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Featured Wildlife Journeys

  • Platypus

  • Short-beaked Echidna (Kangaroo Island)

  • Short-beaked Echidna (Tasmania)

Monotremes

Monotremes are an anomaly within the animal kingdom, as they are mammals that lay eggs and have no teats. The Short-beaked Echidna is the only mammal found across the entire Australian continent, able to adapt to snowy conditions through to the harsh arid deserts. Echidnas are famous for their sharp spines, however, they are also covered with fur. In Tasmania, the Short-beaked Echidna can look markedly different as their fur is considerably longer and blends in with the spines.  Short-beaked echidnas can flick their tongue up to 100 times per minute as they lap up ants and termites with great skill.

The Platypus is Australia’s other monotreme, found in freshwater systems on the eastern coast of Australia. Platypuses are famed for their bills, which are full of electroreceptors that assist it finding molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates in murky water. They are covered with a layer of external hair and thick fur, that keeps dry even when under water. Interestingly, mature males develop poisonous spurs on their rear legs, thought to be used to fend off other males when fighting over breeding territories. Platypuses can be found throughout Tasmania and Gippsland, Atherton Tablelands and the Southern Highlands, but they are generally very shy and elusive creatures. Dawn or dusk are the best times to spot this amazing creature.

Search for tours including Monotremes, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or find out more at the tour links below:

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Viewing opportunities that include monotremes

Months
  • Grey-headed Flying Fox

    January,February,December, East Gippsland

    East Gippsland - Summer 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

    Roger Smith"Grey-headed Flying Foxes are large fruit-eating bats that roost in camps of thousands of individuals during the day near Bairnsdale, which provides great viewing of their diverse social interactions. Most of their babies are born in spring, and by summer the juveniles are quite noticeable, clinging under their mothers arm. Swamp Wallabies prefer denser vegetation of wet eucalypt forests or heaths at this time of year, with their beautiful dark brown or almost black fur a delight to see. The warm evenings also provide the opportunity to see possums and if we are lucky, 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."

    Roger Smith, Tour Guide

    Suggested tour: East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared, Private

    Venturing across East Gippsland's magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species.

    full itinerary

    Tours in East Gippsland related to Monotremes

  • Short-beaked Echidna

    September,October,November, East Gippsland

    East Gippsland - Spring 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

    Roger Smith"The Common Wombat is a resident of the lush East Gippsland forests, with the cool nights in Spring an ideal time to see them. Short-beaked 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."

    Roger Smith, Tour Guide

    Suggested tour: East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared, Private

    Venturing across East Gippsland's magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species.

    full itinerary

    Tours in East Gippsland related to Monotremes

  • Koala

    March,April,May, 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

    Suggested tour: East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared, Private

    Venturing across East Gippsland's magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species.

    full itinerary

    Tours in East Gippsland related to Monotremes

  • Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

    January,February,December, Eyre Peninsula

    Eyre Peninsula - Summer Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials

    Marsupials

    Kangaroos & Macropods: Western Grey Kangaroo* | Koala* | Wombats: Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Little Long-tailed Dunnart 

    Monotremes

    Short-beaked Echidna

    Placental Mammals

    Bats: Greater Long-eared Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat, Southern Forest Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Greater Stick-nest Rat

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

     

    Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

    Duration: 3 Days
    Type: Small group or private
    Departs: On request

    This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.

    full itinerary

  • Western Grey Kangaroo

    March,April,May, Eyre Peninsula

    Eyre Peninsula - Autumn Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials

    Marsupials

    Kangaroos & Macropods: Western Grey Kangaroo* | Koala* | Wombats: Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Little Long-tailed Dunnart 

    Monotremes

    Short-beaked Echidna

    Placental Mammals

    Bats: Greater Long-eared Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat, Southern Forest Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Greater Stick-nest Rat

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

     

    Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

    Duration: 3 Days
    Type: Small group or private
    Departs: On request

    This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.

    full itinerary

  • Western Grey Kangaroo

    June,July,August, Eyre Peninsula

    Eyre Peninsula - Winter Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials

    Marsupials

    Kangaroos & Macropods: Western Grey Kangaroo* | Koala* | Wombats: Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Little Long-tailed Dunnart 

    Monotremes

    Short-beaked Echidna

    Placental Mammals

    Bats: Greater Long-eared Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat, Southern Forest Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Greater Stick-nest Rat

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

     

    Suggested tour: Port Lincoln Wildlife Encounters

    Duration: 2 Days
    Type: Small group or private
    Departs: On request

    This incredible two day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park, Big Swamp, Mikkira Station and Mount Dutton Bay Conservation Park. 

    full itinerary

  • Koala

    September,October,November, Eyre Peninsula

    Eyre Peninsula - Spring Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials

    Marsupials

    Kangaroos & Macropods: Western Grey Kangaroo* | Koala* | Wombats: Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Common Brushtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Western Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Little Long-tailed Dunnart 

    Monotremes

    Short-beaked Echidna

    Placental Mammals

    Bats: Greater Long-eared Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat, Southern Forest Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat, Gould's Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat | Rodents: Bush Rat, Greater Stick-nest Rat

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

     

    Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

    Duration: 3 Days
    Type: Small group or private
    Departs: On request

    This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.

    full itinerary

  • Koala Juvenile

    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

    Blair Wickham - Guide - Exceptional Kangaroo Island"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: 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 itinerary

    Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Monotremes

  • 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

    Blair Wickham - Guide - Exceptional Kangaroo Island"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: 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 itinerary

    Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Monotremes

  • Short-beaked Echidna

    June,July,August, Kangaroo Island

    Kangaroo Island - Winter 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

    Blair Wickham - Guide - Exceptional Kangaroo Island"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 Itinerary

    Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Monotremes

  • Kangaroo Island Kangaroos

    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

    Blair Wickham - Guide - Exceptional Kangaroo Island"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: 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 itinerary

    Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Monotremes

  • Tasmanian Devil

    January,February,December, Maria Island

    Maria Island - 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 | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Southern Brown Bandicoot

    Monotremes

    Short-beaked Echidna

    Placental Mammals

    Rodents: Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali)

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

    How to find these species

    Ben Brown Guide"Maria Island is one of the hotspots in Australia to view Common Wombats. 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 across 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."

    Ben Brown, General Manager Operations

    Suggested Tour: The Maria Island Walk

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared

    Available: October - late April 

    This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food.

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Maria Island related to Monotremes

  • Common Wombat

    March,April,May, 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

    How to find these species

    Ben Brown Guide

    "The island’s population of Tasmanian Devils typically breed in March, with their young born in April after a 21 day gestation. 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 it typical to see them 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." 

    Ben Brown, General Manager Operations

    Suggested Tour: The Maria Island Walk

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared

    Available: October - late April 

    This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food.

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Maria Island related to Monotremes

  • Bennett's Wallaby

    September,October,November, Maria Island

    Maria Island - Spring 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

    How to find these species

    Ben Brown Guide

    "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. Common Wombats are also abundant at this time, with individuals being territorial and solitary with an established range for feeding."

    Ben Brown, General Manager Operations 

    Suggested Tour: The Maria Island Walk

    Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
    Type: Shared

    Available: October - late April 

    This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food.

    Full Itinerary

     

    Tours in Maria Island related to Monotremes

  • Forester Kangaroos

    June,July,August, Maria Island

    Maria Island - Winter 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

    Placental Mammals

    Rodents: Swamp Rat, Water Rat (Rakali)

    * Denotes sighting chance as high or common

    How to find these species

    Ben Brown Guide

    "Arriving back at Bernacchi House in the afternoon, guests commonly spot Bennett's Wallabies and Tasmanian Pademelons, often seen eating the heritage lavender in the gardens. The island's grasslands are one of Australia's best locations for viewing wombats, kangaroos and wallabies during the winter time. Forester Kangaroos surrounded by Cape Barren Geese and Tasmanian Native Hens are commonly seen grazing in natural or historic clearings, whilst pairs of beautiful Flame Robins dart around."

    Ben Brown, General Manager Operations 

    Suggested Tour: Maria Island Winter Escape Walk

    Duration: 3 Nights/2 nights
    Type: Shared

    Available: June - late August

    The 'Maria Island Winter Escape' is a three day lodge based experience which explores the beautiful and historic northern end of the island featuring abundant marsupials.

    full itinerary

    Tours in Maria Island related to Monotremes

  • Platypus

    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* | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail 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

    How to find these species

    Guides - Elise"The summer months are a peak time to see young carnivorous marsupials including Tasmanian Devils, Spotted-tailed and Eastern Quolls, particularly on our private trips to the Central Highlands. December is also the time to keep a lookout for baby possums riding around on their mother’s back. Common Wombats avoid the heat of the day, coming out to graze in the early mornings and evenings, 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. Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies and Tasmanian Pademelons are also commonly sighted with their young at this time."

    Elise Tardieu, Specialist Guide

    Suggested Tour: 9 Day Western Wilderness & Wildlife Encounter

    Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
    Type: Private, Shared Departures

    On the east coast, experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests, spectacular coastlines, and tranquil bays, including Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula, Bay of Fires and Cataract Gorge. On the west coast, visit incredible alpine regions, the contrasting east and west coastlines, Cradle Mountain National Park, quaint fishermen villages and old mining towns.

    Full Itinerary

  • Long-nosed Potoroo

    March,April,May, Tasmania

    Tasmania - 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* | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail 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

    How to find these species

    Guides - Elise"Macropod joeys such as Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, Tasmanian Pademelons and Long-nosed Potoroos are typically weaned off their mothers around this time and follow their mothers around. 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."

    Elise Tardieu, Specialist Guide

    Suggested Tour: 9 Day Western Wilderness & Wildlife Encounter

    Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
    Type: Private, Shared Departures

    On the east coast, experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests, spectacular coastlines, and tranquil bays, including Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula, Bay of Fires and Cataract Gorge. On the west coast, visit incredible alpine regions, the contrasting east and west coastlines, Cradle Mountain National Park, quaint fishermen villages and old mining towns.

    Full Itinerary

     

  • Bennett's Wallaby

    June,July,August, Tasmania

    Tasmania - Winter 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* | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail 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

    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

    How to find these species

    Guides - Elise"Breeding 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. Our best chance to see them is on our private tours through the Central Highlands. 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."

    Elise Tardieu, Specialist Guide

    Suggested Tour: 9 Day Western Wilderness & Wildlife Encounter

    Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
    Type: Private, Shared Departures

    On the east coast, experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests, spectacular coastlines, and tranquil bays, including Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula, Bay of Fires and Cataract Gorge. On the west coast, visit incredible alpine regions, the contrasting east and west coastlines, Cradle Mountain National Park, quaint fishermen villages and old mining towns.

    Full Itinerary

  • Albino Red-necked Wallaby

    September,October,November, Tasmania

    Tasmania - Spring 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* | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail 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

    How to find these species

    Guides - Elise"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. 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, especialy across Cradle Mountain."

    Elise Tardieu, Specialist Guide

    Suggested Tour: 9 Day Western Wilderness & Wildlife Encounter

    Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
    Type: Private, Shared Departures

    On the east coast, experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests, spectacular coastlines, and tranquil bays, including Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula, Bay of Fires and Cataract Gorge. On the west coast, visit incredible alpine regions, the contrasting east and west coastlines, Cradle Mountain National Park, quaint fishermen villages and old mining towns.

    Full Itinerary