been present in Australia for 5,000 years. However, their numbers are declining due to farming practices that result in conflict with livestock.
To gain an appreciation for them, a visit to Fraser Island is essential. Driving along 75-mile Beach while observing dingoes on the shore and near the lakes is an unforgettable experience.
11. Koalas – Mikkira Station
Koalas are vulnerable to extinction, and the recent bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland have worsened the situation for these adorable marsupials. At Mikkira Station in South Australia, you can see koalas resting safely in their eucalyptus trees.
Contrary to popular belief, koalas are not bears; they are a distinct species of marsupial that grow to less than three feet in height, making them incredibly cute yet difficult to spot as they blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
12. Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby – Wilpena Pound
Located in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, it’s a 450 km drive from Adelaide to this scenic location where you can explore the stunning outback landscape and the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound.
This area, over 100 million years old, is a captivating site to explore, being one of the best places in Australia to view the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.
Australia is filled with many strange and wonderful animals, so when you visit, make it a priority to seek them out!
