10 Best Places in Australia to See Wildife in the Wild

10 Best Places in Australia to See Wildife in the Wild

Exploring the wilderness in Australia is an incredible adventure, and one of the best parts is getting to observe the country’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. While some remote locations require a 4WD vehicle, there are still plenty of amazing spots accessible in a car or campervan rental.

For those that are planning to book a car or campervan hire in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart or Darwin, there is a must-do wildlife location in this list for you! 

Here are 10 of the best road trip spots to stop and watch wildlife in the Australian wilderness.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. As you set foot on this beautiful  island, located just off the coast of South Australia, and accessible by ferry – get ready to witness an incredible array of native animals. Kangaroos hop gracefully through the bushland, while koalas lazily lounge in eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for the playful antics of sea lions and fur seals along the rugged coastline. See if you can spot a shy echidna, or the elusive Tammar wallabies. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo soaring above the treetops. 

Wildlife spotting on Kangaroo Island, South Australia:

  • Kangaroos
  • Koalas
  • Sea lions
  • Fur seals
  • Echidnas
  • Tammar wallabies
  • Australian sea lions
  • Australian fur seals
  • Short-beaked echidnas
  • Rosenberg’s goannas
  • Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoos

 

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria

In the captivating wilderness of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, nature’s wonders await you at every turn. Explore this vast expanse of Australian outback, where you’ll be greeted by the graceful presence of emus and kangaroos roaming freely across the plains. Listen to the enchanting calls of colourful birds like Mallee fowl, Mulga parrots, and Regent parrots. Keep a lookout for the majestic wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead, while the elusive Mallee night parrots quietly go about their nocturnal activities.

Wildlife spotting in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria:

  • Emus
  • Kangaroos
  • Red kangaroos
  • Western grey kangaroos
  • Mallee fowl
  • Echidnas
  • Wedge-tailed eagles
  • Mulga parrots
  • Regent parrots
  • Blue bonnets
  • Major Mitchell’s cockatoos

 

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain is a nature lovers’ wonderland nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s breathtaking wilderness. Brace yourself for encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Spot the adorable Tasmanian devils as they scurry through the undergrowth, and watch wombats playfully waddle across the rugged terrain. Keep an eye out for quolls and pademelons, while the elusive platypus and Eastern quolls make rare appearances. The skies above are frequented by magnificent wedge-tailed eagles, adding an extra touch of grandeur to this picturesque landscape.

Wildlife spotting at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania:

  • Tasmanian devils
  • Wombats
  • Quolls
  • Bennett’s wallabies
  • Pademelons
  • Tasmanian pademelons
  • Tasmanian bettongs
  • Eastern quolls
  • Spotted-tail quolls
  • Echidnas
  • Wedge-tailed eagles
  • Platypus

 

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

You embark on an extraordinary journey when you arrive at Kakadu National Park, a world where ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife intertwine. As you navigate this World Heritage-listed wonderland, you’ll witness sights like the saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun along the billabongs. Agile wallabies gracefully hop through the savannah, while dingoes roam the plains. Witness the impressive flights of magpie geese and brolgas, and hear the melodic songs of rainbow pitas echoing through the lush vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive black wallaroos and the mighty estuarine crocodiles that call this untamed paradise home.

Wildlife spotting at Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory:

  • Saltwater crocodiles
  • Agile wallabies
  • Dingoes
  • Magpie geese
  • Brolgas
  • Rainbow pitas
  • Black wallaroos
  • Saltwater crocodiles
  • Agile wallabies
  • Dingoes
  • Estuarine crocodiles

 

Cape Le Grand, Western Australia

Cape Le Grand is a beach-lovers paradise on the southern coastline of Western Australia, and it will leave you awe-struck by its natural splendour. Here, the rugged beauty of Western Australia’s landscape meets an abundance of captivating wildlife. As you meander along pristine white-sand beaches, you’ll encounter Western grey kangaroos hopping effortlessly through the sand dunes. Emus cross the coastal heathlands, while bandicoots and brush-tailed possums scurry amidst the shrubbery. Keep an eye out for various reptiles basking in the sun, and don’t miss the chance to spot majestic sea eagles and ospreys soaring above the turquoise waters. This is also a perfect spot for whale watching in season, and dolphin spotting year-round.

Wildlife spotting at Cape Le Grand, Western Australia:

  • Western grey kangaroos
  • Euro kangaroos
  • Emus
  • Bandicoots
  • Brush-tailed possums
  • Reptiles (various species)
  • Cape Barren geese
  • Ospreys
  • Sea eagles
  • Dolphins
  • Southern right whales (seasonal)

 

Bruny Island, Tasmania

A short ferry ride from the mainland, and you’ll be greeted by the enchanting sight of Bennetts wallabies hopping through the island’s forest. Tasmanian pademelons and spotted quolls may make a surprise appearance amidst the ancient ferns and towering eucalyptus trees. Wombats roam freely, undisturbed by human presence, while swift parrots and yellow-tailed black cockatoos grace the skies with their vibrant plumage. Keep an eye out for the playful fairy penguins as they return to their nests at sunset.

Wildlife spotting on Bruny Island, Tasmania:

  • White wallabies
  • Wombats
  • Bennetts wallabies
  • Tasmanian pademelons
  • Echidnas
  • Spotted quolls
  • Tasmanian devils
  • Wedge-tailed eagles
  • Swift parrots
  • Yellow-tailed black cockatoos
  • Fairy penguins

 

Lamington National Park, Queensland

Lamington National Park beckons nature enthusiasts from around the world. Known as a haven of biodiversity, it offers sanctuary for numerous bird species and endemic Australian wildlife. As you traverse the dense rainforest, listen to the melodious calls of Albert’s lyrebirds and green catbirds resonating through the ancient trees. Crimson rosellas and Eastern whipbirds add a splash of colour to the vibrant tapestry of the park. Look up, and you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive koalas and yellow-bellied gliders.

Wildlife spotting in Lamington National Park, Queensland:

  • Albert’s lyrebirds
  • Green catbirds
  • Crimson rosellas
  • Eastern whipbirds
  • Koalas
  • Yellow-bellied gliders
  • Satin bowerbirds
  • Regent bowerbirds
  • Red-legged pademelons
  • Swamp wallabies

 

Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

Step into the pristine wilderness of Wilsons Promontory, a coastal gem that promises an unforgettable encounter with Australian wildlife. As you wander through the eucalyptus forests and coastal heathlands, keep your camera ready for sightings of Eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies grazing peacefully amidst the picturesque landscapes. Wombats may make an appearance, while echidnas quietly forage for food in the undergrowth. Look up, and you might spot the vibrant plumage of rosellas and the mesmerizing dance of Superb lyrebirds.

Wildlife spotting at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria:

  • Eastern grey kangaroos
  • Swamp wallabies
  • Wombats
  • Echidnas
  • Rosellas
  • Crimson rosellas
  • Eastern whipbirds
  • Superb lyrebirds
  • Koalas
  • Short-beaked echidnas

 

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

 

The Flinders Ranges are a rugged and ancient landscape that invites you to witness the untamed beauty of Outback Australia. Here, amidst the ancient gorges and red-tinged cliffs, you’ll encounter a host of unique wildlife. Emus and Western grey kangaroos add their grace to the picturesque panorama, while the skies above are graced by the majestic presence of peregrine falcons. One of the most handsome of the region’s fauna is the agile Yellow-footed rock wallaby.

Wildlife spotting in Flinders Ranges, South Australia:

  • Yellow-footed rock wallabies
  • Western grey kangaroos
  • Emus
  • Wedge-tailed eagles
  • Mallee fowl
  • Mulga parrots
  • Pink cockatoos
  • Yellow-footed rock-wallabies
  • Red kangaroos
  • Peregrine falcons

 

Yanchep National Park, Western Australia

Inside Yanchep National Park, you will discover a wilderness retreat that brimming with native wildlife and natural wonders. As you explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a variety of fascinating creatures. Watch Western grey kangaroos as they gracefully roam the bushland, and keep your eyes peeled for the adorable bandicoots scurrying through the underbrush. Western brush wallabies may make an appearance, while the skies above are painted with the vivid colours of red-tailed black cockatoos and splendid fairy wrens.

Wildlife spotting in Yanchep National Park:

  • Western grey kangaroos
  • Koalas
  • Bandicoots
  • Western brush wallabies
  • Red-tailed black cockatoos
  • Splendid fairy-wrens
  • Ospreys
  • Carnaby’s black cockatoos
  • Quenda (southern brown bandicoots)

Australia’s diverse and captivating landscapes offer an abundance of opportunities for nature-loving travellers to immerse themselves in the wonders of native wildlife. Each wildlife encounter serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these precious habitats for generations to come.