The wildlife in Australia is incredible. Umpteen Wildlife Sanctuaries, Zoos, and National Parks preserve the greatest of classified from land to water animals. Every effort is driven toward conserving and protecting the endangered whilst nurturing them in a free landscape. Native Australian animals like the Red Kangaroo and Australian Crocodile can be spotted easily.
Here are some of the best places to experience Australian wildlife in all its glory -
1. The Kangaroo Sanctuary
The Red kangaroo is Australia’s native species, and here in Kangaroo Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve spread across 188 acres, you can interact and watch them closely in their natural habitat. Public and private sunset guided tours are customized for visitors to encounter animals native to the country. The tours are only during sunsets; visitors are asked to maintain decorum so they don’t scare the kangaroos away.
Visiting period - February - November
Entry Fee - Public Tours: Adult- AUD 85, Child (7-17 years)- AUD 65
Note - Children under age 7 are not permitted unless it’s a private booking
*Pre-book tickets a few months in advance and be sure to check the guidelines on their website*
2. Melbourne Zoo
Within the Royal National Park in Parkville is situated the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Home to over 320 species of wildlife, spot Tigers wandering, Monkeys swinging, Orangutans, the Trail of Elephants, Wombats, Asian pachyderms, African Zebras, and the Savanna Giraffes. You can encounter marine life creatures like Penguins and fur seals and closely interact with Australian Koalas and Kangaroos in their natural habitat. Do not miss your visit to their Butterfly House!
Timings - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee - Infant (0-3 years): Free
Child (4-15 years): AUD 21 on Weekdays and Free on Weekends
Adult: AUD 42
3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine has manifold options to experience the wildlife of Australia packaged as in-person and virtual tours. They also have child-friendly programs and options to book yourself a photo shoot in the wild. The sanctuary is home to a class of animals from Carpet pythons to Southern cassowaries to Australian wood ducks and super cute miniature pigs. Visitors can get close to Koalas and hold them; surreal, right? Owls and one of the most beautifully bizarre animals, the platypus, can also be observed up close.
Timings - Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM(including public holidays)
ANZAC Day 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Christmas Day 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Virtual Group Tours Fee - 30 mins: AUD 380, 45 mins: AUD 520, 60 mins: AUD 650
Note - Package prices for in-person wildlife experiences do not include entry fees. It must be looked into separately. Different tours have varying age bars, visit the website for detailed information.
4. Sydney Zoo
The Sydney Zoo shelters over 4000 animals of various species, including Australia’s and the world’s largest reptile, the Australian crocodile. They have umpteen animal encounter packages for Tigers, Lions, Giraffes, Hyena, Camel, Elephants, and the list goes on. You can watch them closely in untouched conditions and stand a chance to hand-feed these animals. Not only can you spot aboriginal Australians but wilderness from Africa and Asia, like the White Rhinoceros, Red Panda, Capybara, and Sacred Baboon. The Aquarium will leave you flabbergasted with Bull sharks, little penguins, and more!
Timings - Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee - Adult Day Ticket (16+ years)- AUD 49.99 at gate
Child Day Ticket (3-15 years)- AUD 27.99 at gate
Infant (0-2 years)- Free
Note - Ticket prices at the gate and online vary, please visit the website for a detailed price list
5. The Maria Island Walk
Maria Island is a world-heritage site carrying a rich history of culture and practice. They have guided walks along the area for a surreal venture and learning of the place. Spot Wombats, Cape Barren Geese, Kangaroos, Tasmanian Pademelons, Wallabies, and more. You can watch the dolphins play, and sea eagles fly aloft while you are mapping the beauty of the place. It almost feels like a treat to the soul!
Package Price Range - AUD 2700 - AUD 5000
*Accommodation and Food requirements will be provided
6. Australian Reptile Park
The animal encounters at this park allow the visitors to get near and connect with the wide range of species here. Komodo Dragon, Wombat Joey, Koala, tree kangaroo, Venom Room, and Tasmanian Devil Joey are a few encounters to name. You can also meet the giant Galapagos tortoise, pythons, and alligators during your visit. The Spider home and Tarantula ville are home to some of the largest spiders in Australia. Cafes and playgrounds are within the vicinity for friends and family to enjoy.
Timings - Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Christmas day)
Price - Adult Day Pass - AUD 47.99 at gate
Child Day Pass (3-15 years)- AUD 30.99 at gate
Senior Day Pass (60+ years) - AUD 39.99 at gate
Note - Ticket prices at the gate and online vary, please visit the website for a detailed price list
7. Taronga Zoo
It is the largest zoo in Australia and harbours over 5000+ animals with over 350 mixtures of species, including the vulnerable and endangered. Animals from across the world are nurtured in a natural backdrop and also gives a chance for visitors to meet them up close while the guides navigate you through the zoo acre. Giraffes, Koalas, Meerkats, Dingo pups, Seals, African lions, and Tigers are a few faunas you can catch sight of. Do not forget to ride the Sky safari, where you spot elephants and squirrel monkeys goofing around!
Timings - Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price range - Adult - AUD 45.90
Child (4-15 years) - AUD 27
Infant (0-3 years) - Free
Note - These prices cater to individual needs, check the website for details and discounts to avail of family packages
8. Kadaku National Park
Located in the Northern Territory, the Kadaku National park is a magnificent concentration of a family of animals. There are 280+ bird species, 80 mammals, 40+ freshwater classes, and thousands of insect varieties. You can go birdwatching, boating, and fishing and travel on a cruise to admire the scenery you are surrounded by! Crocodiles, flatback turtles, northern quoll, and river sharks are just a few to name from the extensive flora and fauna they deal with.
*Visit the website to decide the best time to visit and according to activites you can be a part of
While it is fundamental to conform to the standards of decorum, you can interact and capture memories with the magnificent wildlife in Australia within limits and enlightening instruction by tour guides. The idea is to appreciate and realize the wonder they are, and Australia, with its friendly and make-easy approach, serves the cause in its best interest.