The cutest animals in Australia and where to spot them

One of the main attractions in Australia is its diverse wildlife, easily seen in the country’s stunning landscapes or at animal sanctuaries for those pressed for time. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about deadly spiders, sharks, and snakes (though you might encounter all three if you stick around). The list of unique creatures—from adorable mammals to vibrant birds, fish, and reptiles like lizards and geckos you won't find elsewhere—is extensive.

Australia provides a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities based on your location. However, many of its iconic species are critically endangered, making sightings increasingly rare and highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

We’ve crafted the ultimate beginner’s guide to help you get the best chance of encountering Australia’s unique native animals safely and respectfully.

What are the top spots for wildlife watching in Australia?

Your best bet for spotting Australian wildlife is in one of the over 500 national parks located throughout the country.

Some national parks are particularly well-equipped for international visitors, offering nearby accommodations and guided wildlife tours. In the northern regions, check out The Daintree (Queensland), Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory), or Cape Range National Park (Western Australia). If you're in the southern states, don’t miss the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Victoria, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania.

Many rural lodgings in Australia are set within natural surroundings, meaning you might find emus, echidnas, or wallabies strolling by your accommodation.

Even if you’re based in a city, there are chances for close wildlife encounters. Kangaroos roam in the capital city of Canberra, koalas inhabit the Adelaide Hills, and the unique quokka can be found on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island near Perth. And let's not forget the vibrant birdlife in Sydney! If you’re looking for unique animals, you’re in the right place.

What are the top locations in Australia for viewing koalas, kangaroos, and other iconic species?

Koalas

Koalas need no introduction. As the face of 'super cute Australian animals,' these marsupials spend about 20 hours a day asleep. If you do catch a glimpse of a koala on the move, it’ll likely be at night, awkwardly making its way from one tree to another. Otherwise, you'll find them nestled in tree branches, munching on eucalyptus leaves, often with a joey clinging to them. You can see these adorable, tuft-eared creatures in forests near the coast of southeastern Australia, although habitat loss has made them endangered in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland.

Where to spot them: Look for koalas in tree stands along the Great Ocean Road (Victoria), on Magnetic Island and Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah (Queensland), and on Kangaroo Island (South Australia)—locals can give you the best tips. Some wildlife parks allow for photos with koalas, but cuddling them is controversial and illegal in most states due to the stress it causes the animals.

Tips for spotting them: Koalas are sensitive to noise, so a quiet approach through the forest is essential. If you carefully scan the higher branches (binoculars can be helpful), you might catch sight of one clinging to a tree limb. It's easier to spot them when they’re eating or moving, so try looking early in the morning or at dusk when it's cooler.

Kangaroos and wallabies

How can you tell them apart? Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials that belong to a group known as macropods (which translates to 'big feet' in Latin). Kangaroos are generally larger, often of a single color, and use their tails like a fifth limb to help them jump farther as they bound across open grasslands. In contrast, wallabies are smaller (averaging 25 kg compared to a 90 kg kangaroo) and can have a range of colors, like the black-footed rock wallaby, which provides excellent camouflage in their forest or rocky escarpment habitats.

Where to find them: Kangaroos can be spotted throughout various regions of Australia, even wandering through suburban streets and golf courses at dusk. One of the most famous spots to see them is on the pristine beaches of Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park (Western Australia). Wallabies tend to be more reserved, often forming smaller groups, with different species residing in national parks like Narawntapu National Park (Tasmania) and Cape Hillsborough National Park (Queensland).

Tips for spotting them: The best times to observe kangaroos and wallabies are at dawn and dusk. Move slowly and avoid sudden actions, as they can be easily startled. If you do manage to get close, it's important not to feed them.

Wombats

While wombats may not be as famous outside Australia, they hold a special place in the hearts of locals. Featured in Aboriginal Dreaming tales and cherished Australian children's literature, the term 'wombat' is thought to originate from the Dharug language of the Aboriginal people, the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney region (as do koala and wallaby). These gentle, furry marsupials are roughly the size of a medium dog but have shorter legs and a stocky build. They spend their days hidden in burrows and emerge at night to forage for food. A fun pub quiz fact is that wombat droppings are cube-shaped—so if you spot some, a wombat is nearby.

Where to find them: The ideal locations for spotting wombats include the Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and Flinders or Maria islands (Tasmania); Wilsons Promontory National Park (Victoria) and the Blue Mountains (NSW). Sadly, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered, with only about 300 individuals remaining in a protected area of Queensland.

Tips for spotting them: Dawn and dusk are the prime times to see wombats, as they hibernate during the day’s heat. However, if you're camping in a national park, you might encounter (or hear) them during the night.

Echidnas

You can encounter these short-beaked, spiny creatures in national parks and even in bushland areas near cities. Their sharp spines, which protect them from predators like birds of prey and larger mammals, are actually modified hairs enriched with keratin. When threatened, an echidna will retract its snout and legs and curl into a prickly ball. Despite their appearance, echidnas share more characteristics with the platypus (another egg-laying mammal in Australia) than with the common hedgehog. Fun fact: a baby echidna is affectionately called a “puggle.”

Where to find them: You have a good chance of spotting echidnas in southern states like Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and southwest Western Australia, where there are abundant forests, shrublands, and insects for them to thrive on.

Tips for spotting them: In summer, echidnas are active during dawn and dusk, while in cooler months, you might see them during the day. They are shy and slow-moving, so if one waddles into your path, remain still—it will change direction if it senses your movement. Small holes in the ground often indicate that an echidna has been foraging for ants and termites nearby.

Crocodiles

Australia is home to two types of crocodiles: saltwater and freshwater species. Known as “salties” by locals, saltwater crocodiles inhabit estuaries, coastal rivers, and even the ocean. Males can reach lengths of 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet), though most are around 4 meters (13 feet). Freshwater crocodiles are smaller, averaging about 2 meters (6.5 feet), and are less aggressive, but their bites can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

Crocodiles were hunted extensively in Australia until the 1970s, when they gained protection under the law. A direct encounter with a crocodile can be fatal, so it’s crucial to heed all safety advice from your guide. Never enter a body of water in northern Australia unless you are certain it’s free of crocodiles, and be sure to learn about safety measures in crocodile territories.

Where to find them: Crocodiles primarily inhabit the northern regions of Australia. For a chance to see saltwater crocodiles in the wild, visit the Adelaide River, Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory), or the Daintree River (Queensland). Freshwater crocodiles can be spotted at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and Litchfield national parks (Northern Territory), as well as Lake Argyle and Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park in Western Australia.

Tips for spotting them: The dry season (May to October) is the ideal time for crocodile viewing, as they tend to gather near water sources or sunbathe on riverbanks. They can be elusive in the water, typically floating with only their eyes and snouts visible. Keep an eye out for slide marks on riverbanks or a distinctive V-shaped wake in the water.

Emus

These large, flightless birds—second only to ostriches—are found throughout Australia, with the exception of Tasmania. They often dash across wide plains in search of food and water, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 kph (30 mph) to evade predators. For many Aboriginal Australians, emus hold significant cultural importance and are regarded as key creator spirits. Look to the sky, and you’ll find the Emu in the Sky, a constellation formed by the darker patches of the Milky Way.

Where to find them: Emus can be spotted on grassy expanses in Kosciuszko National Park (NSW), across open savanna in Murray Sunset National Park (Victoria), and throughout many outback areas. They are non-aggressive creatures and are also commonly seen in urban wildlife parks.

Tips for spotting them: Emus often gather in groups near water sources, but you might also encounter a solitary one. In tourist-heavy areas, they may be accustomed to being hand-fed, which can lead to more aggressive behavior around food—always maintain a safe distance. I recall being nipped by one as a child at Healesville Sanctuary, which was more surprising than painful.

Tasmanian Devils

You might be familiar with Taz, the Looney Tunes character inspired by the real Tasmanian Devil. These adorable yet carnivorous marsupials are unfortunately endangered, primarily due to the deadly and contagious Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), which has decimated 80% of their population. A disease-free colony has been established on Maria Island (off the Tasmanian coast), and researchers are testing a vaccine modeled after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Where to find them: You can spot Tasmanian Devils in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Narawntapu National Park, and Mount William National Park. However, your best chance of seeing one is likely at a wildlife park featuring a special nocturnal exhibit, where you can also learn about Tasmania’s conservation initiatives.

Tips for spotting them: Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal scavengers, often seen feeding on carrion—be cautious when driving at night as they might cross the road. Joining a guided nighttime tour can significantly boost your chances of spotting one in its natural habitat.

Platypus

Known for their unusual features, platypuses puzzled 19th-century naturalists in England, who thought the specimen was a hoax due to its duck-like bill, otter-like body, beaver-like tail, webbed feet, sharp claws, and venomous spurs. This egg-laying mammal is unique to Australia, and while encountering one in the wild requires patience and luck, they do exist. Besides their depiction on Australia’s 20c coin, you can also find them in many zoos and wildlife parks with nocturnal exhibits showcasing their burrowing and swimming behavior.

Where to find them: The Atherton Tablelands is the most renowned spot for spotting platypuses—check with local tourist offices for the best viewing locations. In Eungella National Park, specially designed viewing platforms are nestled within the forest near Broken River, a favored habitat of this elusive monotreme.

Tips for spotting them: Patience is essential—settle quietly and comfortably, and watch for bubbles breaking the water's surface. These bubbles often precede a platypus surfacing for air. Be cautious not to startle them; platypuses are incredibly shy and will quickly dive back underwater, retreating to their riverside burrows at the slightest hint of danger.

Quokkas

These adorable marsupials have become famous for the “quokka selfie” trend, although animal welfare advocates have raised concerns about it. Despite their seemingly happy expressions, that characteristic smile is just a quirk of their facial structure, not an invitation for photos. Quokkas are gentle and docile, which often leads to human anthropomorphizing. They are also known to climb trees, hop like rabbits, and sleep during the day. Classified as 'vulnerable,' their populations face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators, including humans.

Where to find them: Quokkas inhabit Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Western Australia, accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, south of Perth.

Tips for spotting them: Quokkas are primarily nocturnal, though they may be seen during the day in winter. To boost your chances of encountering one, venture away from tourist areas on foot or by bike, or join a guided walking tour. The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association offers a daily “Meet the Quokkas” walking tour, encouraging visitors to maintain a respectful distance while observing.

If you're pressed for time, think about visiting a wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, so if seeing a koala is essential for your Australian adventure, there are numerous wildlife reserves and zoos where both native and exotic animals can be found.

While there are valid concerns regarding animal welfare in captivity, many facilities in Australia follow stringent protocols and actively engage in education and conservation efforts. Research thoroughly to make an informed decision.