Australian wildlife bucket list: 10 animals you need to see
Besides beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, Australia is also known worldwide for its unique and spectacular wildlife. But did you know that more than 80% of the plants, mammals and reptiles are unique to Australia, which means they can’t be found anywhere else in the world?
Here is a list of the top ten animals in Australia that you must see during your Australian trip:
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- Whale Sharks
Experience the thrill of a lifetime by swimming with the massive whale sharks on Western Australia’s Coral Coast. The best time of the year to do this is between March and July at the Ningaloo Marine Park where you will be able to snorkel with the whale sharks. These breathtaking creatures are often as long as eighteen metres but you’ll be happy to know that they are completely harmless to humans.
- Great White Sharks
If you are looking for more teeth on your shark, visit Port Lincoln in South Australia to go cage diving with Great White Sharks. There, you will spend the day at the sea and find yourself face to face with the iconic beast of the sea. Did you know that the lifespan of a Great White Shark is estimated to be 70 years?
- Crocodiles
There are crocodiles all over Australia, especially in Darwin, but if you are looking for a more intimate encounter, visit the Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin to share fifteen minutes with a giant crocodile while being underwater in the “Cage of Death!’
- The Dingo
The Dingo is Australia’s largest Carnivorous mammal and can be found throughout Australia, except in Tasmania. The Dingo is Australia’s wild dog and the best places to see them is on Queensland’s Fraser Island, Western Australia’s Kimberley and across the deserts of the Northern Territory and South Australia.
- The Tasmanian Devil
Besides in wildlife parks, the famously elusive and erratic Tasmanian devil can only be found in the wild in Tasmania. Interestingly enough, early European settlers called the marsupial “The Devil” due to its spine chilling screeches, black colour, and reputed bad temper.
- Kangaroos
The Kangaroo is Australia’s most iconic animal to see, along with Koalas. Kangaroos and wallabies can easily be found in the wild in most rural parts of Australia. With more than fifty different native species of Kangaroos and wallabies in Australia, it’s worth it to visit a wildlife park to get to know them.
- Koalas
Koalas are just adorable and their fur is actually as soft as you would imagine. Most wildlife parks in Australia will allow you to pet them and some will even let you hold them. But if you would prefer to see this cute creature in it’s natural habitat then they can be spotted all the way along Australia’s temperate eastern coast.
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- The Wombat
Native to Australia, wombats are stout and burrowing animals that can be difficult to spot in the wild because they have the ability to head underground by digging extensive burrow systems with their front teeth and powerful claws.
The best places to see wild wombats are at the Blue Mountains National Park in NSW, or the Wilsons Promontory in Victoria.
- The Platypus
The Platypus is part of the family of animal group that can only be found in Australia. The Platypus famously looks like it came straight out of a children’s book with a bill like a duck, a furry waterproof body, and webbed feet. They are difficult to see since they live in burrows they dig into the banks of rivers, but your best chances are by quiet rivers of the eastern coastal areas.
- Birds
The collection of bird that can be found in Australia is astonishing and unique. In fact about 400 of the 800 bird species listed cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Grab your camera and explore areas where you could encounter tiny honeyeaters, penguins, kookaburras or the large flightless emu.
Are you ready to explore the Australian wildlife and take that trip you have been dreaming about?
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