Where to See Australian Wildlife in the Wild

Australia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife. Wherever you go on this vast and diverse continent, you're never far from encountering iconic Aussie animals in their natural habitats—whether you’re on a guided tour or exploring independently.

Curious about where to relax with kangaroos and koalas, swim with whale sharks and humpback whales, or watch penguins waddle along a windswept beach? Keep reading for our top recommendations on the best spots to witness Australia’s most charming, unique, and iconic creatures in the wild!

Kangaroo Island, SA

Looking to see Australia’s most iconic marsupials in the wild? Kangaroo Island is a top destination to spot its namesake animal, along with a variety of other native species such as tammar wallabies, echidnas, possums, and a stunning array of birds in their natural environment.

A well-guided tour will take you through Flinders Chase National Park, an excellent spot to observe kangaroos, as well as thousands of New Zealand fur seals at Cape du Couedic.

Another highlight is Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can watch Australian sea lions playfully enjoying the beach.

Cairns region, QLD

Nestled between two of Australia’s most vibrant ecosystems—the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest—Cairns serves as an ideal base for exploring Tropical North Queensland and its rich diversity of wildlife.

The Great Barrier Reef offers the ultimate underwater adventure. Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat tour, you’ll encounter an incredible array of species, from manta rays and Maori wrasse to green sea turtles, dolphins, and dugongs.

For a terrestrial adventure, hike the trails of the Daintree Rainforest to discover rare and unique species. If you're fortunate, you might spot the elusive southern cassowary, the world’s third-largest bird. If you're planning a Queensland road trip, keep an eye out for cassowaries along the main road to Mission Beach, just two hours south of Cairns, or while exploring the Dreaming Trail in Djiru National Park.

For an unforgettable adventure, head to Port Lincoln, where you can dive into a thrilling wildlife experience beneath the waves. Here, you may come face to face with playful sea lions while snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. No diving certification is required, and if you're lucky enough to meet these curious creatures, you'll quickly understand why they’re often called the "puppy dogs of the sea".

On land, Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay National Parks are home to an impressive variety of birdlife, from raptors and wrens to rainbow lorikeets. The area is also teeming with land animals, so be on the lookout for kangaroos, koalas, goannas, emus, and more.

North Stradbroke Island, QLD

North Stradbroke Island, affectionately known as 'Straddie,' is a stunning natural haven just a short distance from Brisbane, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing both on land and at sea. Dive trips to Manta Bommie, one of Australia's top dive spots, provide the chance to encounter manta rays, leopard sharks, eagle rays, wobbegongs, and sea turtles up close in the rocky reef. Not a certified diver? No problem! You can still explore the vibrant marine life by snorkelling in these clear subtropical waters.

On land, Straddie is home to a variety of Aussie wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and echidnas, making it a must-visit for animal enthusiasts.

Kakadu is a true wildlife haven, home to one-third of Australia’s bird species and over 50 different mammal species, making it an ideal destination to experience the country’s rich biodiversity. Among the many fascinating creatures you can spot are rock wallabies, flying foxes, and the rare northern quoll.

The park's wetlands are a wildlife wonderland, with rivers and expansive floodplains teeming with diverse birdlife and both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. You can observe these incredible animals safely from viewing platforms or on guided cruises along Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba).

To fully immerse yourself in Kakadu’s beauty, consider taking a multi-day tour with a reputable operator, which will give you the chance to experience all the park's highlights.

Cradle Mountain’s striking, glacially-carved landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting Tasmania’s unique wildlife. Among the many Aussie animals you might encounter are Tasmanian devils, quolls, echidnas, and wombats.

For a truly immersive experience, consider tackling the Overland Track, a six-day alpine hike that offers fantastic opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. The trail ends at Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, where you can also spot pademelons and platypuses. Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park offers a variety of shorter, easier walking trails as well, making it easy to enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife, no matter your fitness level.

Ever dreamed of swimming with whales? Make your way to Hervey Bay, the world’s first official Whale Heritage Site, and one of the best places globally to see humpback whales. From late July to early November, these majestic creatures use the bay as a nursery during their migration. Book a cruise to get up close and witness their impressive acrobatics, and if you're lucky, you might even have the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants.

Just a short distance away, K’gari (Fraser Island) offers its own wildlife wonders, with a diverse range of animals including dingoes, swamp wallabies, brushtail possums, sand monitors, and sugar gliders. Don’t miss out on this unique destination!

Phillip Island’s rugged coastline is teeming with fascinating wildlife, including the world’s largest colony of little penguins (also known as fairy penguins). Each evening after sunset, you can watch these adorable birds waddle up the beach during the famous Penguin Parade, which can be experienced with a ranger or on a self-guided boardwalk tour.

The island is also home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. You can observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat on a wildlife cruise. While exploring the area, keep an eye out for other native animals, such as swamp wallabies, bandicoots, and Cape Barren geese.

If you think wildlife in Western Australia is limited to quokkas on Rottnest Island or kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay, think again. Exmouth offers two incredibly rich ecosystems to explore: Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.

Along the Ningaloo Coast, you can experience one of the world’s top wildlife adventures: snorkelling with whale sharks. From March to July, ethical tours allow you to swim alongside these majestic giants, and from July to October, humpback whales become the main attraction. During your trip, you might also be lucky enough to spot sea turtles or dugongs.

On land, Cape Range National Park offers excellent hiking opportunities where you can encounter emus, dingoes, and red kangaroos—showcasing a unique blend of Western Australian wildlife.

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens is a coastal paradise brimming with wildlife. The clear blue waters are home to bottlenose dolphins and migrating whales, making it a prime spot for marine life enthusiasts. To get up close, book a cruise with one of the local operators, or, if you prefer land-based views, hike the Tomaree Head Summit walk with binoculars in hand for the best whale-watching opportunities.

For koala lovers, the Tilligerry Habitat in Port Stephens is one of the best places in New South Wales to see koalas in the wild. Explore the nine-hectare reserve and keep an eye out for over 100 species of native birds. Stop by the visitor centre for tips on spotting koalas, and best of all, admission is free.

If you don’t have luck spotting these adorable marsupials in the wild, visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary cares for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. You can walk along an elevated treetop canopy boardwalk to see the koalas in their natural bushland habitat or book a guided tour to learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and how to help protect this endangered species.