The wildlife in Australia is renowned across the globe. The unique animals that call Australia home are mysterious, magical, and admired throughout the world. As such, many people come to Australia not only to explore the beautiful landscape, but also to see the animals that live here. These animals are also not just on land. Thanks to the natural underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of unique fish and mammals that you can visit, too. Of course, there are plenty of ways to see these animals, from incredible zoos to wildlife encounters. This blog will explore the top Australian animal experiences, so you’ll know what to book and where to visit!

At the top of this list is the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, so a visit here is bucket list-worthy indeed. It has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world thanks to the spectacular coral reef and the fish that call it home. There are over 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays here, and it can be explored from a number of different spots throughout Queensland. Perhaps head up to Cairns and take a boat from there, or from further down the coast in the Whitsunday and Airlie Beach area. The reef can be explored via snorkelling or scuba diving: the further down you dive, the more animals you’ll find. Some highlights include marine turtles, sharks, rays, sea snakes, clownfish, dugong, and even humpback whales! If you don’t want to get in the water yourself, there are plenty of tours that offer glass-bottom boat experiences, so you can see the reef up close and stay dry at the same time. 

This is such an incredible experience that can only be discovered in three spots in the world: in the Philippines, Mexico, and off the coast in Western Australia. However, what sets the WA experience apart is the marine conservation that happens here. The Ningaloo Reef is an incredible spot that is full of abundant wildlife, including, for a few months each year, the largest fish in the world. Indeed, the whale sharks are gentle giants that can be found off the coast between April and July each year as they migrate to warmer waters. You can swim alongside these beautiful creatures while participating in a boat tour from Exmouth in WA. But keep an eye out while swimming alongside the whale sharks as there are plenty of other marine life here, too! The highlights include dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and rays. 

Queensland provides the unique opportunity to hold koalas! These sleepy marsupials are loved across the world, and you can hug and pose for a photo across Australia. There are plenty of zoos and wildlife conservation parks across Queensland that you can visit for this magical moment, like Australia Zoo in Brisbane, and Bungalow Bay in Magnetic Island. It’s a unique animal opportunity that you’ll never find anywhere else in the world, so if it’s on your bucket list, make sure to head to Queensland!

One of Australia’s largest penguin colonies lives just ninety minutes from the Melbourne CBD in Phillip Island. Every night at sunset they journey from the waters surrounding the island and make their way to their burrow on land. You can watch this beautiful experience every single day from either the beachside or in an underground viewing station. 

The quokka is the happiest animal in the world and you can visit them on Rottnest Island! The quokka has a unique living experience in that there are no predators of the mammal on the island. This means that they’re super friendly and unafraid of humans, so make sure when exploring the island to keep an eye out for them! They love a selfie and will happily smile for the perfect picture. 

The saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory are magical yet terrifying. These are some of the oldest creatures to walk the planet and date back to prehistoric times. There are around 200,000 saltwater crocodiles in Australia, and you can find plenty of them in the Northern Territory. Kakadu National Park offers boat tours throughout the dry season where you can get as up close and personal as possible - only if you’re brave enough! 

The wildlife here in Australia is simply outstanding. Many people throughout the world visit here simply for a wildlife encounter or two, and with unique opportunities throughout each state, you’re very much spoiled for choice! Each animal experience listed here will be an incredible time, so make sure to bring a camera to capture the special memory. And of course, while out driving through the Australian roads, always keep an eye out for a kangaroo or two! They’re pretty special too.