Why Wildlife in Australia is Unique
Australia’s wildlife is unlike anywhere else in the world. Around 80% of its mammals, reptiles and amphibians are found nowhere else on Earth, thanks to millions of years of isolation. You might see a kangaroo bounding across the Outback, a platypus gliding silently through a river, or a koala nestled high in the eucalyptus trees. The variety is as vast as the landscapes themselves, with deserts, rainforests, reefs and alpine ranges all home to unique creatures.
Many animals are easier to spot at certain times of year, so planning your trip around the seasons can make a big difference. Our guide to the best season to go to Australia explains when to visit for wildlife encounters, festivals, and great weather.
If you’re planning a trip or even considering a permanent move, Visa Bureau can guide you through the process of visiting or relocating to Australia.
In this guide, we explore 12 iconic Australian animals, sharing where to find them, when to visit, and fascinating facts to make your encounters even more memorable.
1. Kangaroo — Australia’s Bounding National Symbol
The kangaroo is not just a symbol of Australia; it’s one of the most widespread and abundant large mammals in the country, with an estimated population of over 50 million, outnumbering humans nearly 2 to 1. Known for their powerful hind legs and unique hopping movement (which can reach speeds of 70 km/h), kangaroos are social animals, often found in groups called “mobs.”
Australia is home to several species, including the Red Kangaroo, the largest of all, standing up to 2 metres tall; the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, known for its sociable nature; and the Western Grey Kangaroo, often distinguished by its musky scent and louder vocalisations. Watching kangaroos at dawn or dusk, when they are most active, is an essential Australian wildlife experience. They can be seen grazing peacefully in groups called mobs, but they’re also capable of powerful kicks when threatened and can leap more than 9 metres in a single bound.
In some parts of Australia, you might even see kangaroos grazing on the sand just metres from the waves, a reminder that this country isn’t only about its animals, but also its spectacular coastlines. You can discover some of the most stunning beaches in Australia, where wildlife and scenery come together.
Where to See Kangaroos: Eastern Grey Kangaroos in NSW and VIC, Red Kangaroos in the Outback, Western Grey Kangaroos in SA and WA.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but early morning and late afternoon are best.
2. Koala — The Sleepy Eucalyptus Specialist
The koala is one of the world’s most adored marsupials, instantly recognisable by its fluffy ears and large nose. Contrary to popular belief, koalas are not bears but arboreal marsupials, spending up to 20 hours a day sleeping to conserve energy from their low-nutrition eucalyptus leaf diet.
Koalas have a highly specialised gut system to detoxify the chemicals in eucalyptus leaves, and each individual has a distinct “home range” of trees. Sadly, habitat loss has made them vulnerable in some areas, making ethical wildlife parks and protected reserves vital for their survival. Seeing one in the wild, clinging to the branches with effortless balance, is a true highlight of wildlife in Australia.
Where to See Koalas: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
3. Platypus — Nature’s Most Unusual Mammal
The platypus is one of nature’s strangest creations, as it is a semi-aquatic mammal with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and the ability to lay eggs. Males even have venomous spurs on their hind legs, a rare trait among mammals. Despite their odd appearance, platypuses are incredibly agile swimmers, closing their eyes, ears, and nostrils underwater to hunt for insects, larvae, and shellfish.
They are famously shy and difficult to spot, so patience is key. Dawn and dusk are the best times to watch them glide silently across calm rivers and creeks, leaving only a ripple in their wake. Seeing a platypus in the wild is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors to Australia.
Where to See Platypus: Tasmania, Eastern Victoria, Queensland hinterland.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with dawn/dusk being prime time.
4. Wombat — The Charming Burrow Builder
Sturdy, strong, and undeniably cute, wombats are expert diggers, capable of creating burrows up to 30 metres long. These nocturnal marsupials have cube-shaped droppings, a quirky adaptation that prevents waste from rolling away and helps mark territory.
Wombats have a toughened rear hide, which they use as a shield against predators in their burrows. They may appear slow, but they can sprint up to 40 km/h over short distances when threatened. Spotting a wombat grazing in the soft light of dusk is a joy for wildlife lovers visiting Australia’s forests and grasslands.
Where to See Wombats: Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria.
Best Time to Visit: Dusk and night.
5. Echidna — Australia’s Spiky Forager
The short-beaked echidna is a spiny anteater and, along with the platypus, one of only two monotreme species in the world. Covered in sharp spines for protection, they use a long, sticky tongue to lap up ants and termites. Their powerful claws make them expert diggers, quickly burrowing into the ground to escape danger.
Echidnas have an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild and can survive in almost any environment, from deserts to snowy highlands. Their solitary, slow-moving nature makes sightings special, often found foraging with a charming waddle.
Where to See Echidnas: Nationwide.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
6. Emu — The Tall Runner of the Outback
The emu is Australia’s largest bird and the second-largest in the world after the ostrich. Standing up to 1.9 metres tall, emus can sprint at speeds of 50 km/h, covering huge distances in search of food and water.
Unusually, it’s the male emu that incubates the eggs and raises the chicks — sometimes going without food for nearly two months during nesting season. These curious birds are often unafraid of people, making them easy to observe in the wild.
Where to See Emus: Nationwide, especially inland and in open country.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
7. Saltwater Crocodile — Apex Predator of the North
The saltwater crocodile, or “saltie,” is the largest living reptile, with males reaching over 6 metres in length and weighing up to a tonne. They are apex predators, capable of ambushing prey with incredible power and speed.
Despite their fearsome reputation, saltwater crocodiles are an important part of the ecosystem, controlling populations of other animals and maintaining healthy waterways. The safest way to see them is on a guided river cruise, where you can watch them basking on muddy banks or gliding through mangroves.
Where to See Saltwater Crocs: Northern Territory, Northern Queensland, Northern WA.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May–October).
8. Quokka — The World’s Happiest Animal
The quokka has become a global social media star thanks to its seemingly smiling face. About the size of a domestic cat, quokkas are friendly, photogenic, and primarily nocturnal, though on Rottnest Island, they are active during the day due to a lack of predators.
Quokkas are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, and bark. Their calm demeanour and adorable looks have made them a favourite among visitors, but it’s important to remember they are wild animals and should not be touched or fed.
Where to See Quokkas: Rottnest Island, small populations in southwest WA.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
9. Whale Shark — Gentle Giant of the Ningaloo Reef
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, growing up to 12 metres long, yet it feeds mainly on microscopic plankton. Gentle and slow-moving, they are one of the safest large marine animals to swim alongside.
Every year, from March to July, hundreds of whale sharks gather at Ningaloo Reef following the mass coral spawning. Swimming beside one of these gentle giants in crystal-clear water is considered one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet.
Where to See Whale Sharks: Ningaloo Reef, WA.
Best Time to Visit: March–July.
10. Little Penguin — The Pint-Sized Parade Performer
The little penguin is the smallest penguin species, standing just 33 cm tall. They spend their days hunting small fish at sea before returning to their burrows each night.
The most famous viewing spot is Phillip Island, where visitors gather at sunset to watch hundreds of penguins waddle ashore in the Penguin Parade, which is a charming spectacle that has been delighting tourists for decades.
Where to See Little Penguins: Phillip Island (VIC), Bruny Island (TAS).
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, sunset.
11. Tasmanian Devil — Tasmania’s Tough Survivor
The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. Despite their small size (about that of a small dog), they have one of the strongest bites per body weight of any mammal.
They are scavengers, cleaning up carcasses in the wild, and play a vital role in Tasmania’s ecosystem. Their name comes from their fierce growls and screams, especially when feeding. Sadly, their numbers have declined due to a contagious facial tumour disease, but conservation efforts are ongoing.
Where to See Tasmanian Devils: Tasmania.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
12. Humpback Whale — East & West Coast Migration Routes
The humpback whale is one of the most acrobatic whales, known for breaching and slapping the water with their fins and tail. These giants can grow up to 16 metres long and migrate thousands of kilometres between their feeding and breeding grounds.
In Australia, you can watch humpbacks along both the east and west coasts during their annual migrations. The sight of a whale leaping from the ocean against a backdrop of Australian coastline is simply unforgettable.
Where to See Humpback Whales: East and West coasts during migration.
Best Time to Visit: Varies by location; typically June–November.
Plan Your Australian Wildlife Adventure
Australia is full of unforgettable wildlife encounters — watching a humpback whale breach against a backdrop of rugged coastline, coming face-to-face with a quokka’s cheeky grin on Rottnest Island, or swimming alongside the gentle giants of Ningaloo Reef. Every region offers something different, which means no two wildlife experiences in Australia are ever quite the same.
Travellers heading on to New Zealand can also experience New Zealand’s unique wildlife, which is every bit as remarkable and distinctive as Australia’s.
If exploring Australia’s unique wildlife has you dreaming of making the move, Visa Bureau’s Australia Visas and Immigration services can help you take the next step toward living your adventure.