Updated June 2025 with new information and new locations
Originally published by Hannah Belger in March 2020
Roughly the size of mainland USA, Australia really is a big country. Choosing where to go and what to see can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lost searching for fun things to do - especially if you’re hoping to spot native wildlife.
There’s a lot to learn about Australian wildlife - like how wallabies and kangaroos could be different (in my defence, wallabies do kinda look like baby kangaroos), why you should always keep your distance from big roos, and that platypus are actually real creatures!
There are so many incredible animals to see when visiting Australia, and these are three of the best places we recommend to discover wildlife in a safe and non-intrusive way.
Victoria’s Great Ocean Road isn’t technically one place - it’s more like an epic coastal road trip. Just outside of Melbourne, I had to include it here because it’s hands-down one of the best value-for-money ways to explore Australia’s stunning scenery and native wildlife.
There are plenty of ways to experience the Great Ocean Road, but the two-day Melbourne to Adelaide trip is a stand out. One of the highlights was visiting the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, which isn’t a zoo, but a self-sustaining, family-run farm that works in harmony with the environment. It’s an animal-friendly experience that feels personal and ethical, and the owners take real pride in the care they provide for the animals.
While exploring Kennett River, be on the look out for wild koalas hanging out in the trees. (Pro tip: look up!) Fun fact - the word koala is believed to mean “no drink” in an Aboriginal language, since koalas get most of their hydration from eucalyptus leaves. They also spend most of their time napping - not a bad life.
The Highlands in New South Wales is surrounded by national parks, which means there are plenty of wild Australian animals in the region. With plenty of trails and hikes to do, the other most popular activities include a walk around Fitzroy Falls and the amazing walking with wombats tour.
Led by experienced local guides, this is one of the best ways to spot wombats in the wild - up close and in a completely respectful, non-intrusive setting. Pro explorer tip: you’ll know you’re in wombat country when you see their famously cube-shaped poop!
After spending time with the wombats, hang around until sundown. That’s when you can head to Glow Worm Glen in Bundanoon, where thousands of glowworms light up the dark cave walls like a tiny natural galaxy. It's one of the most magical wildlife experiences in New South Wales - and it’s completely free.
As one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world, the Daintree Rainforest is teeming with biodiversity. Its vast wetlands and lowlands are home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife, including one of the largest populations of saltwater crocodiles in Queensland.
While visiting North Queensland, join a Daintree boat tour through the mangrove swamps to spot crocodiles in the wild - and let me tell you, the adrenaline rush is real. These prehistoric predators were both majestic and intimidating! Though they don’t normally pay us humans much attention.
No visit to the Daintree is complete without a cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of the land. On their Mossman Gorge guided tour. Learn ancient techniques like spearfishing, crab catching, and identifying edible bush tucker - an unforgettable way to connect with this incredible environment.
With so many regions to explore and native animals to encounter, the Daintree offers one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Australia. However you choose to travel, just be mindful - respecting the land and its creatures is what makes the journey truly meaningful.
Kangaroo Island is often overlooked by backpackers, but if you’re serious about wildlife, it’s easily one of the best places in Australia to visit. Just off the coast of South Australia, this rugged island is home to an incredible range of native species - many of which you can see in the wild without needing to step foot in a zoo.
At Seal Bay Conservation Park, you can watch Australian sea lions basking on the beach from just a few metres away, while Flinders Chase National Park offers the chance to spot echidnas, koalas, and kangaroos roaming freely among the bushland. You’ll also find dramatic natural landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where long-nosed fur seals hang out on the rocks below.
It’s a bit of a mission to get there - ferry or flight from Adelaide - but Kangaroo Island rewards every minute with untouched nature, unique landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. One for the bucket list, for sure.
Tasmania might feel like a world away from mainland Australia, but for animal lovers, it’s worth the crossing. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is a hotspot for native wildlife - think Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, platypus, and even quolls, if you’re lucky.
This World Heritage-listed park is packed with hiking trails that weave through alpine forests, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks. The Overland Track is the most famous (and intense), but shorter day hikes like Dove Lake Circuit offer great opportunities to spot wildlife while soaking in the scenery.
The best part? Much of the wildlife here is active at dawn or dusk, so if you’re camping or staying overnight, you’re in for a show. It’s a quieter, more remote experience than other mainland destinations - perfect if you’re after a slower pace and a stronger connection with nature.
Chances are you’ve seen a selfie with a quokka before - those ridiculously photogenic little marsupials with permanent smiles? Rottnest Island is their home, and it's the only place in the world where you can see them in the wild with such ease.
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest is a car-free island that’s perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. While the quokkas are the main stars, the island also offers snorkelling, white-sand beaches, and plenty of chill, nature-focused vibes. They’re wild animals, so be respectful and don’t try to touch or feed them - but if you crouch nearby, there’s a good chance they’ll wander up for a camera-friendly moment.
It’s a quick and easy wildlife experience that fits perfectly into any Western Australia itinerary - plus, it’s hard not to smile when you’re surrounded by the world’s happiest animal.
Australia’s wildlife is active year-round, but the best time to see certain animals depends on where you’re heading and what you’re hoping to spot.
Summer (December–February): Warm weather and long days make this a great time to visit southern regions like Victoria and Tasmania. You’re more likely to see wombats, wallabies, and echidnas during early mornings or evenings. Be aware that northern areas like Queensland can be hot, humid, and wet (it’s cyclone season), which may limit tours.
Autumn (March–May): Ideal for spotting quokkas on Rottnest Island and crocs in the Daintree, as temperatures begin to cool and conditions are comfortable across most of the country.
Winter (June–August): Surprisingly good for wildlife, especially in the Northern Territory and Queensland where it's dry season. Crocodiles bask in the sun along riverbanks, and clear skies make it a perfect time for road trips. Down south, you’ll need to rug up — but you’ll likely see Tasmanian devils and wombats on the move.
Spring (September–November): A top pick for animal lovers! Breeding season is in full swing for many species, wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is mild across most of Australia. It’s also the best time to spot baby animals like joeys and ducklings in the wild.
Whenever you go, remember: early morning and late afternoon (dawn and dusk) are when most animals are out and about. Pack your binoculars, stay quiet, and keep a safe distance - you’ll be amazed at what you can see.
From the koalas along the Great Ocean Road to the wombats of the NSW Highlands and saltwater crocodiles in the Daintree, Australia is one of the best countries in the world for wildlife travel. Just remember to tread lightly, support ethical experiences, and always observe animals from a safe distance. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, these wildlife adventures are guaranteed to make your Aussie trip unforgettable.
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