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Australia boasts diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and the iconic duck-billed platypus, as well as various reptiles, birds, and marine life. The country's expansive national parks and conservation areas provide numerous opportunities for wildlife activities, such as wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and guided tours to observe native species in their natural habitats. Furthermore, Australia's coastal areas provide excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to go whale watching, swim with dolphins, and explore vibrant coral reefs.
With so many options, choosing the best wildlife experience in Australia can be overwhelming. To simplify things, we've curated a list of the top choices of nature activities for travellers.
If you want to see koalas and kangaroos, there are two options available - either visit a wildlife park or spot them in their natural habitat. The best place to witness them in the wild is Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Spending one or two days there with an expert guide and driver will give you an unforgettable experience. If you cannot visit Kangaroo Island, try day tours to the Blue Mountains or the Great Ocean Road with a specialist guide. It's important to note that you are not allowed to hold any Australian animals found in the wild. The Great Otway National Park in Victoria is another excellent spot to see koalas.
Australia is a great destination for marine life enthusiasts. The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia offer vibrant corals and opportunities to swim with whale sharks. Lord Howe Island in New South Wales and Whitsunday Islands in Queensland are sanctuaries for divers and birdwatchers. The Coral Sea and Rowley Shoals are remote paradises where you can spot barracudas, giant groupers, and hammerhead sharks.
Australia offers prime whale-watching opportunities during the annual migration of humpback and southern right whales. Hervey Bay in Queensland is an excellent spot to observe these majestic creatures up close. Similarly, in Albany, Western Australia, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of the migrating whales in the pristine waters. The Great Australian Bight in South Australia also provides a remarkable opportunity for whale watching.
Phillip Island in Victoria is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an enchanting penguin-viewing experience. The trip's highlight is the Penguin Parade, a captivating spectacle where hundreds of little penguins return from the sea to their burrows at sunset. This daily ritual offers a unique opportunity to observe the adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors can witness nature's wonder as the penguins waddle up the beach in groups. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience which is not to miss.
Australia boasts numerous national parks and reserves that provide great opportunities for wildlife exploration. To witness unique desert species like thorny devils, emus, red kangaroos, and desert dingos, among others, travellers must visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. For bird enthusiasts and those looking to experience the lush eucalyptus forests, the Blue Mountains National Park is the perfect destination. The Flinders Ranges National Park offers breathtaking views of impressive rock formations and an opportunity to observe native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers.
Travellers can experience the thrill of crocodile safaris in Australia's Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region in Western Australia. You can observe these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitats and gain insight into their behaviour and ongoing conservation efforts to protect these fascinating reptiles. These safari experiences provide a unique opportunity to appreciate the ecosystem of these regions and learn about the critical role of crocodiles in the Australian landscape.
If you are a birdwatching enthusiast, you must visit the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve near Canberra in Australia to witness an exceptional birdwatching experience. These places provide excellent opportunities to observe various native bird species, including the iconic cockatoos, kookaburras, and colourful parrots. You can indulge in the peaceful surroundings of these diverse habitats and appreciate the beauty and vibrancy of Australia's rich avian biodiversity.
