Where to see the best of Australian wildlife

With so many rare animals you can only find in Australia, it is one of the most important countries in the world for biodiversity. If you want to see these rare creatures first-hand, head to one of these six destinations.

Little River, Victoria

Located just outside of Little River, You Yangs Regional park provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind koala-viewing experience. The koalas of You Yangs have been researched for more than a decade, allowing those near them to get to know their personalities and family structures. The most famous of the You Yangs koalas is Koala Clancy, who lives with his mother, father, and girlfriends. Entry to the park is free but as the best time to spot these little bears is late afternoon to dusk, an organized walking tour is recommended. A 30-minute drive from You Yangs in Geelong, Vue Apartments & Day Spa offers self-contained accommodation with city or ocean views.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Just offshore from Perth, is the magnificent Rottnest Island. Accessible by ferry, Rottnest Island is an A-Class reserve famous for its conservation efforts and wildlife, particularly for its work with the quokka species. Like a kangaroo but the size of a cat, quokkas are found only on some smaller islands off the coast of Western Australia. Rottnest Island is the best place to see them as the quokkas here have little fear of humans and are quick to approach them, resulting in some great quokka selfies. COMO The Treasury is situated just a few blocks from the Elizabeth Quay where you can catch the ferry to Rottnest Island.

Lucky Bay, Western Australia

It may have been voted Australia’s whitest beach, but pristine sand is not the only thing that makes Lucky Bay worth a visit. A 40-minute drive from the city of Esperance, this beach draws visitors from around the world who are hoping to see one of Australia’s most famous animals: the kangaroo. With freshwater springs scattered across the beach, thirsty kangaroos are a regular fixture here. You may even be able to snap a photo of these Australian icons lazing on the beach. The Best Western Hospitality Inn Esperance is just a 10-minute drive from Lucky Bay.

Brighton, Tasmania

In the suburbs of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a small town called Brighton. While this may seem like a strange place to spot some Australian wildlife, it is here you will find the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to the conservation of the country’s native wildlife and it is here you will see a number of species that exist everywhere but Tasmania, including the endangered Tasmanian devil. The size of a small dog, the Tasmanian devil was once found across Australia but today can only be found in the eponymous island state. While their cartoon counterpart is known for his ferocity and temper, the Tasmanian devils you’ll meet at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue can be friendly or shy., Get to know them properly with a behind-the-scenes tour. The Brighton Hotel Motel is located just a short drive from Bonorong Wildlife Park and 20 minutes north of Hobart, perfect for a quick trip into the city.

Fraser Island, Queensland

A beautiful island off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island stretches over 120km2 and contains more sand than the Sahara Desert. Known for its beaches and rainforest, it is also home to the dingo. Fraser Island dingoes are believed to be some of the last remaining pure dingoes in Eastern Australia. To ensure the survival of the species and reduce the chance of cross-breeding, domestic dogs are not allowed on the island. This rule is taken seriously, as in 2015 the Fraser Island’s dingo population was estimated to be around only 180 to 220. Three minutes’ walk from the beach on the island, Kingfisher Bay Resort is an eco-friendly resort offering spacious self-contained villas and air-conditioned hotel rooms.

Monkey Mia Beach, Western Australia

There’s one animal that Monkey Mia Beach is known for, but it’s not monkeys. It’s a small pod of bottlenose dolphins that have been coming to shore daily for more than 50 years. Three times a day the dolphins make their way to shore, where visitors can hand-feed these friendly mammals. To ensure that both dolphins and visitors are safe and that the dolphins are not overfed, rangers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife supervise the interactions. RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is an easy one-minute walk from the beach.