Moving to Australia means you’ll see a wide range of wildlife in nature as well as in sanctuaries and zoos. From iconic marsupials like kangaroos and koalas to fascinating reptiles birds, and marine life, you’re in for a new world of animals. Australia is so proud of its wildlife that it’s even featured on its coins.
At Remitly, we understand that settling into a new home comes with its challenges. New surroundings, including a whole new range of wildlife, can be a bit overwhelming. To that end, we’ve created this guide of what you can expect to see while in Australia to help ease your transition and settle into your new home.
What to expect from Australian wildlife
Australia’s wildlife is known to be different. The country has a bit of a reputation for giant snakes and spiders, but it has much more than that. Because Australia has been isolated as a continent for an incredibly long time, most of the flora and fauna there can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
If you’re looking to see some unique animals, you’ll find that Australia is among the top places to experience just that. Let’s go over the wonderful creatures you may get a glimpse of Down Under. You may be familiar with a few of the following common creatures:
- Kangaroo
- Koala
- Quokka
- Echidna
- Platypus
- Wombat
- Tasmanian Devil
- Kookaburra
- Quoll
- Dingo
And there are many more animals to find throughout the country. For the bird lovers, there’s a wide range of exotic and endemic birds:
- Emus
- Cassowaries
- Lyrebirds
- Scrub-birds
- Mudnesters
- Pardalotes
And there’s still more for the adrenaline-seekers out there. Australia is the best place to find the world’s most dangerous animals. It’s common knowledge that the wildlife Down Under is not for the faint of heart; here’s why:
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Great white sharks
- Box and Irukandji jellyfish
- Snakes
- Spiders
Many of these are commonly seen in certain regions throughout the country, and others may be a little trickier to find.
Ethical animal encounters and experiences
Ethical wildlife experiences ensure that animals are observed in a way that doesn’t disturb their natural behaviour or habitats. Australia has three main ways to encounter or experience wildlife in this way: travelling to one of the many islands surrounding the country; heading into a nature reserve or the Australian outback; or diving into the ocean, specifically around the Great Barrier Reef.
Alternatively, you can head to an animal sanctuary or conservation park, where you’ll get a close-up, and sometimes even hands-on, view of these wonderful animals in a way that prioritises their well-being.
Key ethical wildlife locations
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- Kangaroo Island (South Australia): A haven for kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
- Great Barrier Reef (Queensland): Home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and vibrant coral reefs.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane): One of the best places to see and learn about koalas ethically.
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- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (Tasmania): A hotspot for wombats, Tasmanian devils, and wallabies.
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- Daintree Rainforest (Queensland): One of the oldest rainforests in the world, home to cassowaries and tree kangaroos.
Top wildlife experiences in Australia
If you have a favourite animal you absolutely don’t want to miss, or you or your family want to get up close and personal with some furry friends, then a wildlife sanctuary is ideal.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
If you’re in or around Melbourne, then Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is around the corner—about an hour’s drive to the southeast. Moonlit Sanctuary takes intrigue and interest to the next level by giving educational tours where you can learn all about the animals. And just as the name suggests, at night, they have moonlit tours where you can get the full experience of how nocturnal animals spend their nights.
If you want to get closer to Australian wildlife, you can immerse yourself in a dingo walking experience. They also have up-close and personal wombat, koala, emu, and kookaburra encounters, too!
Kangaroo Sanctuary
Over in Alice Springs, in Australia’s Northern Territory, you can find the Kangaroo Sanctuary. You’ll be able to see—or even assist—orphaned baby kangaroos as they’re rehabilitated to be released back into the wild. The sanctuary’s main focus, outside of helping kangaroos, is to educate the public through their guided sunset tour. Be sure to get a spot well in advance, as you won’t get in without booking beforehand.
Fun fact: They’ve taken kangaroo rehabilitation to the next level by being involved in creating a movie called Kangaroo that’s based on the sanctuary’s founder.
Koala Hospital
In New South Wales, Port Macquarie offers an unforgettable experience that covers all things koala—Koala Conservation Australia’s Koala Hospital.
Take a guided tour or wander at your own pace through the educational exhibits and the Koalaseum—an interactive museum where you’ll learn about koala biology and evolution.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
If you find yourself in Tasmania, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers an incredibly diverse experience for all animal enjoyers, including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, and a lot more. Whether feathered or fanged, you’ll see them up close while learning all about them.
Boronong also has a few experiences you can book, like the two-and-a-half-hour feeding frenzy, where you can hand-feed as many different animals as time permits. Discover wonderful creatures like Eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths, ringtail possums, and, of course, Tasmanian devils. You’ll also be able to book a night tour if you’re looking to see the nocturnal animals come out.
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Let’s venture into the depths and explore what Australia’s oceans have to offer. In Anna Bay in New South Wales, you’ll find Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. Wade in the sandy shallows of the lagoons while playing with or feeding the rays. It’s a controlled encounter, making it safe for the whole family to enjoy.
If you prefer something a little deeper, literally, you can reef snorkel with sharks. This is all done with an experienced guide who will keep you (and the sharks) happy and safe.
A look at the outback
Heading into the outback provides an untethered and unhindered experience. If you’re new to Australia and haven’t got all the gear and equipment just yet, an outback tour is perfect. All you need to bring is yourself, some clothes, and a camera to eternalise the memories.
Outback tours
Exploring the Australian outback is thrilling, but best done with a guide who knows the terrain well. Guided tours can take you through the outback, up rivers, down beaches, diving coral reefs, and more. Here are a few options:
- Birding tour. Explore Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is dual-listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding natural and cultural values and offers you a chance to connect with the oldest living culture on the planet.
- Murray River Safari. Discover where Australia’s river oasis meets the outback. This safari is packed with activities along Australia’s greatest river, including guided walks and canoeing. You can also opt to sleep in a luxurious houseboat.
- Alice Springs hiking safari. This hike will take you through multiple natural splendours like the 80m gorge Standley Chasm, and the Ellery Creek Big Hole, where you can stop for a dip.
Tag along tours
If you’ve got all the gear ready and your own 4×4, then a tag-along tour might be the option for you. Just as the name suggests, you’ll bring your own gear, but tag along with a group and be led by an experienced guide. There’s also 4×4 driver training for those seeking to go further into the unknown.
You’ll get to bash through the undiscovered with guides who are able to help the group navigate tricky terrain, locate the best campsites, and scout the wildlife hiding just out of sight.
There are tag-along tours to almost every inch of Australia, and they range from single-day to 20+ days long. The only thing left to decide is where the adventure will lead you.
Top zoos and aquariums to experience wildlife
Sometimes, it’s tricky to get out of the city to see these animals in their natural habitats, but a simple solution is to head to any major city because you will find at least one zoo in each.
Australia’s zoos have a rich and long history, some over 100 years old! The oldest, Melbourne Zoo, first opened its doors in 1862.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo (alongside Melbourne Zoo) is regarded as the region’s most prestigious zoo due to its large variety of exhibits. They’ve recently added an amphibian and reptile experience and have eight baby animals that can’t wait to meet you. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience for the whole family.
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals. They also have intimate animal experiences, like the giraffe experience, where you get to feed these gentle giants.
The Auckland Zoo also has an online zoo viewing platform where you can catch up with these animals via the otter cam, meerkat cam or giraffe cam, among others.
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Sea Life Sydney has all the creepy crawlies and wonderful sea life imaginable. The aquarium is home to many interactive exhibits, including A Day and Night on the Great Barrier Reef—where over 400 creatures will take you on a colourful journey, or Shark Valley—where you can see some of the largest aquarium sharks in the world.
Monarto Safari Park
Get into the mind of the king of the jungle at Monarto Safari Park, home to the largest lion pride in Australia. Take it a step further and take the walk of the brave, an interactive 370-degree experience.
This safari park works more as a conservatory, where animals are given giant spaces to roam in large groups, sometimes mixing different species.
Optimal times for observing wildlife
There’s something to do during every season in Australia, and the best time to go depends on the experience you’d like to have and the state or territory you’ll be in.
Autumn in the country is from March to May. During these months, you can explore the underwater worlds at Lord Howe Island and Ningaloo Reef. May is also the start of the whale migration and the perfect time for whale watching.
Winter is from June to August. During these months, you can spot kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hilsborough or brave the cool waters and swim with sea lions in Baird Bay.
Spring is from September to November, and summer is from December to February. These months are when baby koalas pop out of their pouch and turtle hatchlings head into the sea. During these seasons, you can even walk with baby wombats.
FAQs
Where to find iconic Australian animals?
You can find iconic Australian animals in wildlife parks, zoos, and natural habitats across Australia, such as Kangaroo Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and national parks.
Where is the best place to see koalas and kangaroos in Australia?
Great spots include Kangaroo Island, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Australia Zoo, and various national parks like Yanchep, Great Otway and the Great Ocean Road.
How much does it cost to cuddle a koala at the Australia Zoo?
Prices vary, but koala cuddle experiences typically cost around AUD$30 to AUD$50. Check out the Australia Zoo website for current rates.
Where are you most likely to see kangaroos in Australia?
Kangaroos are commonly found in national parks, open grasslands, and coastal areas, including Kangaroo Island, the Grampians, and Lucky Bay.