Australian wildlife: what animals to see and where 

When it comes to Australian wildlife, it’s natural to feel a little… cautious. After all, this vast and rugged land is home to some of the world’s most formidable creatures: crocodiles, bull sharks, box jellyfish, brown snakes, and even the infamous funnel-web spider.

But don’t let that scare you off. The truth is, much of Australia’s native wildlife prefers to keep a low profile, statistically speaking. And with guided tours and wildlife parks, you can safely admire these fascinating creatures, along with kangaroos, koalas, and birds, all in their natural habitats. If exploring Australia’s wildlife is on your wish list, here’s a glimpse of what you might encounter and where to find it (safely, of course).

Kangaroo

Where to see: Nambung National Park (Perth), Research Park (Melbourne) and Cleland Wildlife Park (Adelaide)

Australia’s most iconic animal, the kangaroo, is a true symbol of the land Down Under. These magnificent marsupials are endemic to much of the country and can often be seen bounding freely across the landscape. While it's not uncommon to see them near roads, for a more serene encounter, head to one of Australia’s many national parks or wildlife reserves. Visit Nambung National Park near Perth, the Research Park in Melbourne, or Cleland Wildlife Park, perched on the scenic slopes of Mount Lofty in Adelaide.

Saltwater crocodile, or 'saltie'

Where to see: Daintree River (Cairns) or Kakadu National Park (Darwin)

‘Salties,’ as Aussies affectionately call them, reign supreme in the coastal regions and estuaries of far north Queensland and the Northern Territory. While they love their saltwater hangouts, don’t be surprised to find them venturing upstream into fresher waters. Though crocodile attacks are rare, they do happen, so swimming in their territory is an absolute no-go. For a safe encounter with these prehistoric giants, hop on a guided boat tour along the Daintree River, where lush rainforest meets winding waterways near Cairns. Or head to the iconic Kakadu National Park near Darwin, where crocs are as abundant as the dramatic sunsets.

Turtle at the Great Barrier Reef

Where to see: Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

Australia is home to six species of marine turtles: the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley turtles.

All of them face some degree of endangerment and are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. Despite traveling long distance between nesting and feeding grounds, they can be spotted all year-round in the coastal waters around Australia. 

The Great Barrier Reef is a prime spot for viewing marine turtles in their natural environment and the best way to look for them is by boat trip, with the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive for a closer look.

Southern right whale and calf

Where to see: Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

If you're planning a trip to Australia between June and October, keep your eyes peeled and you might just catch a glimpse of majestic southern right whales along Victoria's coast. From prime vantage points on the iconic Great Ocean Road, such as Warrnambool and Portland, you could see these gentle giants just 100 metres from shore. Here, they nurture their calves before heading to the chilly Antarctic waters. And they’re not alone! Blue whales, humpbacks, and even orcas also make appearances along this stunning stretch of coastline. It's nature at its most awe-inspiring – so don’t forget your binoculars.

Little blue penguins

Where to see: Philip Island (Victoria)

Although they might not be the first creatures that come to mind when you think of animals in Australia, little penguins are true locals along the country’s southern coastlines. At Phillip Island in Victoria, you’ll find a thriving colony of around 32,000 of them. Also known as fairy penguins, they spend their days gracefully diving through the Southern Ocean in search of their next meal. But it’s at dusk that they truly steal the show, waddling back to their nests in a heartwarming spectacle known as the Penguin Parade – an experience you won’t soon forget.

Cassowary

Where to see: Taronga Zoo (Sydney) or Australia Zoo (Brisbane)

The cassowary is a striking, large bird native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia. While it may resemble an emu, it's distinguished by a shorter neck, a distinctive casque (the helmet-like crest on its head), and, most notably, sharp claws capable of disembowelling a large animal. In fact, it holds the dubious honour of being listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most dangerous bird in the world. Sadly, it’s also endangered, with fewer than 1,000 left. Because they're incredibly elusive, spotting one in the wild is a rare and unlikely event (perhaps a relief?) However, you can safely observe them in several of Australia's zoos, including Taronga Zoo in Sydney and the Australia Zoo near Brisbane.

Koalas

Where to see: Koala Research Project (Melbourne), Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane)

These adorable creatures might look like teddy bears, but they’re actually marsupials – and an absolute must-see when visiting Australia. Koalas are herbivores with a refined palate for eucalyptus leaves. Their daily routine? A leisurely cycle of snacking on about one kilogram of eucalyptus leaves and snoozing for up to 18 hours to digest their leafy feasts. The name koala comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "no drink," as these furry little foodies rarely need to sip water. The moisture in their eucalyptus diet keeps them perfectly hydrated. For an up-close encounter, make your way to the Koala Research Project in Melbourne, or, for the ultimate koala experience, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane – the largest of its kind and home to 130 koalas ready to steal your heart.

Quokkas

Where to see: Rottnest Island (Perth)

Quokkas are adorable little marsupials with a penchant for smiling, earning them the nickname "the happiest animals on Earth." These small, nocturnal creatures are native to Australia, mostly found on a few small islands off the coast of Western Australia.

Quokkas are herbivores, nibbling on grasses, leaves, and shrubs as they roam their habitats. Despite their friendly appearance, they have a tough side: with a keen ability to escape predators, they can quickly dart into dense bushes or climb trees when needed. Their compact size, round bodies, and ever-present grins make them a favourite among photographers and animal lovers alike. Just remember, while their cuteness may be irresistible, it’s important to respect their space and not get too close – after all, they're wild animals and should be treated with care.

Wombat

Where to see: Healesville Sanctuary (Victoria), Cleland Wildlife Park (near Adelaide)

These sturdy little marsupials are like nature's bulldozers – stocky, tough, and built for digging. With powerful claws and a passion for burrowing, they craft elaborate underground homes called warrens, which feature a network of tunnels and cosy chambers. Nocturnal by nature, wombats are more active under the cover of night, foraging for food with ease. But it’s not just their digging skills that make them unique: they sport a tough, cartilaginous backside – nature's own defence mechanism for blocking off burrow entrances from predators. As herbivores, they graze on grass, roots, and bark, but don't be fooled by their plump appearance – when the need arises, these little guys can hit speeds of up to 40 km/h to make a hasty escape.

Duck-billed platypus

Where to see: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.

The duck-billed platypus is one of Australia's quirkiest creatures, blending the features of several animals into one. With the bill of a duck, the tail of a beaver, and the webbed feet of an otter, this semi-aquatic mammal is a true oddity. It spends most of its time in rivers and streams, diving underwater in search of food like insects, worms, and small crustaceans. Despite its unusual appearance, the platypus is an expert swimmer, using its webbed feet for propulsion while its sensitive bill helps detect prey through electrical signals. A master of surprises, the platypus is also one of the few mammals that lay eggs.

Feeling inspired by Australia’s animals? We have a range of tours to Australia here.