13 Incredible Australian Wildlife Experiences: Where to See Australia’s Most Amazing Animals

Australia is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife, and after decades of travelling around the country, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many of its most unforgettable animal encounters. I’ve watched humpback whales breach in Hervey Bay, stood just metres from Australian sea lions on Kangaroo Island, spotted cassowaries in the Daintree, swum alongside graceful manta rays at Lady Elliot Island and witnessed turtles nesting at Mon Repos.

13 Incredible Australian Wildlife Experiences Worth Travelling For

There are still a few iconic encounters on my own wildlife wish list. Meeting a smiling quokka on Rottnest Island, hand-feeding a wild dolphin at Tangalooma, wandering among wombats on Maria Island and finally seeing a Tasmanian devil are all experiences I can’t wait to add to my travels.

Whether you’ve travelled Australia extensively or are planning your first adventure, these are some of the country’s most memorable wildlife encounters and where to find them.

Author’s note: Every recommendation in this guide is based on my own travels around Australia, apart from the four wildlife encounters on my personal bucket list, which are included because they are among the country’s most iconic ethical wildlife experiences.

Before you meet Australia’s wildlife

Never touch, pick up or feed wild animals unless you are participating in a supervised experience where it is permitted. Young animals are especially vulnerable, and even well-meaning visitors can cause injury, stress or abandonment. Many native species are protected by law, and disturbing wildlife can attract significant penalties. The best wildlife photograph is one taken from a respectful distance.

Swim with humpback whales in Hervey Bay

I’ve visited Hervey Bay many times, but two recent whale encounters stand out. Swimming with humpback whales was both exhilarating and humbling. Seeing these gentle giants glide beneath me was an experience I’ll never forget.

Later, on a whale-watching cruise, several curious whales approached the boat and spent what felt like ages spy-hopping and watching us. Their playful nature was captivating.

A dedicated whale watcher once told me she’d travelled the world to see whales but always returned to Hervey Bay. Sheltered by K’gari, the bay is where humpbacks, especially mothers with calves, pause to rest during their migration. Their relaxed, curious behaviour makes Hervey Bay one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations.

Best time: Mid-July to October.

Related Post: Swim with humpback whales in Hervey Bay

Take a tour: Hervey Bay whale watching

Meet kangaroos at sunrise at Cape Hillsborough and cuddle a rescued joey in Alice Springs

I’ve seen kangaroos all over Australia, but nothing compares to watching them emerge from the bush onto Cape Hillsborough Beach at sunrise. As the morning light spread across the sand, they quietly foraged along the shoreline while visitors watched from a respectful distance. Rangers may place small amounts of food on the beach as part of a wildlife management program, but visitors should never feed the kangaroos.

A very different, but equally memorable, experience awaited me at The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. Guided sunset tours introduce rescued kangaroos and the sanctuary’s conservation work. Meeting an orphaned joey, and gently holding one under the guidance of experienced carers, was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of protecting Australia’s native wildlife.

Best time: Sunrise at Cape Hillsborough; sunset guided tours at The Kangaroo Sanctuary.

Related Post: Sunrise with Kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough

Take a Tour: Kangaroos on the Beach Sunrise Eco Tour

Walk among Australian sea lions at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

Standing just metres from Australian sea lions at Seal Bay felt like stepping into their world. Watching them surf onto the beach, mothers reunite with their pups and youngsters play in the shallows was an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Guided walks allow visitors to observe these endangered animals up close while ensuring they remain undisturbed. Kangaroo Island is also home to New Zealand fur seals at Admirals Arch, where you can watch them laze on the rocks, just be prepared for the distinctive aroma that comes with a busy seal colony!

Best time: Australian sea lions can be seen year-round at Seal Bay. For the best light and fewer crowds, join an early morning or late afternoon guided tour.

Take a Tour: See sea lions on Kangaroo Island

Watch little penguins come ashore in Tasmania

One of my favourite wildlife experiences has been watching little penguins return to shore after dark in Tasmania. I’ve been lucky enough to see them near both Bicheno and Devonport, and each encounter has felt wonderfully intimate.

During stays at Bicheno and The Cove Tasmania near Devonport, the penguins roosted just outside my accommodation. As night fell, I could hear them chattering away to one another before venturing outside with the red torch provided by the property. Red light doesn’t disturb the penguins, allowing visitors to quietly observe them as they huddled together, preened their feathers and shuffled back to their burrows. It was a magical experience, made even more special by returning afterwards to the comfort of beautiful accommodation.

Little penguins are the world’s smallest penguin species, and Tasmania is one of the best places in Australia to see them in the wild. The key is to keep noise to a minimum, never use a white light or camera flash, and allow the penguins to go about their nightly routine undisturbed.

Best time: September to February, just after sunset when the penguins return from feeding at sea.

Related Post: 7 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Come face to face with crocodiles

I’ve seen crocodiles in many places around Australia, from the Northern Territory to as far south as the Capricorn Coast near Rockhampton. Every encounter has reinforced the same thought. These are magnificent predators, and they’re best admired from a safe distance.

Some of my most memorable crocodile experiences have actually been at wildlife parks and crocodile farms, where you can learn about these ancient reptiles from experienced keepers. Australia Zoo’s famous crocodile demonstrations are exhilarating, while Koorana Crocodile Farm near Rockhampton offers fascinating insights into crocodile conservation and farming.

Seeing crocodiles in the wild is equally thrilling, whether you’re cruising the rivers of the Northern Territory or spotting one basking on a riverbank in Far North Queensland. Just remember, crocodiles are wild apex predators. Always obey warning signs, stay well back from the water’s edge and never assume a waterway is crocodile-free.

Best time: Crocodiles can be seen year-round in northern Australia. The dry season (May to October) offers the best conditions for wildlife cruises and spotting crocodiles basking on riverbanks.

Related post: Top Places to See Saltwater Crocodiles Without Getting Eaten

Spot cassowaries in the Daintree Rainforest

One of my most memorable Australian wildlife encounters happened unexpectedly while driving through the Daintree Rainforest. Cars had stopped ahead of us, and at first we couldn’t see why. Then a cassowary appeared, calmly crossing the road with a chick.

We stayed inside the car, kept completely quiet and watched from a safe distance. Cassowaries can be dangerous, particularly when protecting their young, so getting out or approaching them was never an option. The bird walked remarkably close to our vehicle, giving me the chance to take some photographs without disturbing them.

Best time: Cassowaries can be seen year-round in the Daintree Rainforest, but early morning and late afternoon offer the best chance of a sighting. The breeding season, June to October, is also a good time to spot adults with striped chicks.

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Witness turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge at Mon Repos

Watching a turtle haul herself onto the beach to lay her eggs is an unforgettable experience. Equally magical is seeing tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and begin their perilous journey to the sea. I’ve been fortunate enough to witness both at Mon Repos, and they remain among my most cherished Australian wildlife encounters.

These ranger-guided experiences are completely dependent on the turtles, not the visitors. You gather at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and wait patiently until the rangers know the turtles are ready to nest or the hatchlings are ready to emerge. That unpredictability makes the experience feel even more special because you’re witnessing nature entirely on its own terms.

During the hatchling experience, I was given the opportunity to gently hold a baby turtle under the close supervision of the rangers. They carefully demonstrated the correct way to handle it before guiding us through its release towards the ocean. Watching such a tiny creature begin one of nature’s greatest journeys is both humbling and deeply moving.

Best time: Nesting season runs from November to January, while hatchlings usually emerge between January and March. Guided ranger tours operate during both seasons, with exact viewing opportunities depending on turtle activity.

Related post: Mon Repos Turtle Spectacle

Swim with manta rays and turtles at Lady Elliot Island

Swimming with manta rays and sea turtles at Lady Elliot Island is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences I’ve had. Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, this tiny coral cay offers the rare opportunity to simply walk off the beach and snorkel over a thriving reef.

As I floated above the coral, graceful manta rays glided effortlessly beneath me while green and loggerhead turtles swam unhurriedly through the crystal-clear water. There are no barriers or enclosures here. You’re simply sharing their natural habitat, which makes the experience feel incredibly special.

Lady Elliot Island is renowned for its healthy coral reef and abundant marine life, making it one of Australia’s best places to snorkel with turtles and manta rays in the wild.

Best time: Manta rays can be seen year-round, with peak sightings from May to August. Green and loggerhead turtles are also present throughout the year, making Lady Elliot Island one of Australia’s best destinations to snorkel with both species.

Related post: Scenic Flight Day Trip to Lady Elliot

Australian Animal Encounters I’m Still to Experience

Hand-feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort

Spot wombats on Maria Island

Where to see Tasmanian devils in Tasmania

Meet a smiling quokka on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)

Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef