Being located a vast distance away from the rest of the world has given Australia an exotic and unique array of wildlife, evolving to suit the conditions of the land down under over millions of years. Experiencing Australia’s iconic animals in the wild isn’t difficult if you know where to look. You can venture into forests and grasslands where you will spot koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and platypuses, and you’ll experience a whole new world by visiting the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. However, the farther north you go, the bigger they become, where you will see borderline prehistoric animals such as crocodiles that can grow up to 5m long and the iconic cassowary, Australia’s most dangerous bird.
However as much as it is great to see these creatures out in the wild on your own, we definitely recommend seeing them responsibly. As there are plenty of stringent animal welfare guidelines for tour operators, it’s easy to have a positive experience for you and the animals of Australia. For an up-close encounter with Australia’s famous crocs, check out Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures near Cairns, or head to Melbourne for the adorable Phillip Island Penguin & Koala Tour. With an expertise in wildlife, guiding, and a commitment to protecting Australia and its environment, the experience will be quite meaningful.
