Australia’s allure for travellers lies in its remarkable biodiversity, boasting an array of captivating wildlife and avian wonders. The sheer diversity of fauna varies by region, promising unique and awe-inspiring encounters for nature enthusiasts alike.
Here is what I saw on my recent trip Down Under to explore some of Australia’s unique wildlife.
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Kuranda, QLD
Rainforestation Nature Park
The Rainforestation Nature Park, a mere 35-minute drive from Cairns, unfurls a tapestry of wildlife encounters. Here, you can engage with nature on a profoundly personal level. Stroll through exquisitely landscaped gardens, where you can hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. Observe the elusive cassowary and the charming Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Moreover, meet Neville and Dennis, the enigmatic Tasmanian Devils of Cairns. Yet, the true luminary of this park is none other than Jack the Ripper, an imposing 5-meter saltwater crocodile with a notorious history. Jack commands his own secure enclosure, complete with an elevated platform for a safe and intimate viewing experience. As you observe him, it’s hard not to feel as though he has fixed his gaze upon you, and boy, he did seem to eye me up on many occasions.
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Phillip Island, VIC
Koalas
Another extraordinary wildlife haven awaits on Phillip Island, a scenic 142-kilometer (approximately 90-minute to 2-hour) drive from Melbourne. My first stop was the Koala Conservation Centre, a sanctuary that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these endearing marsupials. Walking along the treetop boardwalks through the lush bushland, you can witness koalas in their natural habitat, where their daily activities primarily consist of sleeping (they slumber for approximately 20 hours a day), dining, and, unsurprisingly, more slumbering.
Penguins
The highlight of Phillip Island undoubtedly belongs to its penguins, an experience best savoured through a guided tour. I highly recommend a guided tour rather than the standard tour since not only will you have a personal understanding of these beautiful seabirds through your guide, but you get to sit closer on the podium of the penguin parade where many penguins come in from the sea. These charming seabirds, standing at a mere 30 centimetres in height, are an absolute delight to behold as they return from their aquatic excursions to their cozy nests. An official tally system diligently keeps track of their numbers, with the previous night’s count at an impressive 1911. From an elevated wooden podium, I watched in awe as they lined up along the dark rocks. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they embarked on their remarkable journey from the sea, with groups of 30 penguins waddling up the beach and then ascending a 2-kilometre hill to reunite with their young. Alongside them on the boardwalk, I was privileged to witness their endearing interactions, as they diligently cleaned each other of sand particles. The final tally that evening was a staggering 2,833 penguins.
Seals
For a truly unique experience, I embarked on a boat tour to visit the seals. After a brisk 30-minute cruise, I beheld the sight of approximately 120 grand, robust fur seals. They lounged across the deck, leisurely resting post-breakfast. Witnessing these creatures stack upon one another, given their substantial size, was nothing short of remarkable. Some of them indulged in playful swims in the ocean, floating gracefully on their backs, effectively beating the heat. Such an abundance of seals left me in absolute awe, and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour in the Bellarine Peninsula area of Phillip Island. For those with the luxury of time, there’s even the option to swim alongside these exuberant creatures. Additionally, the tour extends the opportunity to swim with dolphins in another scenic location.
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Australia’s Abundant Wildlife
Australia’s wildlife unfurls in all its glory as animals and birds roam freely across its landscapes. Graceful cockatoos elegantly glide from tree to tree, occasionally alighting on bin lids. During a countryside walk, a chance encounter with a foraging wombat or a wild wallaby may brighten your day. An impromptu detour on the Prom Wildlife Walk presents the opportunity to witness wild kangaroos. At San Remo, the gathering of pelicans, poised for their next meal, is a spectacle to behold. Rest assured, your clients will never cease to be captivated by the rich tapestry of Australia’s diverse and enchanting wildlife.
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To add a wildlife encounter to your Australian itinerary, get in touch with ANZCRO today.
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