The 6 Most Fascinating Animals You Must Experience in Australia

Famed for its wildlife and rich ecosystem, Australia boasts some of the most captivating creatures on the planet.

Many people believe that Australia enjoys the ideal climate: abundant sunshine, tropical waters, varied rainforests, temperate wine areas... and even opportunities for skiing! The Land Down Under is truly unique and home to some of the most bizarre and exotic animals. 

From adorable koalas that exude charm to jellyfish that can cause paralysis, Australian wildlife offers a diverse range of wonders. Here are some of the most intriguing creatures you'll want to encounter when you visit the golden shores of this sunburnt land:

1. Koalas

The cutest, sleepiest, and most laid-back animal you'll encounter perched in a tree is undoubtedly the koala. Standing just two feet tall and weighing between 10 and 30 pounds, koalas come in various colors across the country, from grey to silver to brown. 

These adorable creatures primarily inhabit the coastal regions on the eastern side of the country, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales.  An intriguing fact about koalas is that they are not bears! They belong to the marsupial family, just like kangaroos and Tasmanian devils, which we’ll explore below.

1. Rainbow Lorikeets

Bird enthusiasts from around the world, known as “twitchers,” flock to Australia to catch a glimpse of the Rainbow Lorikeets—vivid, multicolored parrots that predominantly inhabit the coastal rainforests of Australia. 

With colors that seem as if they’ve been splashed with bright paint, these remarkable birds are a sight not to be missed in their natural habitat. While birdwatching in Australia, you might also spot a Bird of Paradise—the well-known exotic bird featured in David Attenborough’s Planet Earth, found on the east coast.

1. Platypus

Known as the “duck-billed platypus,” this intriguing little creature is one of only five mammals that lay eggs! Platypuses are semi-aquatic, similar to otters, thriving both on land, where they munch on insects, and in water, where they feast on shrimp. They locate their prey by sensing electric field disturbances caused by muscle movements. 

They are uniquely Australian (and featured on the 20 cent coin) and inhabit the entire eastern coastline—from the picturesque river city of Brisbane to the vibrant cultural center of Melbourne.

1. Tasmanian Devils

Indeed, the Tasmanian Devil is a real creature from Tasmania. These meat-eating marsupials are stocky and black, resembling small dogs with chunky tails, typically weighing around 20 lbs. They can reach speeds of eight miles per hour and are mostly nocturnal, though you might spot them during the day in coastal forests of Tasmania. 

If you’re in Tasmania, it’s definitely worth your while to see one, because once you’re home, everyone will want to know if you encountered a Tasmanian Devil.

1. Crocodiles

The saltwater crocodiles of Australia are truly a sight to behold. Males can reach lengths of 20 feet and weigh up to 3,000 lbs! Despite their immense size, saltwater crocs can be remarkably swift when necessary. They inhabit the northern regions of the country and are often spotted near Darwin. 

However, be sure to admire them from a distance! These formidable predators are skilled hunters and can live for over 70 years. They stealthily approach their prey from the shore before launching a surprise attack and dragging their catch beneath the water. Crikey!

1. Kangaroos

No list of Australian animals would be complete without the iconic kangaroo. Depending on your location in Australia, you might find them as plentiful as sheep in New Zealand or cattle in Texas. Encountering a kangaroo in person for the first time is a memorable experience; they are truly one-of-a-kind animals, aside from their smaller marsupial relative, the wallaby. 

The largest species, the red kangaroo, can grow up to eight feet tall and weigh 200 lbs! Even more remarkable than their size, adults can hop at speeds of 35 miles per hour!