10 Must-Try Wildlife Experiences On Your Australia Trip

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Wandering Among Kangaroos at Sunrise — Cape Hillsborough

At dawn, kangaroos and wallabies emerge onto the beach to feed on mangrove seeds, offering an extraordinary and serene photo opportunity in a rare, natural coastal display.

A shot from Cape Hillsborough | visitmackayisaac/instagram

Swim with Whale Sharks — Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

From March to August, snorkellers can glide alongside gentle whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park, under strict eco-friendly protocols to protect these majestic filter-feeders.

Views from Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia | brookepykephotography/instagram

Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, Victoria

Each evening at sunset, little penguins stroll ashore in a captivating natural spectacle. Viewing platforms allow safe observation of one of Australia’s most endearing wildlife rituals.

Penguins at Phillip Island, Victoria | touringtreasures/instagram

Crocodile-Spotting Cruise — Adelaide River, Northern Territory

On guided cruises, saltwater crocodiles actively leap for food thrown from boats, offering a thrilling and safely managed glimpse of these formidable apex predators.

A crocodile seen on a crocodile crusie on Adelaide River, Northern Territory | siva_wwc/instagram

Snorkel with the Most Photogenic Animal — Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Accessible via ferry from Perth, Rottnest Island is famed for friendly quokkas and clear waters. Add snorkelling adventures and scenic trails to complete this delightful wildlife destination.

A shot of a quokka | babyanmlpics/instagram

Meet Rescued Joeys at Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary

On sunset tours, visitors encounter orphaned baby kangaroos, with opportunities to meet and sometimes hold joeys, in this sanctuary dedicated to their rescue and care.

Kangaroos at Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary | jumpon.online/instagram

Track the Elusive Spotted-Tailed Quoll in Rainforest

In the rainforests of north Queensland, visitors can accompany researchers tracking these rare, nocturnal marsupials, the spotted-tailed quolls, Australia’s largest mainland carnivorous marsupial.

A shot of Spotted-Tailed Quoll | quollheadquarters/instagram

Explore Wildlife Rainforest Tours — Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda

Board a World War II Army Duck to traverse rainforest, visit a wildlife park with koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, and enjoy Indigenous dance and Dreamtime stories.

A view of Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda | rainforestation/instagram

Interact with Nocturnal Wildlife — Moonlit Sanctuary, Victoria

Evening guided walks reveal native nocturnal species—like bandicoots and possums—in their natural habitat. Guides offer informative, close-up night-time wildlife viewing experiences.

Koala at Moonlit Sanctuary, Victoria | moonlitsanctuary/instagram

Observe Koalas and Kangaroos Up Close — Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia

Just outside Adelaide, this park allows interaction with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native species via guided walks and photo opportunities.

A kangaroo with a baby in the pouch in Australia | Shuttertock

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Milky Way at Boddington, Western Australia | Trevor Dobson/Flickr Commons
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