Placental Mammals
There are over 140 terrestrial placental mammals in Australia, with almost all of these being bats or rodents. Bats are the only mammals that can fly and can be split into two main groups; fruit eaters and insect eaters.
The Grey-headed Flying Fox is one of the most common fruit bats and is distributed along the eastern part of the continent and can be seen around East Gippsland. Baby flying foxes can be spotted in ‘maternity camps’ around October. Across Kakadu & Arnhem Land, the Black Flying Fox congregates in large groups and is known to follow the ripening of fruit and the blossoming pollens of eucalypts, Melaleuca Paperbarks and banksias. Little Red Flying Foxes and Blossom Bats can also be seen in this area. Also in Northern Australia, the Spectacled Flying Fox is a common sighting across the Wet Tropics outside of Cairns. Endemic to Christmas Island, the Christmas Island Flying-fox is critically endangered and is the island's only remaining native mammal. It is estimated that there are 2000 individuals left on Christmas Island (compared to 4000 in the 1980s).
Ghost Bats are the second largest insect-eating bat in the world and are characterised by their almost transparent wings and large protruding ears. These bats feed on lizards, birds and large insects. Only 10,000 individuals are left in the wild, with significant colonies present in the Kakadu area. Large and Small Bentwing bats can also be seen in the tropics and eastern coast of Australia, often seen flying in and out of caves or mines at dusk.
Australia’s best-known placental mammal is the Dingo. Fossil evidence suggests that Dingoes, which are a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, arrived with Asian seafarers 3,000-5,000 years ago. They can be heard howling in the early morning and late evening throughout Kakadu & Arnhem Land and the Wet Tropics. Dingoes often hunt in packs and will target kangaroos, wallabies and waterbirds, as well as domestic farm animals such as sheep and calves (young cows). This led to the Australian government erecting the 'dog fence', which stretches more than 5,600km (almost 3,500 miles) across south-eastern Australia. The fence is the longest in the world and is designed to restrict the flow of dingoes into Australia's most productive livestock farming country.
Search for tours including Placental Mammals, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or find out more at the tour links below:
Viewing opportunities that include placental mammals
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Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo
January,February,December, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Summer Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Mareeba Rock-wallaby*, Eastern Grey Kangaroo*, Agile Wallaby*, Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Red-legged Pademelon | Rat Kangaroos: Musky Rat Kangaroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Coppery Brushtail Possum | Gliding Possums: Yellow-bellied Glider, Striped Possum, Sugar Glider | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail Possum*, Green Ringtail Possum*, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Long-tailed Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Spotted-tailed Quoll | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Northern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus* | Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Bats: Spectacled Flying Fox*, Eastern Tube-nosed Bat, Eastern Blossom Bat | Rodents: Water Rat (Rakali), Giant White-tailed Rat | Dingo
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Placental Mammals
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Mareeba Rock-wallaby
March,April,May, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Autumn Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Mareeba Rock-wallaby*, Eastern Grey Kangaroo*, Agile Wallaby*, Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Red-legged Pademelon | Rat Kangaroos: Musky Rat Kangaroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Coppery Brushtail Possum | Gliding Possums: Yellow-bellied Glider, Striped Possum, Sugar Glider | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail Possum*, Green Ringtail Possum*, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Long-tailed Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Spotted-tailed Quoll | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Northern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus* | Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Bats: Spectacled Flying Fox*, Eastern Tube-nosed Bat, Eastern Blossom Bat | Rodents: Water Rat (Rakali), Giant White-tailed Rat | Dingo
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
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: 3 Day Ultimate Wildlife North Queensland
Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Placental Mammals
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Platypus
June,July,August, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Winter Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Mareeba Rock-wallaby*, Eastern Grey Kangaroo*, Agile Wallaby*, Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Red-legged Pademelon | Rat Kangaroos: Musky Rat Kangaroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Coppery Brushtail Possum | Gliding Possums: Yellow-bellied Glider, Striped Possum, Sugar Glider | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail Possum*, Green Ringtail Possum*, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Long-tailed Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Spotted-tailed Quoll | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Northern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus* | Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Bats: Spectacled Flying Fox*, Eastern Tube-nosed Bat, Eastern Blossom Bat | Rodents: Water Rat (Rakali), Giant White-tailed Rat | Dingo
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Placental Mammals
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Green Ringtail Possum
September,October,November, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Spring Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Mareeba Rock-wallaby*, Eastern Grey Kangaroo*, Agile Wallaby*, Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, Red-legged Pademelon | Rat Kangaroos: Musky Rat Kangaroo | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Coppery Brushtail Possum | Gliding Possums: Yellow-bellied Glider, Striped Possum, Sugar Glider | Ringtail Possums & Greater Gliders: Common Ringtail Possum*, Green Ringtail Possum*, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum | Pygmy-Possums: Long-tailed Pygmy-Possum | Carnivorous Marsupials: Spotted-tailed Quoll | Bandicoots & Bilbies: Northern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot
Monotremes Platypus* | Short-beaked Echidna Placental mammals Bats: Spectacled Flying Fox*, Eastern Tube-nosed Bat, Eastern Blossom Bat | Rodents: Water Rat (Rakali), Giant White-tailed Rat | Dingo
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
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, Coppery 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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Placental Mammals
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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
"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, PrivateVenturing 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.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Placental Mammals
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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
"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, PrivateVenturing 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.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Placental Mammals
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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, PrivateVenturing 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.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Placental Mammals
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June,July,August, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Kakadu & Arnhem Land - Winter Sightings for Land Mammals & Marsupials
Marsupials Kangaroos & Macropods: Agile Wallaby*, Black Wallaroo, Antilopine Wallaroo*, Common Wallaroo, Wilkins' (Eastern Short-eared) Rock Wallaby | Brushtail Possums & Cuscuses: Northern Brushtail Possum* | Carnivorous Marsupials: Northern Quoll, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Fawn Antechinus | 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 | Dingo
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
Suggested tour: Kakadu Birdwatching Safari
Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Type: Shared
Departs: Set DatesThe World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park is one of the most pristine environments left on the planet and the combination of soil floodplains, paper bark swamps, savannah woodlands, monsoonal rainforests and river mangroves make this one of the world's great birdwatching sites, with over 280 species found across the region.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Placental Mammals
