Wildlife Encounters: Where to See Australia's Amazing Animals

Australia is home to some of the world's most distinctive wildlife. With 86% of its mammals, 93% of its reptiles, and 45% of its birds found nowhere else on Earth, encountering Australia's unique animals is a highlight for many visitors. While wildlife parks and zoos offer guaranteed sightings, there's nothing quite like observing animals in their natural habitats. In this guide, we'll explore the best places across Australia to ethically see native wildlife in the wild.

Kangaroos and Wallabies

Australia's most iconic animals are actually fairly common in many areas, but knowing where and when to look enhances your chances of quality encounters.

Grampians National Park, Victoria

The open valleys of this stunning mountain range harbor large mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and wallabies. The campgrounds at Halls Gap are particularly reliable spots for close encounters, especially at dawn and dusk.

Lucky Bay, Western Australia

This stunning beach in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance is famous for its resident kangaroos that often lounge on the white sand. The contrast between the marsupials and the turquoise waters makes for unforgettable photos.

Murramarang National Park, New South Wales

The coastal campgrounds here, particularly at Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach, are renowned for their friendly eastern grey kangaroos that graze on the grassy areas adjacent to the beach throughout the day.

Viewing tips: Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk. Keep a respectful distance, avoid sudden movements, and never feed them. Remember they are wild animals and can cause injury if they feel threatened.

Koalas

Koalas are more challenging to spot in the wild as they blend well with eucalyptus trees and spend much of their time sleeping.

Raymond Island, Victoria

A short ferry ride from Paynesville in Gippsland, this island has a large koala population. Follow the Koala Trail, looking high in the forks of gum trees. Local residents can often point out recent sightings.

Magnetic Island, Queensland

Just off Townsville, this island is home to one of Australia's largest koala populations. The Forts Walk offers good spotting opportunities, particularly in the early morning.

Kennett River, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Grey River Road behind the Kennett River Holiday Park is one of the most reliable places to spot wild koalas. Drive or walk slowly, scanning the eucalyptus trees for these sleepy marsupials.

Viewing tips: Look up high in eucalyptus trees, especially river red gums, manna gums, and blue gums. Bring binoculars and be patient—they move very slowly and might just look like a bump on a branch at first glance.

Platypus

These elusive monotremes (egg-laying mammals) are most active at dawn and dusk and require patience and quiet observation to spot.

Eungella National Park, Queensland

Located west of Mackay, this park is one of the most reliable places to spot platypus in the wild. The viewing platforms at Broken River offer excellent opportunities, especially in the late afternoon.

Lake Elizabeth, Victoria

In the Otways near the Great Ocean Road, dawn and dusk canoe tours on this lake offer excellent platypus-spotting opportunities with experienced guides who know their habits.

Bombala River, New South Wales

The Platypus Reserve in this Snowy Mountains town has viewing platforms over areas frequented by platypus. Early morning and evening provide the best chances for sightings.

Viewing tips: Look for ripples in calm water, be extremely quiet, and bring polarized sunglasses to reduce water glare. Dawn and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities.

Wombats

These burrowing marsupials are nocturnal, so spotting them requires evening viewing or very early mornings.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania

The area around Ronny Creek on the Dove Lake circuit is excellent for wombat spotting, with animals often grazing in the open during daylight hours, especially on cooler days.

Wilson's Promontory, Victoria

The campground at Tidal River is home to many wombats that emerge in the evenings to graze on the grassy areas. Keep food secured as they can be quite bold.

Bendeela Recreation Area, New South Wales

This free camping area in the Southern Highlands is home to numerous wombats that can often be seen grazing in the early evening and morning.

Viewing tips: Drive carefully at night in wombat areas. When camping, use a red light to observe them after dark as it's less disturbing than white light.

Marine Wildlife

Australia's vast coastline offers numerous opportunities to observe marine creatures in their natural environments.

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Between March and July, you can swim with the world's largest fish—the whale shark. The reef is also home to manta rays, humpback whales (June-November), and nesting turtles (December-March).

Phillip Island, Victoria

Home to the famous Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at dusk. The island also hosts a significant fur seal colony at Seal Rocks, viewable from The Nobbies observation point.

Hervey Bay, Queensland

One of the world's premier whale-watching destinations, where humpback whales take time out during their migration to rest and play between July and November.

Viewing tips: Book eco-certified tours that follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines. For whale watching, the best times are during migration seasons, which vary by species and location.

Rare and Specialized Wildlife

Tasmanian Devils

Best spotted at wildlife sanctuaries in Tasmania like Devils @ Cradle near Cradle Mountain or the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo on the Tasman Peninsula. Wild sightings are rare but possible on guided spotlighting tours in remote areas.

Cassowaries

These magnificent but dangerous birds are found in the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland. Mission Beach and the Daintree National Park are hotspots, though sightings require luck and patience.

Quokkas

Rottnest Island near Perth is famous for these smiling marsupials. They're easily spotted around the settlement area and are generally unafraid of humans, though remember it's illegal to touch them.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing

When seeking wildlife encounters, follow these ethical guidelines:

• Maintain a respectful distance and never touch or feed wild animals
• Use binoculars or zoom lenses for close-up views
• Choose eco-certified tour operators
• Drive carefully in areas with wildlife, particularly at dawn, dusk, and night
• Take all rubbish with you, including fruit peels and cores
• Keep dogs and other pets away from wildlife areas

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Conservation Parks

For guaranteed wildlife sightings or to see endangered species, consider visiting these ethical facilities that prioritize conservation:

• Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria: Specializes in native Australian animals with excellent conservation programs
• Australia Zoo, Queensland: Founded by Steve Irwin, with a strong focus on wildlife conservation
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland: Known for its rainbow lorikeet feeding and wildlife hospital
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania: A rescue center focused on rehabilitation and education

Planning Your Wildlife Adventures

To maximize your chances of meaningful wildlife encounters:

• Research seasonal wildlife movements for your destination
• Book accommodations in national parks or wilderness areas
• Consider guided tours with wildlife experts who know local animal behaviors
• Pack appropriate gear: binoculars, a good camera with zoom, a headlamp with red light option
• Be patient and prepared to spend time waiting and observing

Australia's extraordinary wildlife is one of its greatest treasures. By approaching wildlife viewing ethically and with proper preparation, you can experience unforgettable encounters with some of the world's most unique animals in their natural habitats.

Have you had a memorable wildlife encounter in Australia? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!