1. Quokka
Australia is home to many famous wildlife species, with koalas and kangaroos being the most popular. However, on Rottnest Island, there is another adorable and furry animal that is also beloved by tourists, and that is the quokka. These marsupials are often photographed by visitors because they always appear to be smiling. However, we must remember not to disturb these little creatures and not to try to feed them.
2. Koala
The koala and the quokka in Australia are two of the most popular animals, each with its own unique characteristics, complementing each other. If you want to see koalas, you can visit the national parks in southeastern Australia, where you can see them sleeping in the trees. The Koala Conservation Centre on Raymond Island is the best place to see koalas. This small island is only a 4-hour drive from Melbourne and is home to over 250 wild koalas, as well as kangaroos, echidnas, and wombats living together.
3. Platypus
The platypus is a very unique animal, considered one of the world's most peculiar creatures. When people first discovered this mammal with a duck bill, they even thought it was a hoax.
Due to the platypus being very shy, it is difficult to see them in the wild. However, in some well-known spots, it is possible to catch a glimpse of them. As a semi-aquatic species, the platypus spends most of its time in the water and enjoys swimming. Lake Elizabeth in Great Otway National Park is one of their favorite swimming spots. You can reach the park along the Great Ocean Road, where there are tall ferns aged up to 150 years and a rich variety of wildlife. At dawn and dusk, the forest comes alive.
If you join a platypus canoe tour, paddling on the lake, you might spot a platypus swimming beside you. Seeing them happily living in their natural habitat is the best way to experience wildlife.
4. Echidna
Like the platypus, the spiky little echidna is also a famous reclusive animal in Australia. Although this animal is quite common nationwide, for a deeper understanding of these fascinating mammals, it is recommended to visit the Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.
In the sanctuary, you can book an echidna close encounter activity, which is a unique interactive experience allowing you to observe these shy animals up close. While watching, you can listen to park rangers explain their foraging habits and evolutionary history. This is a rare opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Australia's precious wildlife.
5. Wild Dolphins
Australia is an island nation with rich dolphin-watching experiences. If you head to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island in Queensland, you can watch wild bottlenose dolphins glide to the shallows by the sea and experience the wonderful feeling of feeding them from your hand. At Monkey Mia on the west coast of Australia, you can hand-feed bottlenose dolphins under the supervision of park rangers, as they swim to knee-deep waters to accept your food.
At Tangalooma Island Resort, wild dolphins appear every evening at sunset, and you can feed these gentle creatures up close under the guidance of the rangers. At Monkey Mia, dolphins visit the shore three times a day, with the best time for watching and feeding being in the morning.
No matter which experience you choose, close interaction with wild dolphins will be an unforgettable experience.
6. Kangaroo
Australia has a large number of kangaroos, which are iconic animals of the country and can be easily observed in the wild. They inhabit various regions across Australia, including grasslands, inland plains, vineyards, and islands. In Western Australia, kangaroos can even be seen sunbathing on the beach. They are good at interacting with people, so don't be surprised if one hops over to greet you.
In the inland town of Alice Springs, you can join one of the afternoon tours at the kangaroo sanctuary to get up close and personal with joeys. If you visit the Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, you might encounter kangaroos while strolling on the grass.
7. Wombat
In Australia, it is difficult to see wombats during the day, but at dusk, you will feel that all the waiting is worth it because you have the chance to see these adorable little creatures. If you want to see them in the wild, you can join nature hiking tours or go cycling to explore the many nature reserves and parks. The scenery is especially enchanting in the early morning and at sunset, making it the perfect time to observe wombats.
On Maria Island, you can join multi-day walking tours, which is also a great place to see wombats. Additionally, at the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort, you have the opportunity to see wombats roaming and grazing on 2,800 hectares of land.
8. Tasmanian Devil
To witness the famous Tasmanian Devil in person, Tasmania is the best place to go. If you are on a self-drive tour nearby, you might encounter these small animals in the wild, but they are hard to spot and capture. To see these adorable creatures, you can visit a sanctuary or join an off-road adventure with a Tasmanian Devil expert.
You can join a specialized Tasmanian Devil viewing tour at the Devils@Cradle sanctuary in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. At the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo near Hobart, you can also participate in the Devil Tracker Experience, where you drive a 4WD vehicle to track the devils.
9. Sea Lion
These charming creatures are lively and full of curiosity. You can have a close encounter with them in the clear sea water. Sea lions will perform somersaults, backflips, and even blow bubbles at your snorkel mask—they are so playful that they are affectionately called 'puppies of the sea'.
10. Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is a wildlife paradise, and one of its most attractive highlights is the presence of over 32,000 little penguins. One of the most popular tourist activities on the island is the Penguin Parade, where visitors can witness the little penguins returning to their nests after foraging. On the elevated wooden boardwalks around the island, you can catch a glimpse of the penguins waddling back to their burrows from the sea.
Head to Summerland Beach to enjoy a 180-degree view and watch the Penguin Parade. The island also offers VIP and guided services, allowing visitors to watch closely and listen to the rangers' explanations.
