Land Mammals & Marsupials
The heart of Australia's ecological identity is the marsupial.
A number of conditions have contributed to Australia being blessed with some of the most intriguing land mammals within the animal kingdom. The continent has experienced over 50 million years of geographic isolation, tectonic stability and was largely shielded from the effects of dramatic global climate change as it drifted away from other major land masses. Under these circumstances, the unique fauna that originated in Gondwana, adapted and established successful populations that other parts of the world could not sustain. About 84 per cent of Australia’s mammals occur nowhere else.
There is no greater illustration of this evolutionary process than Australia's collection of marsupials. Over half of Australia’s land mammals are marsupials, which give birth to their young and then carry them in a pouch until the infant is old enough to survive on its own. Of even more biological interest, are Australia’s two monotremes (Echidna and Platypus) as they are the only mammals that lay eggs and suckle their young. Although most of us associate Australia with a handful of land mammals, in reality the offering is exponentially richer with over 270 species found across the three mammal sub-classes of monotremes, marsupials and placentals.
Search for tours including Land Mammals & Marsupials, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:
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Murray River Walk
From $2,099 USD
4 days/3 nights
Murray River Walk
From $2,099 USD
4 days/3 nights
Immerse yourself in four easy days of hiking along Australia’s greatest river. Exploring this river oasis that brings life to the outback, friendly guides will share the region's incredible birdlife, marsupials and reptiles.
Small groups of maximum 10 guests and 2 guides, explore diverse and beautiful landscapes, sharing stories of... -
The Maria Island Walk
From $1,920 USD
4 days/3 nights
The Maria Island Walk
From $1,920 USD
4 days/3 nights
This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food.
Small groups of maximum 10 guests and 2 guides, will explore the World Heritage Listed island with gentle walks by day and enjoy elegant private accommodation... -
Kangaroo Island In Style
From $990 USD
2 days/1 night
Kangaroo Island In Style
From $990 USD
2 days/1 night
Discover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings.
Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Stokes Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, central plateau and extraordinary south coast landscapes at Seal Bay, where guests will... -
5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife Encounter
From $2,205 USD
5 days/4 nights
5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife Encounter
From $2,205 USD
5 days/4 nights
Tasmania, Australia’s island state, provides a rare opportunity to encounter unique and endemic wildlife. Renowned as a prime area for marsupial spotting, Tasmania is a crucial habitat for many species, including quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and the most famous resident, the Tasmanian Devil.
Experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests,...
Viewing opportunities that include land mammals & marsupials
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September,October,November, East Gippsland
The Common Wombat is a resident of the lush East Gippsland forests. Known for their remarkable digging and excavation prowess, they have very specific requirements before they come out of their underground burrows, with the temperature above ground required to be lower than 20 degrees Celsius. Cool nights in Spring are the best times to see them.
Echidnas are also active at this time, with November being the peak viewing time to see these intriguing animals across East Gippsland. Cool nights and mild sunny days make for perfect conditions for viewing echidnas in the daytime, as they are an animal that cannot tolerate high temperatures. They hibernate in winter and usually breed in spring. Females lay a single egg into a simple pouch in the abdomen about four weeks after mating.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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January,February,December, East Gippsland
East Gippsland - Autumn Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Eastern Grey Kangaroo*, Red-necked Wallaby*, Swamp Wallaby* | Koala* | Wombats: Common Wombat* | Rat Kangaroos: Long-nosed Potoroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* | Gliding Possums: Yellow-bellied Glider, Sugar Glider, Feathertail Glider | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail Possum, Greater Glider | Carnivorous Marsupials: Dusky Antechinus | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus* | Short-beaked Echidna*
Placental Mammals Bats: Grey-headed Flying Fox* | Rodents: Bush Rat, Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali), Smoky Mouse
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
How to find these species
Grey-headed Flying Foxes are large fruit-eating bats that roost in camps of thousands of individuals during the day, which provides great viewing of their diverse social interactions. They fly out to feeding grounds at night. Most of their babies are born in spring, and by summer the juveniles are quite noticeable, clinging under their mothers arm. When they are tiny their mother carries them on her nightly flight, but after three weeks of age they are left in the roost with all the other youngsters. By January the young can fly and will forage with their mother.
Swamp Wallabies prefer denser vegetation of wet eucalypt forests or heaths in the region and have a beautiful dark brown or almost black fur. Their gait differs from other wallabies, with the Swamp Wallaby carrying its head low and tail out straight.
The warm evenings also provide the opportunity to see Yellow-bellied and Greater Gliders in the mature eucalypt forests. These remarkable creatures have a membrane of skin from their wrists or elbows to their ankles, enabling them to glide up to 100 between trees, as they search for insects and nectar to feed upon.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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March,April,May, Maria Island
The island’s population of Tasmanian Devils typically breed in March, with their young born in April after a 21 day gestation. Two or three survive from each litter and are carried in the mother’s pouch for about four months. Found only in Tasmania, they are the world’s largest marsupial carnivore and are successfully breeding across the island after being introduced in 2013.
Common Wombats are abundant across the island, with each individual having an established range in which it lives and feeds. At this time of year, it is typical to see this amazing burrowers grazing during the day in the open pastures. Interestingly, Tasmanian Devils are know to use wombat burrows around this time, as den sites for their young.
The Tasmanian Pademelon feeds on a wide variety of plants, from herbs, green shoots and grass, to some nectar-bearing flowers whilst the grasslands provide fantastic daytime viewing of Forester Kangaroos, Red-necked Wallabies and occasionally, the Short-beaked Echidna.
Tours in Maria Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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September,October,November, Maria Island
The Spring time is a peak season for seeing the numerous baby marsupials as they leave the pouch or dens to become more independent. Forester Kangaroos are easy to spot on the airstrip and pastures at Darlington, where gregarious groups of up to ten individuals commonly graze.
Tasmanian Pademelons and Bennett’s Wallabies also venture into the clearings in the late afternoon and evening, but prefer to reside in the thick undergrowth by day. The Tasmanian Pademelon will feed on a wide variety of plants, from herbs, green shoots and grass, to some nectar-bearing flowers.
The island’s population of Tasmanian Devils emerge from their dens with imps (baby devils) often seen on their backs towards the start of Spring. The devils emerge from or return to their dens at twilight or in the last hours of darkness in the morning. Imps are born in April and remain in pouch for 15 weeks and are completely weaned at 40 weeks. Common Wombats are also abundant at this time, with individuals being territorial and solitary with an established range for feeding.
Tours in Maria Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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January,February,December, Maria Island
Maria Island - Autumn Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Forester Kangaroo*, Bennett's Wallaby*, Tasmanian Pademelon* | Wombats: Common Wombat* | Rat Kangaroos: Tasmanian Bettong, Long-nosed Potoroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* Pygmy-Possums: Little Pygmy-Possum, Eastern Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Tasmanian Devil | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot
Monotremes Short-beaked Echidna
Placental Mammals Rodents: Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali)
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
Maria Island is one of the hotspots in Australia to view Common Wombat that can be seen year round including summer. Growing to 20-30kg, Tasmania has it’s own subspecies, with this adept burrowing mammal seen in significant concentrations around all the former farming pastures on Maria, especially at Darlington at Return Point.
There are two wallabies found on Maria Island. The Bennett’s Wallaby has slightly different adaptations compared with its mainland cousin, the Red-necked Wallaby, with longer, darker and shaggier fur. Breeding typically commences late in the summer between February and April. Tasmanian Pademelons can also be spotted in or close to pockets of dense undergrowth.
December to February is also a great time to see young Tasmanian Devils as they become more independent from their parents. Found only in Tasmania, they are the world’s largest marsupial carnivore. In 2013 a group of 28 healthy devils were released on to the island as an ‘island insurance’ breeding program safeguard from the facial tumour disease currently affecting 90% of the population. They have now successfully bred to around 100 animals.
Tours in Maria Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo
January,February,December, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common summer land mammal sightings
Marsupials Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Mareeba Rock-wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Agile Wallaby, Common Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Yellow-bellied Glider, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum Monotremes Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Spectacled Flying Fox, Dingo, Giant white-tailed rat How to find these species
“Despite the perception, the Wet Tropics showcase a surprising diversity of mammals during summer. Two species of tree-kangaroos, Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo in the Atherton Tablelands and Crater Lakes region, and Bennett's Tree-kangaroo in the Daintree Rainforest, inhabit the canopy resembling possums with elongated tails. Platypus sightings are common in the tablelands, sometimes featuring baby platypuses or late courtship displays. A day in summer might offer encounters with an Agile Wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the unique Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, and the Platypus, showcasing a significant variety of mammals."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Tablelands & Crater Lakes
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: On requestOn this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla Falls, and opportunity to spot the Platypus and Tree Kangaroo.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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Platypus
June,July,August, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common winter land mammal sightings
Marsupials Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Mareeba Rock-wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Agile Wallaby, Common Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Yellow-bellied Glider, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum Monotremes Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Spectacled Flying Fox, Dingo, Giant white-tailed rat How to find these species
“Winter stands out as an excellent time for mammal observation in Far North Queensland. The colder temperatures spur increased activity among fur-clad mammals and marsupials. A tour with an expert guide during this season becomes a thrilling venture into the wilderness. Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroos are frequently spotted on the tablelands, often sharing their habitat with Platypus sightings, even at night. Moving closer to the coast, the savannah and eucalypt woodlands may reveal the Australian Dingo. Agile Wallabies, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and Mareeba Rock-wallabies with their joeys make winter a captivating time for mammal enthusiasts."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Tablelands & Crater Lakes
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: On requestOn this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla Falls, and opportunity to spot the Platypus and Tree Kangaroo.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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Mareeba Rock-wallaby
March,April,May, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common autumn land mammal sightings
Marsupials Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Mareeba Rock-wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Agile Wallaby, Common Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Yellow-bellied Glider, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum Monotremes Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Spectacled Flying Fox, Dingo, Giant white-tailed rat How to find these species
“As we transition into autumn, the weather begins to cool down, prompting increased activity among furry-blanketed animals like mammals. For wildlife enthusiasts, this time of year offers a delightful opportunity to explore national parks and witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. During our Atherton Tablelands and Crater Lakes tour, we have the chance to encounter tree kangaroos, including both Bennett's Tree-kangaroo and Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo. The Mareeba Rock-wallaby, known for its amiable nature, is another highlight, with a thriving colony that comfortably roams amidst granite boulders. Breeding throughout the year, these wallabies provide charming interactions between mothers and their joeys. Additionally, a day in this season might unveil the iconic Platypus."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Tablelands & Crater Lakes
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: On requestOn this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla Falls, and opportunity to spot the Platypus and Tree Kangaroo.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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Green Ringtail Possum
September,October,November, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common spring land mammal sightings
Marsupials Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Mareeba Rock-wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Agile Wallaby, Common Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Yellow-bellied Glider, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum Monotremes Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Spectacled Flying Fox, Dingo, Giant white-tailed rat How to find these species
“Spring in the Wet Tropics is a bustling time of breeding activity. Observers may witness the courtship rituals of Platypus, where male and female swim around each other in the rivers. This spectacle, often involving two or three platypuses at a time, is a treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Spring also brings forth the visibility of tree-kangaroos, particularly the Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo and Bennett's Tree-kangaroo. These marsupials venture into the exposed branches, providing excellent viewing opportunities with binoculars. The possum diversity is remarkable, featuring the Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Common Brushtail Possum, and the Green Ringtail. The open forest and savannah regions occasionally reveal dingoes, while wallabies and kangaroos, such as the Red-legged Pademelon, graze on the rainforest floor."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Tablelands & Crater Lakes
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: On requestOn this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla Falls, and opportunity to spot the Platypus and Tree Kangaroo.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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March,April,May, Tasmania
Macropod joeys such as Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, Tasmanian Pademelons, Tasmanian Bettongs and Long-nosed Potoroos are typically weaned off their mothers around this time and follow their mothers around. The Long-nosed Potoroo feeds upon seeds, roots, bulbs, insects, but prefers underground fungi which is dug up using their strong forepaws.
Tasmanian Devils usually breed in March, with their young born in April after a 21 day gestation. Two or three survive from each litter and are carried in the mother’s pouch for about four months. Common Brushtail and Ringtail Possums also typically give birth from April onwards, with a couple of young remaining in the pouch for about four months.
This time of year also provides opportunities to see Short-beaked Echidnas before they enter periods of hibernation and Common Wombats, that are abundant at various national parks including Narawntapu and Cradle Mountain.
Tours in Tasmania related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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June,July,August, Tasmania
Eastern-barred and Southern-brown Bandicoots young are born between late May and December, with females having the ability to produce 3-4 litters of up to four young. Breeding also occurs in early winter for Eastern and Spotted-tail Quolls with females giving birth to up to 30 young, however, with only six teats, there is a high mortality rate.
The cooler conditions are ideal for spotting a range of marsupials including Common Wombats, Long-nosed Potoroos, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies and Tasmanian Pademelons. Tasmanian Devils start to emerge from their dens towards the latter part of winter, with imps (baby devils) often seen on their backs. The devils emerge from or return to their dens at twilight or in the last hours of darkness in the morning.
Tours in Tasmania related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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September,October,November, Tasmania
Spring is the peak season for seeing a number of Tasmania’s baby marsupials as they leave the pouch for the first time including Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, Tasmanian Pademelons, Common Brushtail and Ringtail Possums.
Long-nosed Potoroos and Tasmanian Bettongs have no specific breeding season, with animals capable of giving birth throughout the year, although there is a skew of young being born at the end of winter to early spring. The Tasmanian Bettong is only found in the eastern half of Tasmania and can be seen across the dry open eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands in late afternoons and early evening, being largely nocturnal.
The island’s population of Tasmanian Devils emerge from their dens with imps (baby devils) often seen on their backs towards the start of spring. Common Wombats are also abundant at this time.
Tours in Tasmania related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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January,February,December, Tasmania
Tasmania - Summer Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Forester Kangaroo*, Bennett's Wallaby*, Tasmanian Pademelon* | Wombats: Common Wombat* | Rat Kangaroos: Tasmanian Bettong, Long-nosed Potoroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* Pygmy-Possums: Little Pygmy-Possum, Eastern Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Tasmanian Devil, Eastern Quoll, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Tasmanian Dusky Antechinus, Swamp Antechinus, Tasman Peninsula Antechinus, White-footed Dunnart | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot, Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Monotremes Short-beaked Echidna | Platypus
Placental Mammals Bats: Little Forest Bat, Southern Forest Bat, Large Forest Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Goulds Wattled Bat, Lesser long-eared Bat, Tasmanian Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali), Long-tailed Mouse, New Holland Mouse, Broad-toothed Rat
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
The summer months are a peak time to see young carnivorous marsupials including Tasmanian Devils, Spotted-tailed and Eastern Quolls. Quolls are largely solitary animals and scavenge on insects and small mammals such as rabbits, mice and rats. They are found around various habitats, especially around Mt Field National Park.
December is the time to keep a lookout for baby Platypus and baby Ringtail Possums riding around on their mother’s back. Common Wombats avoid the heat of the day, coming out to graze in the mornings and afternoons when temperatures are lower. Although the wombat may breed at any time of the year, mating most often occurs during winter, so at this time, baby wombats can be seen in tow with their mothers.
Eastern-barred Bandicoots, Southern-brown Bandicoots, Long-nosed Potoroos, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, Tasmanian Pademelons and Tasmanian Bettongs are also commonly sighted with their young at this time.
Tours in Tasmania related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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March,April,May, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Kakadu & Arnhem Land - Summer Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Agile Wallaby*, Black Wallaroo*, Antilopine Wallaroo*, Common Wallaroo, Willkins' Rock Wallaby |
Rat Kangaroos:
Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum*
Pygmy-Possums:
Carnivorous Marsupials: Northern Quoll, Brush-tailed Phascogale |
Bandicoots & Bilbies: Northern Brown Bandicoot
Monotremes Short-beaked Echidna
Placental Mammals Bats: Black Flying Fox, Little Red Flying Fox, Ghost Bat, Blossom Bat |
Rodents: Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali), Long-tailed Mouse, New Holland Mouse, Broad-toothed Rat
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
The end of the wet season heralds the arrival of Black Wallaroo joeys, with families taking shelter in the picturesque rocky escarpments. It is the smallest of the Wallaroos as well as the most distinctive, with its striking black silhouette. Antilopine Wallaroos are more commonly seen in larger mobs in the Savanna woodlands, with breeding reaching a peak at this time.
Dingos sightings are more prevalent across Kakadu and Arnhem Land after the wet season, where they commonly prey on Agile Wallabies and other small mammals. Rock Ringtail Possums and Little Red Flying Foxes also give birth to young around April and can be seen at dusk along with the Northern Brown Bandicoot and Brush-tailed Phascogale.
Northern Quolls typically breed from mid-May onwards, where incredibly males die shortly after mating from exhaustion, leaving the females to raise the young alone. Numbers are increasing in the area due to a reintroduction program, however, the species has been significantly effected by preying on the poisonous introduced Cane Toad.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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September,October,November, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
As water dries up, the concentration of Agile Wallabies around creeks and billabongs increases significantly, putting them at greater risk of being ambushed by Saltwater Crocodiles and Dingoes. This common macropod of the area typically feeds on leaf matter, roots and buds of burnt speargrasses over these months, as they wait for the wet season to begin. A highlight for visitors is seeing males fighting as box using their paws and legs, balancing on their tails.
Antilopone Wallaroos also gather in greater numbers around the Savanna woodlands and grasslands whilst higher in the escarpments, the adorable Wilkins’ Rock Wallaby nibbles on the ripening fruits of the Screw Pine from September onwards.
A number of nocturnal animals can be seen at dusk at this time including the Northern Brown Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Phascogale and Northern Quoll. The Northern Quoll feeds primarily on invertebrates, but also consumes fleshy fruit, small mammals, birds, lizards, snakes, and frogs. Almost one-third of all Australian bats are found in Kakadu with opportunities to see numerous species flying at dusk to catch insects, including the Black Flying Fox, Little Red Flying Fox, Ghost Bat and Blossom Bat.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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June,July,August, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
The pretty Agile Wallaby is the most abundant macropod in the tropics, with its range growing across the floodplains and creek beds at this time due to the lower availability of food and fresh water. Dingos can also be heard howling into the evening, with young males often solitary and nomadic versus breeding adults that often form a settled pack.
The Wilkins’ Rock-Wallaby is a popular sighting amongst the rocky hills and escarpments with it’s distinct grey, brown and white markings on its head and sides. Black Wallaroos are seen across the rocky habitats whilst their cousin, the Antilopine Wallaroo sticks to more heavily timbered regions in the Savanna.
Colonies of Ghost Bats with their large protruding ears can be seen around caves and rocky outcrops situated in Arnhemland, whilst the Black Flying Fox, Little Red Flying Fox and Blossom Bat congregate in large groups following the ripening of fruit and the blossoming pollens of eucalypts, melaleuca paperbarks and banksias.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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June,July,August, Kangaroo Island
Winter is the season that the island’s subspecies of the Short-beaked Echidna breeds. Echidnas are solitary except for breeding time when females have a lovely perfume (pheromone) which attracts up to 10 males (3 -5 more commonly) which follow the female in a procession which lasts for days on end.
The island’s echidnas are one of five sub-species across Australia and are renowned for their fast tongue and long spines covering the upper surface of the body compared with their mainland cousins. Amazingly their tongues protrude 18 cm from the tip of the snout and flick in and out over 100 times per minute.
The cooler conditions are ideal for spotting Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, often being spotted grazing in open pasture adjacent to woodlands.
Kangaroo Island - Common winter sightings
Marsupials Kangaroo Island Kangaroo, Tammar Wallaby, Koala Monotremes Short-beaked Echidna How to find these species
"Winter is a wonderful time to be viewing Kangaroo Island's terrestial mammals and marsupials, with the first Kangaroo Island Kangaroo and Tammar Wallaby joeys of the season poking their heads out of mum's pouch. On the monotreme front, if you're lucky, you might get to witness the occasional Short-beaked Echidna 'train', where one female is pursued in single file by up to 10 males hoping to mate with her. That's one of my most memorable wildlife encounters!"
Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: Daily
Discover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Full ItineraryTours in Kangaroo Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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January,February,December, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Summer Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Kangaroo Island Kangaroo*, Tammar Wallaby* | Koala* | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum, Little Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Kangaroo Island (Sooty) Dunnart | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus | Short-beaked Echidna*
Placental Mammals Bats: Yellow-bellied Sheathtailed Bat, Little Mastiff Bat, White Striped Mastiff Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Swamp Rat
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
How to find these species
"During the warm conditions in Summer, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos switch to being more active in cooler mornings and later in the day, so on warm days we search through areas of deep shade as they rest. Compared to their Western Grey cousins on the Australian mainland, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos are shorter, stockier, have luxurious chocolate brown fur with black tips (ears/feet/paws/tail). Koalas are active across the island as it is breeding season, with the deep and echoing calls from males being audible across the eucalypt forests."Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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Kangaroo Island Kangaroo
March,April,May, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Autumn Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Kangaroo Island Kangaroo*, Tammar Wallaby* | Koala* | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum, Little Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Kangaroo Island (Sooty) Dunnart | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus | Short-beaked Echidna*
Placental Mammals Bats: Yellow-bellied Sheathtailed Bat, Little Mastiff Bat, White Striped Mastiff Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Swamp Rat
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
How to find these species
"Young Tammar Wallabies are weaned off their mothers and form their own social groups. Normally timid and unapproachable, there are several places on the island where repeated visits with consistent quiet presence has lead to a level of tolerance for our groups. This allows for excellent photographic and behavioral observation opportunities. This is also an excellent time to see Kangaroo Island Kangaroo joeys following their mothers around, having left the pouches permanently. Common Brushtail Possums usually have one joey at a time in Autumn. After birth, joeys spend around 120 days suckling in their mother’s pouch and can be seen riding on their mother’s back until they are fully weaned."Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
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September,October,November, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Spring Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Kangaroo Island Kangaroo*, Tammar Wallaby* | Koala* | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum* | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum, Little Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Kangaroo Island (Sooty) Dunnart | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus | Short-beaked Echidna*
Placental Mammals Bats: Yellow-bellied Sheathtailed Bat, Little Mastiff Bat, White Striped Mastiff Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Swamp Rat
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
How to find these species
"Spring is the time when kangaroo joeys are seen emerging from the pouch for the first time, often seen across the island's pastures. Kangaroo Island Kangaroos are quite sociable and move as a mob with female young staying with mum to help out with younger joeys. Koala mating begins to occur from September onwards until March. Males are very territorial and will guard their small harem of females from rivals. After the cooler conditions of winter, Short-beaked Echidnas will feast upon eat large amounts insects and larvae during Spring."Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Land Mammals & Marsupials
