Australia is easily one of the best places to visit if you are looking to explore and discover new and exciting wildlife. Here are a few of the best spots to visit to see everything from beautiful whales to cute wild wombats.
Kangaroo Island
Starting off with a popular destination for both locals and tourists, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island and can be found in the South of the country. As the name suggests, you can find plenty of amazing kangaroos here.
Pack your vapes, because there is so much more to see here; Kangaroo Island is also home to koalas, sea lions, fur seals, and bottlenose dolphins. The island is also free of invasive species, meaning the ones that do live on the island have been able to thrive for years.
Frankland Islands
Found off the coast of Queensland, the Frankland Islands are a secluded collection of islands that sit above the Great Barrier Reef. While there aren’t many creatures that call the islands home besides birds, it’s the marine life that makes this area famous.
The reefs that surround the islands are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, and there are also plenty of fish and underwater creatures to discover.
Tasmania
While not one specific spot, Tasmania is a grand island to visit if you want to become one with nature. The cities and towns barely take up any space, meaning there are giant forests and jungles to explore.
Tasmania is home to countless birds, quolls, wild wombats, fur seals, penguins, and so much more. Plus, the natural beauty is breathtaking and some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, or Rottie as it is affectionately known by locals, can be found off the coast of Fremantle in Western Australia. There is plenty to see and do here, but the biggest draw is the small and smiley creatures that call this island home.
Quokkas are unbelievably cute and curious creatures, and you can find and see them across the island. Additionally, you can sometimes get lucky and see sharks, dolphins, and even Southern Right Whales off the coast during their migration season.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. This breathtaking reef is home to countless sea creatures and underwater plants, and there is quite literally nothing else like it on earth. Lucky for those visiting Australia, it can be found just off the coast of Queensland.
You can take a boat tour across the top of the reef, but the best way to explore it is to snorkel or scuba dive in the reef. There are several companies that offer this service, and it should most definitely be on your itinerary when visiting Queensland.
Ningaloo Reef
If you want the Great Barrier Reef experience but in a more relaxed environment, then you need to visit Ningaloo Reef. Packed with natural beauty and marine wildlife, Ningaloo is also home to a unique creature that you can get up close and personal with.
From late March until August each year, you can get the chance to swim with whale sharks. You can pop on a pair of goggles and snorkel with these incredible animals, getting close enough to touch as they float beneath the surface.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is a world-famous slice of Australia that is home to some of the most gorgeous flora and fauna on the planet. You can find birds, crocodiles, kangaroos, beautiful views, breathtaking hiking trails, and everything in between.
The best part is that Kakadu has several camping spots across the park, and spending a couple of nights here is easily the best way to experience everything it has to offer.
Phillip Island
A short drive from Melbourne is Phillip Island. While there is a lot to see, the island is famed for the massive penguin population that calls the area home. You can see close to 40,000 penguins here, and the squawks that come from these little penguins.
One of the best parts of a visit here is the penguin parade that takes place. This adorable penguin extravaganza takes place nightly, as the penguins come back from the ocean after a day of hunting and eating.
Taronga Zoo
This list wouldn’t be complete without a couple of the world-class zoos you can find in Australia. Taronga Zoo, found in Sydney, is home to countless creatures and critters, and is the ideal place to visit if you don’t have much time in the city but want to see some wildlife.
One of the best and most unique aspects of the zoo is the fact that you can book to stay over for the night. You can fall asleep under the stars while listening to the sounds of the animals around you, in particular, the ones that wake up once the sun sets.
Australia Zoo
The second zoo you need to visit is one of the most famous zoos on the planet. Australia Zoo spans 700 acres and was started in the 70s by Bob and Lyn Irwin, the parents of the late, great Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin.
It is far easier to list what the zoo doesn’t have, as there is so much to see and do you won’t know where to start. Dedicate an entire day to visiting the zoo, as once you set foot inside, you won’t want to leave.
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