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Species Feature: Tasmanian Pademelon
Hidden among Tasmania's misty forests and button grass plains is one of the island's most endearing native marsupials - the Tasmanian Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii). This compact, ground-dwelling wallaby is found nowhere else in the world and plays an important role in Tasmania's ecosystem. Tasmania provides a stronghold for this species,...
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From Rescue to Release: Buster the Tasmanian Devil’s Journey Back to the Wild
Premier Travel Tasmania recently supported the soft release of a young Tasmanian devil, rescued as a joey and rehabilitated by local wildlife carers, back into the wild on private bushland in southern Tasmania. Watch the video The devil, now known as Buster - was found alone by locals after becoming...
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Species Feature: Goannas (Monitor Lizards)
Australia is home to a remarkable group of reptiles known as goannas, or monitor lizards, belonging to the genus Varanus. These large, carnivorous lizards first arrived from the north during the Miocene epoch, around 15 million years ago. With 27 extant species across the continent today, goannas play an important...
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Digging Deeper: Bremer Orcas Under the Microscope
In the remote reaches of Western Australia's Bremer Sub-Basin, few vessels spend as much time among orcas as the Alison Maree. For marine biologist Jennah Tucker, it's this consistent presence that's proving invaluable. "Naturaliste Charters provides a platform of opportunity in an area where dedicated research is somewhat limited," Jennah...
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The Surprising Social Lives of Humpback Whale Mums and Calves
When you think of humpback whales, you might imagine their impressive migrations or their iconic tail slaps - but did you know that their calves have their own special ways of learning and growing? Recent research conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation research team, led by Dr Barry McGovern, has...
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Species Feature: Superb Lyrebird
The Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is one of Australia's most fascinating and unique birds. Famous for its extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds, this species is a true icon of the country's forests. Often heard before it is seen, the Superb Lyrebird's complex vocal repertoire can include chainsaws,...
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Venturing out on the Guided Island Walk with Nanami Shiota
For Nanami Shiota, who holds a Bachelor of Marine Science from Japan and has been with Frankland Island Reef Cruises for three years, leading the Guided Island Walk is more than just showcasing beautiful landscapes — it's about educating guests on the importance of protecting our oceans and fragile marine...
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A Rare Cassowary Sighting on the Atherton Tablelands Signals Conservation Success
For those of us passionate about nature, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the ongoing challenges facing our planet - deforestation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and habitat destruction. But every now and then, something happens that reignites our hope and reminds us why conservation efforts matter. Recently, one of those rare...
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Creating the Wild Dolphin Swim Project with Terry Howson
"I grew up spending most of my life in water," says Terry Howson, the founder of Perth Wildlife Encounters. "Swimming, surfing, sailing, boating. I saw dolphins all the time, and one day I decided I wanted to make friends with them. God knows how I thought I'd do that!" But...
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Species Feature: Australian Sea-lion
Found only along the southern and western coastlines of Australia, the Australian Sea-lion (Neophoca cinerea) is one of the rarest sea-lion species in the world. Unlike their more widespread relatives, these charismatic marine mammals are endemic to Australian waters, with about 85% of the population residing in South Australia and...
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Learning about the Frankland Islands’ geology with Kelly Evanson
The Frankland Islands' unique ecosystem is a vibrant, diverse marine haven that supports rare species such as the striking blue Gigantea anemone. Kelly Evanson, Frankland Island Reef Cruises guide and dive instructor, explains how the distinct geology and flora of the islands contribute to their distinctiveness, particularly the interplay between...
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Aerial Sharpshooters: Australia’s Iconic Birds of Prey
Australia is home to a remarkable diversity of raptors (also known as birds of prey), with 18 eagle and hawk species and six falcons distributed across its varied landscapes. These birds of prey are key indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecological balance....
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Species Feature: Emu
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is Australia's largest bird and one of the most iconic symbols of the country's unique wildlife. Flightless and towering in stature, this fascinating species roams the open landscapes of Australia, from grasslands and savannahs to eucalyptus forests and semi-arid scrublands. They are found across most of...
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Keeping an Eye on the Reef with Andy Ratter
For the Frankland Island Reef Cruises' team, monitoring the health of the reef is a commitment that spans over a decade. Since 2012, the team has collaborated closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and actively participated in the Eye on the Reef program, contributing to crucial surveys...
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Relax, You’re on Safari: Exploring the Murray River by Houseboat
Written by Guy MacGibbon for stuff.co.nz. I was eating lunch beside a peaceful lake when I saw it - the great crested grebe. New Zealanders may remember the great crested grebe as the bird controversially crowned the New Zealand Bird of the Century, ahead of more iconically Kiwi birds such...
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Species Feature: Red Kangaroo
The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is Australia's largest marsupial and an iconic symbol of Australia. Known for their impressive leaps and strong legs, these animals are found across much of Australia's arid and semi-arid interior. It thrives in diverse vegetated habitats, particularly in grasslands and shrublands interspersed with mulga woodlands,...
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Australia's Great Humpback Whale Migration
Each January, around 60,000 Humpback Whales leave the frigid, food-rich waters of Antarctica and begin the world's longest mammal migration, a 5,000-kilometre, three-month journey to the warm waters of northern Australia where they mate, calve, and nurture their newborns. Around 25,000 of these whales diverge around Tasmania and head up...
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Species Feature: Tasmanian Devil
Once widespread across the country, the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is now restricted to the island state of Tasmania, due to the arrival of Dingos to Australia some 3500-4000 years ago. Known locally as 'Tassie Devils', these nocturnal carnivorous marsupials typically inhabit dry eucalypt forests and woodlands and are found...
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Top 4 Diving Destinations in Australia
For divers, Australia isn't just a destination—it's a dream. With coastlines touching three major oceans and thousands of miles of coral reefs, marine reserves, and rugged coastlines, there's no shortage of places to explore. Whether it's drifting alongside turtles, coming face-to-face with Great White Sharks, or discovering the hidden treasures...
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6 Must-Visit Wildlife Islands in Australia
Australia's islands boast some of the planet's most remarkable wildlife experiences, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the diversity and beauty of the country's natural heritage. From the iconic kangaroos bounding across the hilltops to rare and elusive marine species swimming in pristine waters, these islands provide a sanctuary for animals...
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Sab Lord Features in Australian Traveller
"See that?" Sab Lord asks, tilting his battered Akubra as he gestures towards a rocky crevice where I can just make out a small form. "You can tell it's a Wilkins' rock-wallaby by the fluffy tail." As we venture deeper inside the cave, he points out a coiled serpent, a...
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12 Threatened Australian Species You Can See In the Wild
Australia is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. However, numerous species are currently facing critical threats and are classified as endangered. In this article, we explore some of Australia's most vulnerable creatures that you can observe in their natural habitats....
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History of Maria Island with Stef Gebbie
For The Maria Island Walk guide Stef Gebbie, any day on Maria Island is a good day, but winter walks are particularly special. During winter, the group gets to stay at Bernacchi House for two nights (compared to just one night during summer). Bernacchi House. Image: The Maria Island Walk...
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The Science of Killer Whale Sightings with Jennah Tucker
Naturaliste Charters has observed an increase in predation sightings year after year. While the exact reasons for this rise remain unclear, guide Jennah Tucker explains that it provides invaluable learning opportunities. "We're seeing predations more often, and because of this, we are learning more about the behaviours of this population...
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Learning About the Environment with Ben Brown
For General Manager Operations of The Maria Island Walk, Ben Brown, environmental stewardship has always been a top priority. "Sustainability and conservation have been at the heart of The Maria Island Walk since inception, and our recent partnership with ERC Australia is another step we're taking to ensure we continue...