Australian Parks & Wildlife

Nature was inspired when it created Australia. There are animals you’ll see nowhere else and plants that will amaze you. Australia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Kakadu National Park - Kakadu’s many habitats, which include lily-spotted wetlands and vast plains, support more than 280 species of birds, or about one-third of Australia’s bird species. But, if crocodiles are more your scene then head up to the Northern Territory in Kakadu Park to search for saltwater crocodiles.

Monkey Mia - One of the most famous dolphin habitats is Monkey Mia located on the shores of World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, in Western Australia. The wild bottlenose dolphins around here have been swimming around the ankles of tourists every day for the past forty years.

Great Barrier Reef - Visit the most iconic of all Australia’s wildlife sanctuaries Go snorkelling or diving in the tropical, clear waters and you’ll find yourself immersed in an environment shimmering of dazzling fish, colourful corals and sponges, dugongs, and green turtles.

Kangaroo Island - One of the best places in Australia to see a large range of animals and birds up close is Kangaroo Island, in South Australia. While kangaroos may have given the island its name, in the space of one day, you can easily spot koalas, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, brush-tailed possums, and platypus. You can quickly tick off dozens of the 270 species of bird found here, including perhaps the rare glossy black cockatoo.

Koala Hospital - The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie is the world’s first hospital dedicated solely to the care and preservation of koalas. The Hospital has a treatment room, eight Intensive Care Units, a 24 Hour Rescue and Treatment operation and multiple recovery yards. The Hospital has a research affiliation with the University of Sydney, Australia.

Phillip Island Nature Parks - If ecotourism and experiencing natural areas is your thing, than visit Phillip Island. Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, you  can come and experience true ‘Aussie’ atmosphere, enjoy the colourful birdlife, island adventure featuring spectacular coastal scenery, charming heritage and an abundance of wildlife. Stroll through bushland and experience koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre and meet koalas ‘face to face’ on their treetop boardwalks.

Penguin Parade Phillip Island - Visit the world famous Penguin Parade, Australia’s most popular natural wildlife attraction and winner of the Victorian Tourism Awards for Ecotourism. 

Cape Range National Park - This pristine national park near the town of Exmouth offers some amazing outback adventures from four wheel driving to gorge hiking and bush walking - and what's more it adjoins a stunning coastline where you can go swimming and snorkelling.

Ningaloo Reef- Ningaloo Reef on Western Australia's mid north coast has gained an impressive reputation as one of Earth’s last ocean paradises. Take a dive with hundreds of tropical fish, colourful coral and the world's biggest fish, the whale shark.

Mount Buffalo National Park - This is the place to be these summer holidays, with activities aplenty to satisfy the tastes of all the family - young, old and in between. Escape the summer heat and head up to Mount Buffalo for an adventure you won't forget. Paint an alpine postcard, discover macro-invertebrates in Lake Catani, learn about Buffalo's cultural and natural biodiversity, hear a bush story and find out all about how you could become a friend of Ranger Roo.

NSW National Parks - New South Wales has more than 780 national parks and reserves. They protect landscapes from rainforests and rugged bush to marine wonderlands and outback deserts. You'll find campsites ranging from luxurious settings to quiet wilderness clearings, and walking tracks to suit every level of experience.

The Australian Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) - This is a 5,330 kilometre self-reliant multi-use route through bush, wilderness and mountain areas. It is suitable for horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders. The Trail winds through some of the most magnificent terrain in Australia; unsurpassed views, wilderness valleys and the excitement of the pioneering spirit will keep you enthralled as you travel along the Trail or any section of it. It is not suitable for, or available to, any form of motorised transport such as four-wheel-drive vehicles or trail bikes.

Birdwatching Australia - Birdwatching, bird illustrations and text. Site courtesy of Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge, Atherton Tableland, North Queensland, Australia.