Top 7 Places in Australia to Spot Wildlife
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that will help you reconnect with nature, Australia is the way to go. With 20 World Heritage Sites as of 2020, the Land Down Under is teeming with opportunities to explore the great outdoors and spot some of the local wildlife. In case you are looking for places to add to your itinerary, the following seven are a must. Keep on reading.
Visit the Kakadu National Park
Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is an ecologically and biologically diverse spot that you should not miss out on visiting. With four river systems and six major landforms including estuaries, lowlands, and stone country, this protected national park has a remarkable concentration of wildlife. For example, there are around 70 mammal species, 117 reptile species, and 280 bird species living in Kakadu, many of which are rare and endangered. From the Australian darter and the vulnerable red goshawk to the iconic frill-necked lizard and the agile wallaby, the fauna of this place is truly breathtaking. As the weather conditions can often be extreme and many of the species are nocturnal, you might not be able to see all the animals you are expecting to encounter.
To get to Kakadu, you can fly to Darwin or Alice Springs and drive from there, as there are no commercial flights to the national park. In terms of lodging, everything from camping to hotels and cabins is available.
Take a dive at Ningaloo Reef
When you eventually find yourself in Western Australia, you want to visit Ningaloo Reef. This World Heritage Site will provide you with an opportunity to dive with some of the most stunning marine creatures that exist. For example, you can encounter the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – at Ningaloo Reef. Don’t worry, they are harmless but they will surely take your breath away. The fringing coral reef is also home to various tropical fish, manta rays, and turtles. Don’t miss out on this place just because it’s a bit secluded. Drive there from Perth or book a flight to Learmonth Airport and catch a bus to Exmouth where you can book accommodations.
Explore the nature surrounding Sydney
While the capital of New South Wales is known for its tourist attractions, there is also plenty of nature in this beautiful city. For instance, you can visit any of the three Sydney zoos or go to the nearby Blue Mountains where you can spot dingoes, tiger quolls, and yellow-bellied gliders. However, if you’re more interested in marine animals, you can go on a whale watching cruise. From May to November, humpback whales pass near Sydney while migrating and you can witness this amazing event from the comfort of a vessel while experts tell you more interesting facts about whales. As you’ll probably be staying in Sydney during this trip, why not make the most of this unique opportunity?
Marvel at the Great Barrier Reef
Another spot that is great for fans of the underwater world is, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. This monumental site that can be seen from space is located just off the coast of Queensland. Stretching for over 2300 kilometers, the reef is home to many interesting and threatened species. You can find many marine creatures like clownfish, mantis shrimp, dugong, humpback whale, whale shark, green turtle, blanket octopus in these waters. It is accessible by land, sea, and air, so if you want to dive, snorkel, or swim in the Great Barrier Reef and get up close and personal with some of the animals that live here, you should have no issues visiting this World Heritage Site.
Witness the parade on Phillip Island
Penguins might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Australian wildlife but you can spot some regardless. Phillip Island, located 90 minutes away from Melbourne, is home to the Penguin Parade – a world-famous walk of the planet’s smallest penguin species as they return to shore after a day of fishing. Moreover, the Koala Conservation Centre is also situated on this island so you can take a few photos with these cute little animals too. As mentioned, Phillip Island is relatively close to Victoria’s capital, so you can visit it on a day trip.
Meet the devil in Tasmania
The island state of Tasmania should not be overlooked either when looking for opportunities to meet some wildlife. In case you’ve always wanted to spot a Tasmanian Devil in the wild, find an expert guide and take a tour around the island. In addition to the Devil, you can also see wombats, wallabies, quolls, and platypus. The sea life is not lacking either as you can book an eco-cruise and keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, and whales. While in Tasmania, make sure you also visit the Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm. If you stay in Hobart, you can easily find transportation to all the top attractions.
Don’t skip Kangaroo Island
Finally, South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is rich in wildlife. Animals like the Kangaroo Island kangaroo, southern brown bandicoot, short-beaked echidna, and six bat and frog species are all native to this island. If you want to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and more than 40 bird species, head to Hanson Bat Wildlife Sanctuary. In case sea lions are more your speed, Seal Bay is the spot for you. Over a third of Kangaroo Island is protected as national parkland and you can easily reach it by ferry from Adelaide.
Being such a vast continent, it should not come as a surprise that Australia is full of amazing animals. Whether you are looking for birds, marine creatures, or land animals, the Land Down Under has it all.
About the author: Nina is a lifestyle blogger, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. In her free time, she loves to design clothes and furniture. If you wanna see what she’s up to you can find her on twitter.