Australia is a continent of unique creatures—many of which exist nowhere else on Earth. If your goal is to spot kangaroos hopping across an open field, see a koala munching on eucalyptus, or find a playful Quokka, here are the best spots to turn your wildlife dreams into reality.
1. Kangaroos: Beaches, Fields, and Islands
Kangaroos are abundant, but finding them in the wild can be tricky near major cities.
- Best Spot Near Sydney: Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park. About a four-hour drive south of Sydney, this beach is famous for having kangaroos that genuinely hang out on the sand and sometimes even wander into the water.
- Best Spot Near Melbourne: Grampians National Park or Anglesea Golf Course (yes, really!). Anglesea has a resident mob of kangaroos that graze openly on the fairways.
- Ultimate Experience: Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This island is a haven for native wildlife, and you are almost guaranteed to see thousands of kangaroos, as well as sea lions and various bird species.
2. Koalas: Up in the Eucalyptus
Koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day, making them hard to spot. Look up, and look closely!
- Best Spot Near Melbourne: Great Ocean Road (Kennett River). Driving the Great Ocean Road, slow down around the tiny town of Kennett River. Koalas are frequently spotted high in the eucalyptus trees right along the road.
- Best Spot Near Brisbane/Gold Coast: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. If you want a guaranteed sighting and photo (and legally allowed to cuddle/pat a koala in Queensland), this is the place. It’s the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary.
- Wild Spot: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (ACT). This reserve near Canberra has a fantastic viewing platform and is known for reliable wild koala sightings.
3. Quokkas: The World’s Happiest Animal
The small, smiling Quokka is endemic to a single place near Perth.
- The Place: Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Take a short ferry from Perth or Fremantle to this stunning island. Quokkas are tame and easily approachable (but please don’t feed them!) and are notorious for posing for “quokka selfies.”
4. Platypus: The Elusive Swimmer
This shy, duck-billed mammal is incredibly difficult to find, but it’s worth the early wake-up call.
- Best Chance: Eungella National Park, Queensland (near Mackay). Arrive at the viewing platform at dawn or dusk. The chillier temperatures and low light are when they are most active.
5. Little Penguins: The Evening Parade
These tiny, adorable penguins come ashore every evening to return to their burrows.
- The Parade: Phillip Island, Victoria (near Melbourne). Every sunset, hundreds of these little penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand. It’s a highly managed, world-class viewing experience.
Wildlife Safety Tip: Always observe native animals from a safe and respectful distance. Never feed or attempt to pet wild animals.
