species-feature
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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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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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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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Best Places to See Platypuses in the Wild
Encountering Australia's wildlife in its natural habitat is a magical experience. Observing animals in the wild, where they explore freely and behave naturally, offers a unique and unforgettable connection to nature. One of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Australia is spotting the elusive platypus in the wild. This semiaquatic,...
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Best Places to See Kangaroos in the Wild
Experiencing Australian wildlife in their natural habitat is both thrilling and rewarding. In these untouched environments, you can immerse yourself in nature and observe animals as they go about their daily lives. One of the most iconic experiences for travelers to Australia is encountering kangaroos in the wild. Let us...
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Species Feature: Koala
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is one of Australia's most iconic animals. They are so unique that they have their own genus as well as their own family! Where are Koalas found in Australia? Koalas are found across south-eastern Australia, which includes South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland,...
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Species Feature: Platypus
The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an iconic egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern and south-eastern Australia. Where are Platypuses (also Platypi) found in Australia? Platypuses are found in freshwater systems along the eastern and south-eastern coastline of Australia, including the island state of Tasmania. They are often sighted floating along the...
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Video: What Does a Laughing Kookaburra Sound Like?
Our Top 5 Laughing Kookaburra facts: 1. They have a funny call The Laughing Kookaburra gets its name from its unique call, which sounds a lot like a laugh! Check it out in this video: 2. The world's largest Kingfisher The Laughing Kookaburra is actually the largest of the Kingfisher...
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Species Feature: Common Wombat
The Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is one of Australia's most endeared native marsupial species. Known for their playful nature and backwards-facing pouches, the Common Wombat is a choice encounter for many visitors to Australia! Where is the Common Wombat found in Australia? Common Wombats are found across south-eastern Australia, which...
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Species Feature: Green Turtle
The Green Turtle is one of the world’s largest sea turtles. At an average length of 1.2 m (4 ft) and weight of 225 kg (500 lbs), they are second in size to the Leatherback Turtle. These turtles are herbivores, feeding on sea grasses, algae and other marine plant matter....
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Species Feature: Saltwater Crocodile
The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is perhaps northern Australia’s most famous resident. These extraordinary creatures, who have survived since the age of dinosaurs, are found across northern Australia, including Kakadu & Arnhem Land and Far North Queensland. Australia is home to two species of Crocodile (the Saltwater as well as...
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Species Feature: Little Penguin
The Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) is perhaps the most adored seabird in Australia. Standing at a height of approximately 33cm (13 inches) and weighing around one kilogram (2.2 pounds), they hold the title of the world’s smallest penguin. Although the males are slightly larger, both males and females appear similar...
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Species Feature: Australian Fur Seal
The Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) is the largest of the fur seal family, with males growing up to 250cm in length and 360kg in weight. The females are only about half the size, growing to only 120cm and 110kg in weight. In addition to size, male, female and juvenile...
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Species Feature: Whale Shark
Growing to lengths of up to 12 metres, the Whale Shark is the world’s largest fish! Their mouths can grow to widths of 1.5 metres too! Harmless to humans, these gigantic fish eat plankton and small fish by drawing water through their gills. In Autumn each year at the Ningaloo...
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Species Feature: Thorny Devil
The Thorny Devil, also known as the Thorny Lizard or Mountain Devil, is an iconic resident of arid grasslands in Australia’s central and western deserts. The unmistakable large, robust spikes are a unique feature of this Australian lizard. It’s scientific name, Moloch horridus, was inspirited by the poem ‘Paradise Lost’,...
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Species Feature: Tasmanian Native Hen
One of the most interesting birds to observe on Australia’s beautiful isle state, is the Tasmanian Native Hen (Tribonyx mortierii). This endemic species was made extinct by dingoes and increasing aridity on mainland Australia 4700 years ago. The species has several similarities to the Black-tailed Native Hen found on the...
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Species Feature: Short-beaked Echidna
The Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of Earth’s oldest mammals, believed to have shared Earth with the dinosaurs, up to 110 Million years ago! The Short-beaked Echidna, Long-beaked Echidna (Zaglossus) and Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), make up the only three monotremes. Monotremes are egg-laying mammals which, similar to birds and...
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Species Feature: Kangaroo Island Kangaroo
The Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) is a sub-species of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). As a result of a prolonged period of isolation from mainland Australia, the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo is noticeably different from other Western Grey species. Due to the Kangaroo Island landscape, this species have...
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Species Feature: King Parrot
Across the cooler coastal and mountain forests of eastern Australia, a highlight for many wildlife lovers is to see the magnificent scarlet underside and red head of the male King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis). This species resides all the way from Cooktown near the top of Queensland to Southwestern Victoria. Australian...
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Species Feature: Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby
The Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale Xanthopus) is one of the most beautifully coloured and patterned species in the Macropod family. It’s known for its long orange-brown tail with dark rings, white-striped face and flanks and of course vivid yellow feet! As the name suggests, rock wallabies live across rocky outcrops...
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Species Feature: Southern Cassowary
The purpose of the Southern Cassowary’s distinctive casque (helmet), which is unique to every individual, is unknown, but recent research suggests that it may help cassowaries to feel the low vibrating sound made by other cassowaries over long distances. This unusual sense, called infrasound, was used by some dinosaurs, and...