Australia Wildlife Guide

Australia's Unique Wildlife

Around 80% of Australia's wildlife exists nowhere else on earth, from kangaroos and koalas to platypuses and wombats — making wildlife spotting one of the top reasons people visit.

Where to See Wildlife

Kangaroo Island in South Australia is one of the best places to see kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and echidnas in the wild in a single trip. Sanctuaries like Lone Pine (Brisbane) and Bonorong (Tasmania) offer guaranteed, close-up encounters.

Tasmania is the best place to spot the Tasmanian devil, while the Great Barrier Reef adds marine wildlife — turtles, reef sharks and colourful fish — to the mix.

Safety Around Wildlife

Most Australian wildlife is shy and avoids humans. Snakes and spiders are best avoided by wearing enclosed shoes on bushwalks and not putting hands into logs, crevices or long grass without looking first.

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

Early morning and dusk are the best times to see kangaroos and wallabies active in the wild. Whale watching season along the east coast runs roughly May to November.