With lots of native animals, Australia is an animal lover’s paradise. No matter the state, territory, or island, it’s sure to be full of fascinating creatures that are only found in the Land Down Under.
In this list, we round up 11 of the most notable wildlife in Australia that you can’t miss during your Aussie vacation! 😆
1. Koalas
Fall in love with these cute animals!
One look at a koala, and it’s immediately obvious that they’re one of Australia’s most beloved animals. I mean, their noses are so adorable and their gray fur looks so cuddly!
Although they may look as cute as a teddy bear, they’re not actually bears. Like kangaroos, they’re marsupials who have pouches where their babies can grow.
This native animal can only be seen in Australia’s eastern and southern coastal regions, but you can also see them at a koala sanctuary in Brisbane, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
It’s home to over 100 koalas, making it the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. The sanctuary makes efforts to create a sustainable habitat and food center for koalas. They also have an on-site veterinary center, where they treat sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. 🐨
2. Kangaroos
Bounce around with Australia’s kangaroos!
The kangaroo is said to be synonymous with Australian wildlife, and, just like the koalas, is another major national icon. These bouncy friends are famous for their powerful legs and the adorable way they carry their joeys in a pouch. 🦘
But did you know that you can also find kangaroos in the heart of the CBD? Catch some wildlife in Sydney at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo! Explore their Kangaroo Walkabout, where you can have close encounters with kangaroos and learn about local wildlife conservation.
3. Wallabies
Look closely and you’ll notice the differences between a wallaby and a kangaroo. | Photo from Sheba_Also on Wikimedia
Nope, these aren’t kangaroos! Compared to kangaroos, wallabies are much smaller, fluffier, and typically lighter in color.
You can find these fluffy animals at Australia Zoo, the zoo famously owned by the Irwin family. At the zoo’s “Roo Heaven,” you can interact with several wallaby species, like swamp wallabies and red-necked wallabies.
4. Wombats
Get up-close with wombats in the Naughty Wombat Encounter. | pen_ash on Pixabay
Australia Zoo is home to over 700 acres of land, so it’s not surprising to find out it houses the world’s largest wombat habitat! Wombats may not be as famous as koalas and kangaroos, but they’re just as lovable with their small legs and cuddly body. 🥰
You can get up-close with these cuddly creatures through Australia Zoo’s Naughty Wombat Encounter! Not only will you get to interact with them, but you’ll also learn about the zoo’s habitat protection efforts to protect this species.
5. Echidnas
Hand-feed cute echidnas in the Spiky Little Echidna Encounter at Australia Zoo. | pen_ash on Pixabay
Don’t let the spikes fool you! These spiked creatures are the native echidnas, not hedgehogs. Despite their spiky appearance, they’re more adorable than intimidating when you see them waddling through the ground and looking for food with their long noses. 😆
The best place to find echidnas is also, well, the Australia Zoo! Thanks to Bindi Irwin’s love for short-beaked echidnas, the zoo has become famous for its Spiky Little Echidna Encounter, where you can hand-feed these cute creatures.
6. Quokkas
Take a selfie with the world’s happiest animal!
When you see this cute Australian animal it’s hard to hold back a smile. Quokkas are always grinning from ear to ear, making them the perfect selfie partner.
But be careful not to touch them! They’re friendly and likely to approach people but they’ve been known to bite unsuspecting visitors. Wait for them to approach you before you get close and snap a photo with the world’s happiest animal. 📸
The best way to see quokkas is to go to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, which has the largest collection of quokkas. Listen to keeper talks about habitat sustainability and other conservation efforts, as you have a fun encounter with these smiley animals.
Make sure to get the Featherdale Sydney Wildlife fast-track entry for a fuss-free trip!
7. Penguins
Watch little penguins go home to their colony.
Cute Australian animals aren’t limited to marsupials or mammals. There are also adorable birds, like penguins! The penguins in Australia are known as little penguins, and are the smallest penguin species in the world.
There is a massive breeding colony of over 40,000 little penguins at Phillip Island, a natural and protected setting for wildlife in Australia. After dusk, catch the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where the aquatic birds emerge from the water and make their way to their colony. It’s a show you won’t want to miss! 🐧
8. Emus
Meet Australia’s largest native bird, the emu! | Photo from Andy Mitchell on Wikimedia
Speaking of flightless birds, the emu is Australia’s largest native bird and the world’s second-tallest and also happens to be a national symbol of the country. Although flightless, emus can sprint surprisingly fast, so make sure to get out of their way!
You can find these birds at Taronga Zoo Sydney, a nonprofit conservation society that participates in breeding programs for endangered species and educational programs to raise awareness on the conservation of wildlife in Australia.
9. Rainbow Lorikeets
Marvel at the vibrant colors of rainbow lorikeets.
Want to see birds that fly this time? Head over to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can find a large population of birds of Australia!
At Currumbin Wildlife, you can find lots of rainbow lorikeets, a highly social bird species that’s actually considered an invasive pest in parts of western Australia. Despite their invasiveness, these native parrots still bring a burst of energy and fun when they start chattering!
Klook Tip: For a one-of-a-kind experience, make sure to drop by the zoo’s wildlife hospital, where you can see how the resident veterinarians take care of Currumbin Wildlife’s animals. 🩺
10. Tasmanian Devils
Learn about the endangered Tasmanian devil at Devils at Cradle Wildlife Park.
Don’t let the name scare you; Tasmanian devils are more fascinating than they are frightening! They might seem grumpy with their black fur and loud screeches, but these creatures are worth encountering and supporting.
The Tasmanian devils are unfortunately endangered because of a contagious facial tumor disease. Luckily, the Devils at Cradle Wildlife Park are one of the sanctuaries that act as a breeding facility for these animals. Join the park’s Keeper’s Tour to know more about their conservation operations.
11. Platypuses
Meet the world’s most bizarre-looking animal! | Roderick Eime on Flickr
Nope, platypuses aren’t colored turquoise like Perry the Platypus. Instead, they have brown fur and an equally dark-colored bill and tail. This unique-looking egg-laying mammal is quite shy, but you can get close and feed it through the Platypus Discovery at Healesville Sanctuary.
While at the Platypus Discovery, you can also learn about Healesville’s conservation work with the platypus, having been the first in the world to breed the animal in captivity. You can even adopt a platypus!
FAQs
1. Which part of Australia is best for wildlife?
There are countless areas for spotting wildlife in Australia, such as Northern Australia and Tasmania. However, I’d argue that the best spot is at Phillip Island, where you can find penguins, seals, koalas, echidnas, and other native species.
2. Which Australian state has the best wildlife?
Tasmania is often considered the best place to see wildlife in Australia because of its high density of native species in their natural habitats, such as Tasmanian devils, wombats, and wallabies. A close runner-up is Queensland, particularly with water animals in the Great Barrier Reef.
3. What is the best place to see kangaroos and koalas in Australia?
The best place to see kangaroos is at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, while the best place to see koalas is at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. If you want to see both at the same place, head over to Healesville Sanctuary, although Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary also houses kangaroos.
4. Which animals are found only in Australia?
Apart from the famous kangaroos and koalas, other native Australian animals include emus, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and echidnas. Although you can technically find these animals in other zoos in the world, nothing beats seeing them in their homeland.
5. What is the #1 tourist attraction in Australia?
The most famous tourist attraction in Australia would definitely have to be the Sydney Opera House. However, if we’re talking about animals, then it’s most certainly Australia Zoo, the home of “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.
For all things animals…
...there’s no better place to be than Australia. From fluffy mammals and smiling marsupials to adorable aquatic animals, you’re spoiled for choice with the wildlife in Australia!What are you waiting for? Head now to the Land Down Under, and meet these cute creatures in person. 😁
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