Known as the Land Down Under, Australia is a popular holiday destination for nature lovers who wish to explore the great outdoors. Apart from the picturesque views, Australia is also home to a plethora of rare native animals.
Planning to come and say g’day to Ozzy soon? Then check out this list of unique wildlife experiences Malaysians should try when they are there!
Western Australia
1. Visit Rottnest Island to take a selfie with the world’s happiest animals, the quokkas!
West End, Rottnest Island
Quokkas are known as one of the happiest animals in the world and you can also say they are the most photogenic animal in Australia since they always look like they’re smiling!
If you’d like to take a selfie with the adorable quokkas, head over to Rottnest Island, located near Perth in Western Australia. These adorable quokkas are basically selfie superstars, and the island offers free guided walks to help you find them. Just remember to keep your distance, resist the urge to cuddle, and definitely don’t feed them human food. They have special dietary needs, you know!
A selfie with a quokka at Segway Tours WA, Rottnest Island
South Australia
2. Step into nature’s paradise on Kangaroo Island & spot kangaroos in the wild
Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is known for its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. Located near Adelaide in South Australia, a third of the island is protected in nature reserves to preserve Australia’s wildlife.
This means you can easily find some of the famous native animals here, including the island’s namesake, the kangaroo! Just remember to stay very quiet and observant when you visit the viewing spots and you might see the kangaroos going about their day in the wild.
Victoria
3. Take a day trip to French Island National Park to indulge in koala spotting
French Island National Park
Your Australian holiday would simply be incomplete without seeing the iconic koalas! To spot them out in the wild, plan a day trip and head out to the French Island National Park. The journey from Melbourne will take around one hour by car paired with a 15-minute ferry ride. The park has the most significant population of koalas in Victoria, so you’ll surely be able to see them snoozing away on tree branches.
If you prefer to visit them at a zoo or national park, head to the Healesville Sanctuary where you can book a 10-minute koala experience to hang out with these teddy-bear-like creatures.
Get up close and personal with a koala!
4. Witness the spectacular ‘penguin parade’ at Phillip Island
Witness the ‘penguin parade’ at Phillip Island
Did you know that Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world? This is why tourists from across the globe would travel here to witness the magical ‘penguin parade’!
The Phillip Island National Park is located just less than two hours away from Melbourne, making it a popular day-trip location. The park offers viewing platforms where every day at sunset, you can witness hundreds of little penguins waddling home to their burrows after a day of fishing in the sea. Trust us, you won’t be able to handle how precious the phenomenon is!
Tasmania
5. Visit Maria Island, also known as ‘Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark’, to spot wombats
Maria Island National Park has become a popular trail for hikers
Maria Island lies off the east coast of Tasmania and is accessible with a 30-minute ride from the small city of Triabunna. It earned its nickname when several threatened animal species were released on the island in the 1970s to ensure their survival. Now, it is home to a variety of rare Australian animals and birds and it is also one of the best places to spot wombats in the wild!
As the world’s largest burrowing animal, wombats weigh around 20–30 kilograms. Tourists often fall in love with them due to their waddling gaits and furry coats. But no matter how much you love them, they’re still wild animals so make sure to give them some space.
Spot wombats in the wild!
6. Go on a scenic hike up Cradle Mountain to meet with the Devils
The magnificent view atop the Cradle Mountain Summit
Cradle Mountain is the most famous peak located in the Central Highlands region of Tasmania. Hikers love the trails here as they offer an unparalleled view of the island’s rugged panorama. Plus, this is also where you can spot Tasmanian Devils in the wild.
For a truly unforgettable encounter, we’d recommend visiting the Devils @ Cradle (a wildlife conservation facility located at the edge of Cradle Mountain) where you can join their guided tours for a special chance to spot these unique carnivorous marsupials. Witness their playful antics, learn about their vital role in the ecosystem, and maybe even capture a selfie with these charismatic devils.
Queensland
7. Stay at Tangalooma Island Resort to hand-feed dolphins at sunset
Wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Island Resort
The Tangalooma Island Resort is accessible via a 75-minute boat ride from Brisbane. This resort has been named Lonely Planet’s 100 Best Beaches in the World but the main highlight is the wild dolphin feeding program!
Guests are given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins that visit their shores every day at sunset. This program has been recognised as the world’s best wild dolphin feeding program so you definitely wouldn’t want to miss this invaluable experience!
8. Take a tour of the Irwin family’s home – the Australia Zoo – to see Australia’s wildlife
The Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, is actually the home of the famed Irwin family! Dubbed as the ‘Home of The Crocodile Hunter’, this zoo houses over one hundred different species which means you’ll be able to spot some of Australia’s best wildlife at this one location.
From the tall and majestic giraffe to Steve Irwin’s favourite crocodile to even unique Australian animals such as the echidna or the kangaroo, get ready to meet them all here!
Australia Zoo
Excited to see Australia’s wildlife in person? Apart from what we’ve listed above, various other superb activities await you in Australia. From its pristine beaches to the fresh seafood feast, you can expect to have an unforgettable trip no matter where you go in this Sunburnt Country.
But before you start packing your bags, here’s a helpful tip: instead of browsing through countless different websites to complete your bookings, why not tackle them all with one convenient app?
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Excited to plan your nature escapade in Ozzy? Then make sure to download the Pick A Trip app from the App Store or Google Play to start planning away! You can also visit their website here to get more information or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to know the latest news or promos.
