The Best Wildlife Tours
in Australia
Find your experience
Australia ranks among the world’s most megadiverse nations. It is well known for its remarkable array of unique species like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and the uniquely odd yet fascinating platypus. With nearly 80% of its mammals, reptiles, and amphibians found nowhere else, the continent’s wildlife is adapted to environments as diverse as the lush Daintree Rainforest, the sprawling Outback, and the vibrant coral ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you prefer trekking in Tasmania or snorkeling alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, you’ll discover some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet. Australia’s contrasting landscapes con mean ample opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and marine adventures. If you’re a nature enthusiast craving an unforgettable journey, here you will find wildlife tours in Australia that offer a front-row seat to a living tapestry of evolution, cultural heritage, and conservation in action.
If you're a nature enthusiast looking for an unforgettable experience, Australia is the perfect place to start your adventure.
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Find the Best Wildlife Experiences and Tours in Australia
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What Animals can you see in Australia?
Best Places to see Animals in Australia
Wildlife Tour Operators in Australia
Reptiles of Australia
Australia hosts a remarkable array of reptiles with over 900 species, ranging from fierce saltwater crocodiles to enchanting geckos and color-shifting chameleons-like skinks. An estimated 93% of Australia’s reptiles are endemic, including iconic creatures like the frill-necked lizard and thorny devil. Many travelers embark on Australia wildlife tours that feature guided “herping” excursions, where expert local guides share knowledge of each region’s ecological dynamics. Whether you’re tracking giant crocodiles in river estuaries or spotting a bearded dragon warming itself on a desert rock, Australia’s reptile diversity reveals a deep evolutionary story. Venturing into the Outback or tropical savannas, you’ll find a world of scales and scutes that highlight the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
Marine Diversity in Australia: Reefs, Sharks, and more
Australia is surrounded by oceans. Its marine realms stretch from the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast to Ningaloo Coast on the west coast. It ranks among the world’s most biodiverse undersea environments. About 1,500 fish species inhabit the Great Barrier Reef alone, supported by intricate coral systems that also attract whales, dugongs, and sea turtles. Offshore, the waters host at least 180 shark species (with around 70 been endemic to Australia), everything from the friendly whale sharks near Western Australia to majestic hammerheads in the Coral Sea. These marine hotspots are perfect for snorkeling or diving on ethical reef tours that prioritize reef-safe sunscreens and minimal anchor damage. Encounters with giant manta rays or playful sea lions leave travelers with a sense of wonder and a deeper respect for oceanic ecosystems. If you’re seeking Australia wildlife tours with a focus on marine life, exploring these submarine worlds is both eye-opening and transformative.
Birds of Australia: Perfect for Birdwatching
With over 850 recorded bird species, Australia is the perfect destination for birdwatchers. It has a 45% endemism rate. From the bold laugh of the kookaburra to the technicolor plumage of rainbow lorikeets and mulga parrtos, these feathered residents bring life to forests, wetlands, and deserts alike. The famous budgerigar flocks of the Outback and the cassowary in Queensland’s rainforests illustrate just how varied the avian scenes can be. Some birders come specifically to track down elusive endemics like the superb lyrebird, known for mimicking everything from chainsaws to car alarms. Whether you’re wandering through the lush Daintree Rainforest or exploring the wetlands near Kakadu, birdwatching in Australia offers vibrant photographic opportunities and a deeper understanding of local conservation efforts, as many species rely on protected habitats to thrive.
Marsupials of Australia: Unique Mammals in Action
Australia is home to about 265 or about 70% of the world’s marsupial species. But it is not only about kangaroos and koalas, there’s much more to uncover. For example the big red kangaroo roams the Outback, agile wallabies bound across coastal scrub, and the Tasmanian devil prowls dense and ancient forests of Tasmania. Meanwhile, quokkas on Rottnest Island have become Internet-famous for their seemingly “smiling” selfies. These species thrive in habitats that range from eucalyptus woodlands to alpine meadows, showcasing an adaptability as impressive as their pouches. Seeing a mother kangaroo with a joey peeking out is a heartwarming experience, one that cements Australia as a unique evolutionary realm. Many sanctuaries and national parks collaborate with local communities and researchers, underscoring the necessity of preserving these habitats for future generations of marsupials and the travelers who come to marvel at them.
Wildlife Conservation Tourism: Driving Economic Growth and Local Engagement in Australia
Wildlife conservation tourism in Australia provides a powerful avenue to stimulate local economies and create sustainable livelihoods, particularly in regions with remarkable biodiversity like Queensland’s Daintree, Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast, or the rugged Outback. By embracing eco-friendly practices, communities can generate income through wildlife tours, lodge operations, and research collaborations while preserving habitats for iconic species like the koala, quokka, and whale sharks. Many indigenous-owned eco-tour ventures supply vital jobs, empowering Traditional Owners as guides, rangers, and cultural interpreters who share ancestral knowledge and promote land stewardship. When visitors opt for these ethically managed experiences, a portion of the revenue often funds conservation initiatives—such as bushfire recovery, feral predator control, or revegetation projects—ensuring that wildlife benefits from tourism dollars. Success stories like the rewilding of Tasmanian devils or the collaborative marine sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef highlight how conservation-based tourism not only enriches local communities but also protects fragile ecosystems. Travelers can join in by supporting certified eco-lodges, volunteering with habitat restoration programs, or simply choosing tour operators committed to preserving Australia’s unique flora and fauna. Eager to learn more? Explore our in-depth wildlife guides, browse operator listings in our directory, and discover conservation programs safeguarding Australia’s incredible biodiversity.
Want to explore more? Browse our comprehensive wildlife guides by region, browse through our directory of Wildlife Tour operators and Guides, book an eco-tour, or learn more about conservation programs helping to protect Australia’s biodiversity.
