Australia is a massive country that is also one of the seven continents in the world. A land that displays the outstanding beauty of nature and is home to a collection of extraordinary wildlife. It contains over one million species of animals and plants that fascinate everyone. Many of those animals are unique to Australia and are not found anywhere else in the world. This iconic nation has a wide variety of animals, from incredible kangaroos to unique platypus and much more. These animals are amazing creatures, and some of them can even be friendly to humans. However, it is still important to be cautious at the same time.
This complete guide will take you on a fascinating journey through Australian wildlife. It will provide you with complete information about the variety of animals you can see, locations where you can spot animals, and places in which you can get close and play with these amazing little wonders of nature. The knowledge you will get from here will be sufficient to spark your curiosity and passion to explore the phenomena of Australian wildlife. So, pack your bags and get ready to watch the amazing animals, and do not forget to pack your camera to take some stunning pictures of your encounter with the animals.
What kinds of animals can be found in Australia?
Australia has a diverse range of animals each one of them is unique and has some special qualities that make them truly wonderful creatures of the world. Below is a list of some most popular animals that can be found in Australia.
1. Meet The National Animal “Kangaroo”
The first animal on our list is the kangaroo, which is the national animal of Australia. There are four different types of kangaroo species, and their names are: red kangaroo, also called Macropus Rufus; eastern grey kangaroo; western grey kangaroo, scientifically called Macropus giganteus; Macropus fuliginosus; and antilopine kangaroo, also called Macropus antilopinus. Kangaroos are the world’s largest marsupials. Australia has a massive population of kangaroos; it is said that for every person living in Australia, there are about 2 to 3 kangaroos. There are more than 11 million red kangaroos and over 2 million western grey kangaroos in Australia. Some interesting facts about kangaroos are that they are great swimmers as well as incredible boxers.
2. Learn About “Wombat”
The wombat is the second-largest marsupial in Australia. These animals, on average, weigh about 25 to 41 kilogrammes and are about 3 to 3.5 feet long. These chubby grasseaters are more elegant than they seem. Wombats have an incredible speed and can go up to 40 kilometres per hour. They live in eastern and southern Australia and can be easily found in these places. Wombats have powerful claws that they use to dig underground tunnels. They are herbivores and only consume grasses, shrubs, roots, bark, and some other woody things to help them with their constantly growing teeth. Even though wombats do not have an unfriendly nature and do not look like they can be a threat to humans. But in reality, these creatures are known to attack humans when they feel threatened.
3. Australia's Cuddly Bears “Koala”
Koalas also fall in the category of marsupials. They are fluffy animals that are mostly found living on trees. These animals are some of the most lazy animals on the planet. They spend their day sleeping for about 18 to 22 hours a day, and the remaining time they spend eating. Koalas consume about 1 kilogram of food, and they love to eat eucalyptus leaves. These are small animals with only a length of 62 to 86 cm and a weight of about 4 to 16 kilograms. In Australia, the population of koalas is between 96,000 and 240,000. One of the biggest misconceptions about koalas is that they are bears. Many people have heard the term ‘koala bear’ but the truth is that they share more characteristics with other marsupials like the wombat.
4. Explore Peculiar “Platypus”
Platypus is quite a unique animal, as it falls into the category of mammals, but instead of giving birth to young ones, it is built to lay eggs. Platypus are quite shy creatures that live in rivers, creeks, and lakes in Australia. Their appearance looks like a mixture of three different animals. They have beaks like a duck with a tail that looks similar to beavers and a body structure that resembles a mole. The size of a platypus depends on their gender; an adult male can be 1.3 to 2.08 feet long and can weigh up to 817 to 3000 grams, while females are smaller and measure 1.25 to 1.83 feet in length and weigh 545 to 1633 grammes.
5. Meet The Spiky “Echidna”
Echidna is the other mammal besides Platypus that lays eggs. These animals are about 36 to 53 cm in length and weigh up to 6 to 7 kilograms. However, the size and weight can be based on their gender, as females are smaller and usually weigh less than males. Echidnas have spikes on them, similar to porcupines. The body structure of an echidna looks similar to a merger of a hedgehog and an anteater. Male echidnas have their spurs located in the same place as the glands, and they also get bigger with time. They also have a very strong sense of smell that helps them find their mates, look for food, and sense any kind of danger. Their claws are like shovels that give them the power to dig deep in the ground for food.
6. Terrifying Carnivore “Tasmanian Devil”
The Tasmanian devil is another marsupial. These marsupials are the largest carnivores in the world. They can be found only on the island in the southern state of Tasmania. These devils weigh only 4 to 15 kilograms. When they are standing, their height is about 30 cm. They have dark brown and black fur with multiple spots on their sides and a big white stripe that runs across their breasts. Tasmanian devils have really strong jaws to attack their prey and hunt them down. They can easily climb trees without having any kind of trouble. These animals also have a keen sense of smell and have 42 teeth that grow constantly. They never attack or show any aggressive behaviour towards humans unless they feel threatened.
7. Watch The Oceanic Giants “Whales”
Whales are amazing animals that have about 90 different kinds of species in the world. Many people consider whales to be fish since they live in water and have body structures similar to those of fish, but the fact is that whales are actually mammals. They belong to the cetacean family and cannot breathe underwater since they do not have gills; instead, they need to come to the surface of water to breathe. There are many different kinds of whale species that can be seen in Australia. You can see whales such as the Blue whale, Humpback whale, Fin whale, Grey’s beaked whale, and many more. Between May and November, you can spot whales migrating. Lots of whales can be seen on the Australian coastline, giving people a perfect chance to see the migration up close.
Places where you can meet closely with animals
Australia has a bunch of places where you can meet closely with the wild animals. You can even get the chance to touch and pet them. Below you will see some epic places where you can watch and learn more about the Australian wildlife.
1. Connect With The Wildlife “Zoos”
There must be lots of animals that you have only seen in pictures, on television, in books, or on the internet but never encountered in real life. So, if you have the desire or wish that you could see them in real life. Then Australia has over two hundred wildlife facilities including various zoos that allow access to the public to come and enjoy watching the amazing and unique animals. Here are some names of the most famous and reputed zoos and wildlife parks, including bird parks and reptile parks. Some of the most famous zoos where you encounter a lot of animals are the Australia Zoo, Perth Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Sydney Zoo, and many more. Each one of these zoos is well-known for providing the best experience to their visitors.
2. Exploring The Marine World “Aquariums”
If you are a fan of aquatic life and want to see these marvellous marine creatures from a close perspective, then this next place is the perfect option for you, as you will get to watch many different types of fish. There are many aquariums in Australia, and we have picked some of the best ones for you to ease up your work. The best aquariums to visit in Australia are Cairns Aquarium, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and plenty more. When you, your friends or your family visit these aquariums, then you all will get a chance to seae and gain knowledge about lots of different varieties of fishes. Taking your little ones with you can be a great idea, as they will get the chance to learn about so many new things. Some of this aquarium even displays sharks, corals, turtles, and mammals.
3. Rescuing and Rehabilitating “Sanctuaries”
Sanctuaries are another one of the places where you can have a close encounter with the animals in Australia. It is a safe place specially built to protect endangered and injured animals. There are several sanctuaries located throughout Australia. Some of the most reputed sanctuaries are Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Billabong Sanctuary, Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary etc. You can visit these sanctuaries with your friends and family to meet animals up close, learn about them, and have an amazing and memorable time there. All of the sanctuaries in Australia have been doing an amazing job of protecting the native animals by giving them food and medicines and looking after their well-being. Once the wounds of the animals are cured they set them free into the wild.
Encounter Australian Wildlife In Their Natural Habitat
Watching the animals in zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries is great. But observing them in the wild to see how they live, grow, and hunt in their natural habitat can give you the experience of a lifetime. Below you will see a list of the places where you can enjoy seeing the animals in the wild.
1. Discovering The Wildlife “Rainforest”
Encounter Australian Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat by visiting the Northern Tropical Zone in Australia, which is home to a diverse range of wild animals. The Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world, is an amazing place to spot 666 different species of animals, including crocodiles, southern cassowary, kangaroos, and numerous bird species. This region also has 220 butterfly species and over 2,800 plant varieties, some of which are uncommon and unique to the world. Other rainforests in Australia, such as the Gondwana and Otway forests, provide excellent chances to encounter Australian wildlife. Additionally, this lush environment is also perfect for wildlife photography if you are on an exploration for a perfect wildlife shot.
2. Spotting Wild Animals “Grasslands”
Grassland is a large area that is completely covered by large grass that continues to grow in locations where trees cannot thrive. This makes grasslands an ideal home for small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. You, along with your friends and family, can take a safari tour of the grasslands to see amazing wild animals like lions. elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, zebras, black mambas and many more. However, the animals you encounter here are wild, and dangerous and can attack humans. So it’s crucial for you to not step out of your Landcruisers. Visiting the grassland can be a great idea as it shows how the wild animals live in their natural habitat. You might also get to see how they hunt and fight for their territory. This experience can surely be enlightening.
3. Underwater Marine Life “Oceans”
You can also explore the underwater life by taking a mariner tour. There are lots of famous organisations that offer you an incredible tour of the oceans. Some of the most reputed tours are Aussie Marine Adventures, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise and multiple more. You will get the chance to see more than 60 different types of marine animals in Australia. Some of the tours also provide you with the opportunity to scuba dive and watch the amazing sea creatures like whales, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays etc from a close perspective. Not only does the tour provide you with all kinds of safety but these amazing animals are quite popular for being gentle with humans. However, when you are underwater make sure that you are extra cautious as there are some other animals that can be quite dangerous.
Best Time Of The Year To See Australian Animals
Now, before you head out on your journey to explore the amazing wildlife in Australia. You should know about the important information regarding which time of the year should be the best time to visit to watch these wonderful creatures of the world. Choosing the right time of the year is extremely crucial if you want to watch your choice of animal. The changing seasons have a huge impact on wildlife. Many animals start to migrate before the beginning of the winter. Below you will see the information about which seasons will be best to watch the kind of animal.
- Autumn: If you want to explore marine life by scuba diving so you can see animals like dolphins and whale sharks, then you should visit in autumn.
- Winter: If you are an ornithophile and love to watch birds, then visiting Australia in the winter is best for you.
- Spring: This season is best to watch koalas with their little ones.
- Summer: It is the best season if you wish to witness the little turtle hatchlings heading towards the sea.
Conclusion
Australia is a massive country that is home to a variety of wildlife. You get to see so many different types of animals, from the national animal kangaroo to one of the most unique animals, Platypus. We provided you with detailed information about the animals and locations for your proper exploration of these amazing creatures.
Australia’s wildlife displays the variety and strength of nature. However, there are plenty of species that are now endangered, but multiple organisations are doing their best to protect them, and they continue to study these remarkable animals to share more information and knowledge with the world. It is really important for us humans to do everything in our power so that we can protect them for the survival of their future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia is well-known for its wildlife, as more than 78 per cent of animal categories like mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are only found in Australia. There are also some plants that are unique to this continent. Animals like kangaroos, frogs, dingoes, wombats, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, and platypus are common in Australia.
Some interesting facts about Australian wildlife are that it has 86 per cent of various mammal species, 95 per cent of different types of frogs, 93 per cent of diverse reptile species, and over 40 per cent of distinct types of avian species. Many of these can only be found in Australia and nowhere else in the world.
Even though Australia has massive wildlife, There are a few factors that are threatening wildlife, such as the rapid change in climate conditions, the mass removal of unwanted plants for a particular area, wild animals and weeds, catching too many fish, also called overfishing, mining in inappropriate areas, illegal trafficking of wildlife, and several natural disasters like floods, droughts, and forest fires.
