Just off the coast of Exmouth or Coral Bay is the World Heritage Site, Ningaloo Reef. If you’re travelling between the months of March to August, this incredible reef becomes home to the largest fish on the planet, the whale shark. Swimming with these gentle, slow-moving giants is sure to be one for the bucket list.

Our pick: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Our unmissable experience: Swim with Whale Sharks

 

Only a short ferry away from Perth is Rottnest Island, home to the adorable Quokka. These smiley residents are endemic to the region and with no natural predators, they certainly don’t shy away from the camera. If you want to get up close to these pint-sized marsupials, you can either stay on Rottnest or do a day trip from Perth.

Our pick: Discovery Rottnest Island

Our unmissable experience: Rottnest Island Discovery

 

Not only is the Northern Territory famous for the outback, it is also home to one of the largest national parks and wetlands in Australia. Kakadu National Park is an incredibly biodiverse nature reserve that encompasses cascading waterfalls, aboriginal rock art and wonderful wildlife. Go in search for over 60 species of mammals and 117 species of reptiles including the largest of the lot, the saltwater crocodile. 

Our pick: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu 

Our unmissable experience: Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

 

For those looking to do a safari style experience in Australia, look no further than Bamurru Plains. These extraordinary coastal floodplains are a 3 hour drive from Darwin and offer incredible wildlife viewing from the comfort of an open top vehicle, air boat or with a guide on foot. The area is renowned for its highly dense population of birdlife and buffaloes with the annual migration of over one hundred thousand magpie geese being a must see. 

Our pick: Bamurru Plains, Mary River Floodplains

Our unmissable experience: Mary River Wetlands Cruise

 

Would a trip to Australia truly be complete without visiting the Great Barrrier Reef? The largest coral reef system in the world and a site of remarkable beauty which attracts over 1,500 species of fish and 6 out of the 7 marine turtle species worldwide. If you’re not afraid to get your feet wet, then paradise awaits on Hamilton Island, one of the most popular locations in the Whitsundays and a treasure trove for marine life. 

Our pick: Qualia, Hamilton Island

Our unmissable experience: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

 

Only a 90 minute drive from Brisbane lies one of only two everglades systems on Earth, the Noosa Everglades. This unique environment spans 60km of pristine waterways and 2 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, accounting for 40% of Australia’s birdlife. Get immersed in nature with over 700 native species including kangaroos and wallabies, who love to frequent the shores of Lake Cootharaba. 

Our pick: Habitat Noosa

Our unmissable experience: Noosa Everglades Cruise & Canoe

 

The Grampians are one of the most iconic national parks in Australia, but they aren’t the only place to spot wildlife in Victoria. Less than 2 hours from Melbourne is Phillip Island, made famous for The Penguin Parade. This spectacle occurs at sunset daily and sees groups of the world’s smallest penguin waddle from the shore to their burrows by the boardwalk, something that is sure to leave you captivated.

Our pick: Phillip Island Apartments

Our unmissable experience: Ultimate Penguin Parade

 

A short ferry from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a paradise for the quintessential Australian wildlife. Explore the breathtaking Flinders Chase National Park renowned for the Remarkable Rocks formation and watch mobs of kangaroos hop across the dramatic coastal backdrop. Despite its namesake, Kangaroo Island is one of the best locations in Australia to get cosy with a koala. If you’re eager to see these furry friends, this is a must stop on any itinerary.

Our pick: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island

Our unmissable experience: Kangaroo Island Experience

 

Known for having the cleanest air in the world, sweeping untouched forests and a temperate climate, Tasmania provides the ideal habitat for many species to flourish. This island has become a stronghold for many animals extinct on the mainland, most notably the Tasmanian Devil. Easily accessible by direct flight from any major Australian city, Tasmania offers the perfect detour for anyone wanting to spot these endangered creatures.

Our pick: Discovery Cradle Mountain

Our unmissable experience: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

 

New South Wales has so much incredible wildlife on its doorstep, including one of Australia’s most elusive, the Duck Billed Platypus. The iconic Blue Mountains are known for lush forest valleys and meandering waterways which provide the ideal nesting ground for these shy animals, what’s even better, they are only a 3 hour drive from Sydney. To get the best chance of glimpsing a platypus, get yourself to the entrance of the Jenolan Caves at dusk or dawn especially during winter months. At certain times of year these areas can be closed off due to flooding, in which case the next best place to visit is the Wingecarribee River around Berrima.

Our pick: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Our unmissable experience: Blue Mountains Discovery

 

Unfortunately, recent years have seen a rapid decline in these fragile ecosystems with now the onus being on us to work with local communities in educating ourselves on the importance of our natural surroundings.

For more inspiration take a look at our Australia Holidays pages.