Short-tailed wallaby
Australia is home to many famous wildlife, with koalas and kangaroos being the most popular. However, on Rottnest Island, there is another cute and furry animal that is also beloved by tourists, the quokka. These marsupials are often photographed by visitors because they always seem to be smiling. However, we must remember not to disturb these little ones and not to try to feed them.
2. Koala
Koalas and short-tailed pygmy possums are two of the most popular animals in Australia, each with its own unique characteristics. If you want to see koalas, you can visit national parks in the southeast of Australia, where you can see them sleeping in trees. The koala sanctuary on Raymond Island is the best place to see koalas. This small island is only a 4-hour drive from Melbourne and has over 250 wild koalas, as well as kangaroos, echidnas, and wombats living together with them.
duck-billed platypus
The platypus is a very unique animal, considered one of the strangest animals in the world. When people first discovered this mammal with a duck-like bill, they even thought it was a prank. Due to their shy nature, it is difficult to see them in the wild. However, it is possible to see them at some well-known attractions. As a semi-aquatic species, platypuses spend most of their time in the water and enjoy 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 that are 150 years old and abundant wildlife. The forest comes alive at dawn and dusk. If you take a canoe trip with platypuses, paddling in a canoe on the lakes, you may see them swimming beside you. Seeing them happily living in their natural habitat is the best way to experience wildlife.
4. Needle mole
Like the platypus, the spiny anteater is also a famous reclusive animal in Australia. Although this animal is common nationwide, for a deeper understanding of these wonderful mammals, it is recommended to visit the Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. In the sanctuary, you can book close encounters with the activities of the spiny anteater, which is a unique interactive experience that allows you to observe these shy animals up close. While enjoying the experience, you can also listen to the park rangers introduce their foraging habits and evolutionary history. This is a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Australia's precious wildlife.
Wild dolphins
Australia is an island country with rich dolphin watching experiences. If you go to Tangalooma Island Resort in Queensland, you can watch wild bottlenose dolphins gliding to the shore and experience the wonderful feeling of feeding them from your hand. At Monkey Mia on the west coast of Australia, you can feed the dolphins under the supervision of park rangers, and they will swim to the shallow 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. In Monkey Mia, dolphins visit the shore three times a day, with the morning being the best time for watching and feeding. Regardless of which experience you choose, interacting up close with wild dolphins will be an unforgettable experience.
kangaroo
The number of kangaroos in Australia is large, and they are the iconic animals of Australia, easily observed in the wild. They inhabit various areas of Australia, including grasslands, inland plains, vineyards, and islands. In Western Australia, kangaroos may even sunbathe on the beach. They are good at interacting with humans, so don't be surprised if they hop over to greet you. In Alice Springs in the interior, you can participate in one of the afternoon kangaroo encounters in the kangaroo sanctuary. If you visit the Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, you may unexpectedly encounter kangaroos while strolling in the grass.
7. Koala
In Australia, it is difficult to see koalas during the day, but at dusk, you will feel that all the waiting is worth it, because then you have the opportunity to see these lovely little creatures. If you want to see them in the wild, you can join a nature hike or bike ride to explore the many nature reserves and parks. Especially in the early morning and at sunset, the scenery is particularly charming, making it a great time to see koalas. On Maria Island, you can take multi-day walking tours, which is also a good place to see koalas. In addition, at the One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort in the UAE, you also have the opportunity to see koalas roaming and grazing on 2,800 hectares of land.
Tasmanian devil
To witness the famous Tasmanian devil firsthand, it is best to visit the state of Tasmania. If you are traveling nearby, it is possible to encounter these little animals in the wild, but they are difficult to spot and capture. To see these adorable creatures, you can visit protected areas or embark on off-road adventures with Tasmanian devil experts.
You can visit the Devils@Cradle Tasmanian devil conservation area in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for specialized Tasmanian devil viewing tours. At the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo near Hobart, you can also participate in Devil Tracker Experiences, where you can track the devils' movements while driving a 4x4 vehicle.
9. Sea Lion
These charming creatures are lively and curious, 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, affectionately known as 'puppies of the sea' by people.
10. Penguins return to their nests
Phillip Island
