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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour This Great Ocean Road Tour is a guided scenic drive along Australia’s most spectacular coastline with jaw-dropping ocean views and ancient rainforests. 1 day 07:35-20:30 Book Now 150 105 AUD

1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour Join our Phillip Island Penguins Tour, and we’ll showcase the very best Phillip Island has to offer. 1 day 11:45-22:00 Book Now 165 115-125 AUD

1 Day Grampians National Park Tour Grampians National Park Tour showcases the region known as Gariwerd by the local Indigenous people. 1 day 07:35-20:30 Book Now 165 105-120 AUD

1 Day Yarra Valley Wine Tours Yarra Valley wine tours showcase one of Australia’s premier wine regions. 1 day 08:45-17:15 Book Now 175 135 AUD

3 Day Uluru Tour, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta This 3 day Uluru tour small group safari adventure from Alice Springs returning to Alice Springs captures the absolute best of Australia’s iconic red centre tour destinations, covering Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta all in one tour. 3 / 2 nights 06:00-18:30 Style: Camping Book Now 950-1150 AUD

Perth to Exmouth Tour Package 7 Days (Return) Join this Perth to Exmouth tour 7 days return adventure and experience the very best of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. 7 / 6 nights 07:25-18:00 Book Now 1896-3070 AUD

1 Day Pinnacles Tour – Sunset & Stargazing Join this Pinnacles Sunset Tour from Perth and explore one of Australia’s most fascinating natural wonders. Electrify your senses with sandboarding. 1 day 12:00-02:00 Book Now 175 110-150 AUD

1 Day Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip Explore the cultural wonder of a World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory by taking a journey onboard our Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip 1 day 07:30-19:30 Book Now 170-275 AUD

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Latest News

 Discover the top things to do at Pinnacles National Park, from hiking through rocky terrain to spotting unique wildlife. Plan your adventure now! Looking for

A bridge without a middle on the Great Ocean Road? How is that even possible? Well, it is true. London Bridge is a pristine rock formation and

The Port Campbell National Park is well-known for its limestone formations, which have been shaped over millions of years through erosion. Visitors can explore attractions

You can see Split Point Lighthouse while travelling the Great Ocean Road tour. This attraction is a notable landmark on the Shipwreck Coast. Experience the rich

What makes our company different?

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Wildlife Tours Australia operates the ultimate nature experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most magnificent creatures. Whether you’re looking for an exciting weekend away in the wilderness or a longer immersive experience of the Australian landscape, Wildlife Tours will give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats like never before! With experienced guides leading specialised tours showcasing bird watching, mammal encounters and even exclusive walking safaris – there’s something for everyone who wants to explore the stunning beauty that this sunburnt country has to offer. So pack your bags and let’s go on an unforgettable journey together!

Why Wildlife Tours?

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Why from us?

Why our price is the best, why book now.

Wildlife Tours is Australia’s choice-guided holiday company, with over 24 years of experience. Our broad range of Day Tours, Extended Tours & Guided Holidays is the perfect way to experience the best of Australia.

Address : 42 Macaulay St, Williamstown North, Melbourne, VIC 3016, Australia Email : [email protected] Open 7 Days : Monday to Friday: 6:00 – 19:00 Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 – 18:00

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Australian Safari Tours

From the rich reds of the outback and the blues of stunning lakes, Australia has an unmatched natural beauty that rivals the national parks of Africa. Embark on a safari adventure in Australia and discover the country's bush and wildlife (from kangaroos, possums and birds to wombats there's plenty to see!).

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Best australian safari vacation packages with 186 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

3 Day Uluru Kata-Tjuta Kings Canyon (Camping) - from Alice Springs

Big Thanks to our guide Adam, who made the tour extra interesting and memorable

3 Day Kakadu Litchfield 4WD Adventure (Camping)

Super recomendable El bus comodísimo, el camping estupendo y muy bien organizado ,las comidas y cenas exquisitas ,las cascadas impresionantes al igual que la bellísima naturaleza de ambos parques PERO lo mejor Carlos,nuestro guía ,conductor y cocinero que vale un MUNDO y Darren súper implicado ,natural y encantador . Tanto Carlos como Darren son unos apasionados de su trabajo ,profesionales y transmiten con entusiasmos y conocimiento de causa. Me ha encantado y sin duda repetire Al 200% recomendable Muchísimas gracias a Carlos y Darren por su excelente trabajo

Authentic Cape York Tours Queensland

• €70 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coastal Walks
• Hiking & Trekking

6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour

The Tour was great. Our Tour guide Alex was even better. Had a swim everyday great wildlife which includes a kangaroo trying to steal our lunch. Great beaches.

10 Day Perth to Adelaide Adventure Tour

Best trip ever!!! Jason is an amazing guide, everyone felt comfortable at the beginning. The group was incredible funny and crazy, had the best time ever!!

5 Day Broome to the Bungle Bungles

My partner Iouri and I enjoyed the 5-day Bungle Bungles tour operated by Kimberley Wild Expeditions. Emma and Daz were our tour guides who were very organised and helpful, Special thanks to Emma, who handled the truck breakdown very well. She organised meditation, exercises and morning walks for us. She cooked great dinners as well. We are both grateful for the amazing experience that they provided to us.

• In-depth Cultural

Outback Safari (11 Days)

Tour guide & coach driver very good. Accommodation very good. Not sure how it could be organised on this tour, but needed a bit more down time or time on our own to relax. Out early most days & late afternoon arrival at motels.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

An informative tour guide and a great driver making the tour fun for all.

Northern Territory Dreaming (With Internal Air, 2024/2025, 11 Days) (10 destinations)

Kimberley 21 Day "Nulla Nulla" 4WD Camping Safari

• Volunteering

Eye On The Reef - Marine Conservation Program on the Great Barrier Reef

The trip was very good. As I already had my PADI Open Water, I had two free days at the beginning. The highlight of the trip for me was the liveaboard. Two nights out on the reef with 4 dives a day was great. As the boat moved ~2 times a day, the dive sites changed. The marine conservation section was interesting. It was a new experience completing the surveys. The only down side I thought was that we had to take a ~2hr boat ride every day and the dive sites were limited by what other passengers were doing. However, the diving was still good.

5 Day Kimberley Family Safari

Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY

Daniel F. was a GREAT guide and narrator for a very WET Reverse Great Ocean Road trip we took in August. We saw everything from the stunning view of the Twelve Apostles to wild kangaroos hopping across the road to trees full of snoozing koala bears. Even a kookaburra on the rooftop of our bus as we stopped for a break. I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting the Melbourne area !

Australian Safari

Australian Safari with Fiji

Australia safari reviews.

This tour brought together a n eclectic group of travellers for a lovely 3 day outback experience. The sights, and hikes were wonderful. The accommodations in tents were good. The meals were appropriate for the convenience and weather conditions.

Fantastic tour with a knowledgeable & super efficient guide. Great group. Beautiful scenery & wildlife. Beaches & mountains spectacular. Beautiful sunrise & sunsets. Lovely food, plenty of variety & enough of it. Sleeping in the swag a novel experience & much more comfortable than I expected. Definitely recommend this company.

Safari Tours

• Wildlife (13)

National Park

• Uluru / Ayers Rock (7)

Regions in Australia

• Australia Northern Territory (10)
• Australian Outback (9)
• Central Australia (6)
• Red Centre (6)

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Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

An Australian wildlife tour is the highlight of any trip down under! Australia is packed with unique wildlife, with an average of 7,500 total animals calling the country home! But, did you know that 90% of animals in Australia are found nowhere else in the world? Seeing wildlife down under is truly a magical experience, and there are plenty of options to choose from, no matter where you’re visiting.

Here are the top 10 wildlife tours in Australia from our luxury travel specialists:

1. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Port Douglas, Queensland

Witness free-ranging Australian animals and even cuddle a koala at this wildlife sanctuary near the Great Barrier Reef! Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas has been named Australia’s leading environmental experience, which allows the animals to roam in their recreated wildlife habitats.

2. Pepper Bush Adventures

Scottsdale, Tasmania

If you’re looking for wildlife tours in some of Australia’s most authentic wilderness, Pepper Bush Adventures is the perfect experience for you! Explore the remote regions of Tasmania with a private guide to see elusive animals like echidnas, platypi, and quolls. In the evening, gather around a campfire to enjoy gourmet “bush tucker” fare and watch Australian wildlife wander right up to you! This is the ultimate wildlife and wilderness experience and a favorite for our clients.

3. Great Barrier Reef Tours

Cairns, Port Douglas, and Hamilton Island, Queensland

The   Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, filled with beautiful coral and unique marine life. This massive natural wonder supports an amazingly diverse ecosystem, made up of 350 different species of dazzling corals, over 1,500 species of tropical fish, 10,000 types of sponges, 125 types of sharks, and 4,000 species of mollusks. No trip to Australia is complete without snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef! Ask our Australian travel specialists about the best tour option for you.

4. Echidna Walkabout Tours

Melbourne, Victoria

What’s a better way to experience the wildlife of Australian than venturing into their natural habitat? Echidna Walkabout Tours lets you witness kangaroos, koalas, and other iconic creatures in the wild just outside of Melbourne! Read our guest post from the owner, Janine Duffy, about what it’s like to watch these fascinating animals in nature.

5. Australia Zoo

Brisbane, Queensland

You can’t get a more quintessential Australian wildlife experience than visiting the Australia Zoo and seeing Steve Irwin’s legacy firsthand. The Australia Zoo, founded by the original Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, runs one of the largest wildlife conservation programs in the world. All money raised is put back into wildlife projects and conservation efforts around Australia.

6. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Hobart, Tasmania

Witness Australian animals, including the unique Tasmanian Devil, and even interact with them at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary! The nighttime feeding tour is a favorite here at Down Under Endeavours, along with the naturally recreated environments which make the wildlife feel right at home.

7. Healesville Sanctuary

Yarra Valley, Victoria

This wildlife sanctuary is located near Melbourne in the Yarra Valley Wine Region . We can’t think of a better way to spend a day than sampling delicious wines and finishing with some close-up animal encounters! See koalas, kangaroos, and dingos, as well as lesser-known animals like the pygmy possum or barking owl. Healesville Sanctuary offers some fabulous unique wildlife tours, like hand-feeding kangaroos or wading with the platypus! These experiences are reserved for a small number of guests for the animals’ well-being, and they are very popular, so be sure to book well in advance.

8. Kangas and Kanapes

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Located on Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge offers a number of unforgettable wildlife tours as part of its signature experiences. One of our favorites is the Kangas and Kanapes experience, otherwise known as Roos and Booze! Drive out to a secret local spot where wild kangaroos come to graze, enjoying a glass of premium Australian beverages and tasty “kanapes” as the sun sets on one of the world’s most beautiful islands .

9. Australian Coastal Safaris

Port Lincoln, South Australia

Want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? In Port Lincoln, one of the stops on the Great Ocean Road , you can snorkel with friendly sea lions—or, if you really want an adrenaline rush, go cage diving with Great White Sharks! The company prides itself on preserving the natural ecosystem for the animals, respecting their space and home. The experience will draw you in while the local town and its delectably fresh seafood will beg you to stay.

10. Paddle with the Platypus

Mount Field National Park, Tasmania

This tour from Tassie Bound Adventures in Tasmania offers an opportunity to slow down, spot platypi in their natural habitat, and learn about their very secretive lives. This kayaking tour guarantees a 95% chance of seeing up to 5-10 platypi—a rare opportunity since they are such shy creatures!

Are you ready to meet the wildlife in Australia ? Browse our wildlife and wilderness vacation packages online, or give us a call at 888-229-0082, and we’ll be happy to handcraft your dream adventure!

Plan your multi-day Australian Wildlife tour here...

Eye detail, Estuarine Crocodile – Kakadu National Park

HELP Nature while you Enjoy it

Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

By Author cristina garcia

Posted on Published: July 26, 2022  - Last updated: March 24, 2023

As a kid, Australia always seemed like the most exotic and faraway place I could imagine, full of bizarre and wonderful creatures. Mammals that lay eggs! The biggest sharks and crocodiles on the planet! Huge flightless birds who could disembowl you with one kick! Bats as big as foxes! The world’s largest coral reef teeming with brilliant fish! Fantastic reptiles at every turn! And of course kangaroos hopping everywhere! To see everything I wanted to see my best bet was to join a safari in Australia.

Then I met Hal and he told me about all his wildlife adventures and all the Australian animals he met during his road trip in Australia . He drove through the Australian outback, to the Great Ocean road, and down to Kangaroo Island and Tasmania, visiting the incredible Cradle Mountain National Park.

It all turned out to be true. Australia truly is a wildlife watcher’s paradise. But if you don’t believe his tall tales and want to find out for yourself, dive into our list of the top wildlife tours in Australia that we’ve handpicked, and make your down under dreams come true.

A safari in Australia? Yes! How about a conservation safari in Australia ? Sign me up!

*This post is sponsored by Australian Wildlife Journeys*

Table of Contents

A quick intro to native Australian wildlife

– north queensland wildlife and conservation safari in australia –, – tasmania wildlife and wilderness tour –, – orca whales of  western australia –, – tasmanian devils and wombats. walking tour of maria island, tasmania –, –  swimming with australian sea lions and dolphins, eyre peninsula –, – east gippsland wildlife journey with echidna –, – bird tour at kangaroo island –, – swim with whale sharks and humpback whales at ningaloo reef –, –  red crab migration and birdwatching at christmas island –, – murray river safari on a houseboat, south australia –.

When you think of Australian unique wildlife you probably picture the most famous mammals of Australia, the marsupials especially the kangaroos. You probably also remember that marsupials raise their young in a pouch. Well done! Indeed virtually every native land mammal on the Australian continent is a marsupial, excepting some rodents and bats. (We’ll save the debate about whether dingoes should be considered native for another day!)  

The radiation of marsupial life here is truly astonishing, filling every ecological niche imaginable, from wombats, to koalas, to the Tasmanian devil (an endangered species), and 80 percent of them are found nowhere else on Earth. Stranger still are the egg-laying mammals, the monotremes, represented by two of the world’s most fascinating creatures, the echidnas, and the duck-billed platypus. Mammal lovers, prepare to have your vision of the world turned on its head.

Birders are in for an even bigger kick in the life-list with more than 800 species, nearly half of which are endemic. From penguins to parrots, and cassowaries to kookaburras, some of the planets most beautiful and entertaining birds call Australia home. If you want to see parrots, check out our post about Australian parrots for a list of tours that will take you to see these wonderful birds.

Add to that, more reptile species than any other nation (including the world’s largest: the saltwater crocodile) and you can see why any stroll from tropical rainforest to the driest desert is likely to turn up surprising wildlife sightings. 

For those who prefer to peer under the waves, you’ve come to the right place. Australia’s waters host more than 5,000 species of fish, including more half the world’s sharks and ray species. Want to swim with whale sharks, dolphins, Australian sea lions or humpbacks? From the Great Barrier Reef to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia has got you covered.

Ready for the Australian wildlife adventure of a lifetime? Here are a few wildlife tours in Australia that you’ll never forget. Have a trip of a lifetime!

Venturing into North Queensland is like stepping back in time. It is home to the Daintree rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. At an estimated 180 million years old, it is thought to be the site where songbirds first evolved. It’s also right next door to the world’s largest coral reef system, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. It is the perfect place for a safari in Australia and visit one of the tropical rainforests down under.

FNQ Nature Tours specializes in immersive Queensland wildlife tours, conservation tours, and wildlife photography tours of this incredible destination.  

During their 4-day Wildlife and Conservation Safari , guests not only have the opportunity to experience the magic of Daintree and its remote places, but can actively help to conserve it. Through special partnerships nurtured by FNQ Nature Tours over the years, guests will participate in citizen science data collection.  

Guests get to be citizen scientists for a morning as they join researchers of the Australian Quoll Conservancy on a behind-the-scenes tour to locations restricted to the general public while they search for evidence of spotted-tailed quolls .

Then head deep into the forest on a Daintree River safari for some iconic Australian wildlife. Spot saltwater crocodiles (the largest living reptile) in their natural environment, as you navigate down river. To minimize your impact on the ecosystem the boat runs on solar! No engine noise and no stinky fumes that would otherwise upset the wildlife you came here to see.  

Round out the journey with a night safari in Australia and a visit to the Curtain Fig, one of the largest trees in North Queensland. Still want more? How about an option to visit the Great Barrier Reef to swim in pristine coral reefs to put the icing on top of this well-thought-out tour!  

Some of the local wildlife you may spot on their natural habitat in this tour include cassowary , platypus , water dragon , red-legged pademelon , sugar glider , ringtail possum , agile wallaby , green tree snake , Boyd’s forest dragon , lace monitor , Australian scrub python , Orange-thighed tree frog , dainty tree frog , azure kingfisher , wompoo fruit-dove , blue-winged kookaburra , white-lipped tree frog , chestnut-breasted mannikin , red-backed fairy wren , and others.

Fun fact: Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers!

Premier Travel Tasmania offers several different trips to Tasmania, from wildlife tours to historic Tasmania, to Tasmanian luxury getaways. And always in small groups.

The 5-day Wildlife of Tasmania tour starts with a bang. Your first outing is a ‘behind the scenes’ night tour of Bonorong Sanctuary and their work rescuing and rehabilitating endemic Tasmania wildlife. Some of the characters you might meet during this immersive experience include  Tasmanian devils and eastern quolls . 

Another favorite of this trip to this South Australia location is an evening spent with another Tasmanian native animal, the little penguins ! You’ll visit a colony of the world’s smallest penguin, the little penguin (also called fairy penguins) on private land on a guided walk. 

Along the way you’ll see St. Columba Falls, the highest waterfalls in Tasmania, and take a boat cruise along the Freycinet National Park coastline. Explore pristine beaches only accessibly by boat, like Cooks and Bryan, and enjoy a full day hike that will take you bring you face to face with the Tasmanian wilderness. 

Tasmanian birds typically seen on this adventure are Short-tailed   shearwater ,  green rosella , Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle , pink robin ,  yellow wattlebird , and many others.

The journey includes a day trip to Maria Island where wombats , Tasmanian pademelons , forester kangaroos , and Cape Barren geese are the protagonists. Interested in a multi-day hiking tour of Maria Island? Check out the walking tour below!

Premier Travel Tasmania contributes to the Tasmanian devil’s plight. This includes a donation to the ‘Save the Devil program’ for every party that joins the tour.

Just a five-hour drive southeast of Perth, in south Western Australia, Bremer Canyon brings you the best best chance for orca whale sightings. Naturaliste Charters have an 8h orca whale expedition  to see these incredible predators. They have been lucky enough (even if it can be gruesome) to witness successful whale hunts. 

Bremer Canyon is a 1.5h catamaran journey from Bremer Bay, and every January to April, over 100 killer whales return to this underwater canyon, and it is almost guaranteed to see them every day. Orcas in this area are very friendly and like to investigate boats by swimming around the bow. Marine biologists on board will interpret orca whale behavior and interactions with other marine species. The goal of the tour is for visitors to leave more knowledgeable about these apex predators than before the tour.

One way that tourists can give back is by becoming scientists for a day for Project Orca. Imagery that travelers take, be it dorsal fin shots or eye patches, can be used by researchers that create catalogs to monitor populations and to understand wildlife movements. 

An exciting addition to these tours is acoustic monitoring where you’ll be able to listen to different pods. This information is used by scientists to identify different pods and their movements. 

Other wildlife that can be spotted during the outings: sperm whales , oceanic sunfish ,  long-finned pilot whales , giant squid ,  pigmy whales, and the rarer beaked whales or blue whales . If it’s your lucky day, you might even come up close and personal with pods of striped , bottlenose dolphins . Can also spot different species of sharks including great white sharks , whaler shark  and blue shark . You’ll soon see that whale watching in Australia is incredible.

Pelagic bird enthusiasts will have the pleasure to see Indian Yellow-nosed albatross , petrel , flesh-footed shearwater and wandering albatross taking advantage of any scraps that the killer whales left behind from their hunting expedition.

There are a few reasons why you should visit Maria Island in the winter. Firstly, there are fewer visitors this time of year so you and your party may be the only humans around. Perfect for a Maria Island walk with expert guides.

Secondly, winter months (June, July, and August) are when wildlife viewing gets really exciting on Maria Island as native wildlife is busy. Tasmanian devils emerge from their dens, wombats are accompanied by their joeys, the gorgeous Cape Barren geese are busy building their nests, and Tasmanian native hens are having disputes over their territories. It is truly a paradise for wildlife travelers. 

Over the past 20 years, The Maria Island Walk tour company, have been guiding people through this small island off Tasmania sharing the history, wildlife, and culture of this place with travelers from around the world and earning numerous awards. Their commitment to wildlife and sustainability shows in every detail of their trips.

For example, they avoid single-use items like plastic water bottles, they treat their used water on site, and their organic waste is all locally composted. They also pick up any litter they find during their trips encouraging guests to join them. They’ve donated more than $10,000 to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy to plant trees for the endangered swift parrot (there are fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild).

During your 3-day  Maria Island Winter Escape , you’ll experience different northern Maria Island walks. Since this is one of their small group tours (maximum 8 guests) you’ll be able to choose which nature trail you’d like to take that day. 

For example, on one day you’ll be able to choose between gentle walks or a strenuous hike. The first follows Reservoir Circuit or Oast House Circuit for great opportunities for marsupial encounters. The latter will take you on an 11-mile hike to the towering peaks of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk to enjoy the views. This is the beauty of this safari package, you get to choose each day!

The last full day is reserved for a grassland visit to watch kangaroos,   Bennett’s   wallabies , Cape Barren geese , and the gorgeous flame robin .

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear stories from your guides and other travelers while enjoying candle-lit dinners, Tasmanian produce, and fine wines. 

A great addition to your Adelaide-based adventures, the 3-day Eyre Peninsula and Ocean encounters  with Australian Coastal Safaris tour offers the best of land-based and water-based adventures.

On one hand, you have the incredible experience of swimming with playful Australian sea lions at a spot just off Jones Island. Australian sea lions are very inquisitive, and they love to study swimmers. After this, you’ll be taken to deeper waters to search for dolphins and you’ll get to get in the water with them. Remember that dolphins are wild animals and very powerful predators and we should always stop the urge to reach out to touch them.

And the other hand you have 2 days to explore iconic national parks like Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park.

A visit to the Big Swamp Wetland brings sightings of many duck species, like grey teal ducks , pink-eared ducks , chestnut teal ducks , musk ducks , and black swans .

During your visit to Coffin Bay National Park, you’ll be busy trying to spot some of the 150 species of birds, 11 species of terrestrial mammals, 20 species of lizards, 12 species of marine mammals, and six species of snakes.

The 70,000 acres of Lincoln National Park offer rugged cliffs, secluded coves, white sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and scenic offshore islands. On the southern side of the park, you’ll find the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes. This national park is one of the many natural wonders in Australia.

Spot osprey , white-bellied sea-eagles , swamp harriers , and whistling kites along the rugged cliffs, and along the more sheltered coves you’ll find Australian pipits , striated pardalotes , dusky woodswallows , western yellow robins , and blue breasted wrens .

Other wildlife spotted in this tour are numerous skinks , Rosenberg’s goanna , dragon lizards , swamp harrier , Australasian shoveler , eastern curlew ,  long-nosed fur seals , and  bottlenose dolphins .

If you ever wanted to learn how oyster farming works, this is your chance as this 3-day tour includes an outing with a local oyster farmer where you’ll get to learn all bout oyster farming and do some oyster tasting.

Stroll around Mikkira Station, home of the only wild koala colony near Port Lincoln. Mikkira Station is a private property where the manna gum trees are stunted. The leaves of these trees are the koala’s favorite so you’ll get to have close encounters with them as they’ll often be feeding at head height or just above your head. Western grey kangaroos and emus are also the wildlife highlight together with wood sandpiper , Australasian shoveler , eastern curlew , diamond firetail , and scarlet robin .

Add an extra day to your tour and visit the Neptune Islands where you can observe great white sharks from a cage. During the day outing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot white-bellied sea eagles, Australian sea lions, long-nosed fur seals, and occasionally pilot, blue, or southern right whales during the winter season.

Janine is a bit of a celebrity in the wildlife tourism world. She founded Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours 30 years ago with her partner Roger and they’ve been studying Australian wildlife and leading wildlife tours together ever since. Their commitment to responsible wildlife tourism was recognized by the tourism community when they won gold at the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards. They also went the extra mile by founding the  Koala Clancy Foundation  and, with the help of some generous landowners, they started restoring land for the wild koala population by planting native trees. (73,000 trees planted since 2016!)

Now you can join them on their East Gippsland Wildlife Journey  and learn about the magnificent wildlife and diverse landscapes of the region. 

This 4-day trip east of Melbourne takes you through the RAMSAR wetlands of the Lake District. It’s in this area of lush eucalypt forests where you’ll be rewarded with iconic Australian wildlife like koalas , kangaroos , echidnas , Australian   parrots , and honeyeaters . During this outing, you’ll help record wildlife species sightings for scientific purposes. 

The rest of the trip is spent in Giant Alpine Ash forests and woodlands, the perfect habitat for spotting gliders , visiting a complex dune system, and learning about how Aboriginal people have lived in this ancient landscape for thousands of years at Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place, an Aboriginal Learning Center. 

Along the way, the group will also help recover discarded fishing nets from the beaches. 

A biodiversity-rich area, some species that you might encounter are  platypus , dingos , dunnarts , quolls , diamond pythons , flying foxes , galahs , king parrots ,  wallabies , wombats , bandicoots , rosellas , and lace monitor . 

One of the magnificent birds you’ll spot on this trip is the Superb Lyrebird , known for its incredible mimicry skills and for sounding just like R2D2! 

Kangaroo Island is the third largest Australian island and is just southwest of Adelaide. Over a third of the island is protected and its diverse geology, weather, and landscape make it a haven for a wide range of wildlife. In fact, you could spot more than 260 species of birds! This is why Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to book a private birding tour with Exceptional Kangaroo Island. 

A bird tour in Kangaroo Island is slow and immersive. While many visitors rush to get to Flinders Chase National Park and its exceptional rock formations (like the famous Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite covered Admirals Arch), your group will also stop and observe other wildlife you spot during the drive.

Since this is a private tour, this can always be fine-tuned to your interests. There are good chances to see Kangaroo Island kangaroos , tammar wallabies , and short-beaked echidnas during the drives to different birding locations.

At Remarkable Rocks it’s time to pull your binoculars out and scan for Australian kestrels , southern emu-wrens , tawny-crowned honeyeaters , white-bellied whipbirds . 

At Admiral’s Arch you can visit with  Australian ravens , Pacific gulls  ,  sooty oystercatchers , crested terns , and a long-nosed fur-seal colony.

One of the stars of this tour is the glossy black-cockatoo . Not to mention  galahs , little corellas , and grey currawongs . You’ll take a boat ride to a conservation area to observe protected bird colonies of  white-bellied sea-eagles , royal spoonbills , and Australian pelicans .

During your journey you’ll have the opportunity to take a private tour among Australian Sea lions at Seal Bay, taking your time to watch sea lion behavior and learn about their biology from your guides. You might also encounter caspian and crested terns , hooded plovers , sooty oystercatchers ,  eastern ospreys, and pied cormorants .

This private tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about the natural history of the island from your knowledgeable guide and also enjoy delicious meals in gorgeous surroundings, like a picnic on a clifftop or a seafood barbecue. If you are used to the luxury safaris offered in Southern Africa you won’t be disappointed!

If you find yourself in Western Australia, a visit to Ningaloo reef is in order. Ningaloo Marine Park protects 1.5 million acres along the coast of Exmouth peninsula, including the Ningaloo reef. The reef is just a few meters from the shore and easily accessible. Visitors to this marine park can swim with  whale sharks , turtles , manta rays , and even humpback whales in their natural habitat. 

Every year around 30-40,000 humpback whales migrate to the area from Antarctica from June to late October. It is then when they bring their calves to the feeding grounds. An opportunity to not only witness this wonderful wildlife spectacle but to be in the water with them is life-changing. This is one of the reasons why whale watching in Australia is one of the best in the world.

A full-day trip with Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks will take you on a swim with humpback whales outing of a lifetime. The boat has a special license to approach the whales within a distance of 250 ft. This is where the boat stops and snorkelers are allowed in the water. An expert crew will guide you through the experience and will advise you on the proper behavior around these incredible animals. 

While these tours are not a multi-day event, you can do a few of these and swim with whale sharks, swim with humpbacks, and spot manta rays and sea turtles during the same trip while you are based in the area. 

Timing is everything though. Whale sharks are in the area from March to August, humpback whale trips run from mid-July to late October, and manta rays are found cruising along the reef between April and November. Book your trip during the best time to see your favorite marine species.

Other marine life seen during these outings is  spinner dolphin , dugong , Australian humpback dolphin , parrotfish , butterfly fish , damselfish , potato cod , coral trout , black-tip reef shark , and others.

If you are a diver take a look at their diving trips. On one of their recent outings,  they spotted a rare Czeblukov’s sea snake ! 

Christmas Island’s red crab migration is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth. During October-November, with the arrival of the first rains, millions of red crabs leave their homes in the forest and make their way through the forest and to the ocean to breed. 

Here’s a tip: the crab migration only lasts a few days (a couple of days on their way to the ocean, and a couple of days on their way back to the forest) so try adding a birdwatching tour and snorkeling trip during red crab migration to round out your wildlife experience!

With over 60% of the island covered by Christmas Island National Park, the island is famous not only for its red crabs but for its fantastic bird-watching opportunities and snorkeling. 

Indian Ocean Experiences offer a  birdwatching tour on Christmas Island that combine two or more of these unique experiences. 

Christmas Island is home to one of the world’s most famous rookeries, where 80,000 sea birds nest every year. This is your only opportunity to see Christmas Island frigate birds and the endemic  Abbott’s booby . They spend most of their lives hunting at sea and Christmas Island is the only place where they nest. The colony supports about 3,000 birds. 

Other birds that you’ll spot during your tour are Christmas Island hawk owl , Christmas Island emerald dove , brown booby , common noddy , red-footed booby , golden bosun , nankeen kestrel , sacred kingfisher , red-tailed tropicbird , Christmas Island white-eye , Christmas Island thrush , Christmas Island imperial pigeon , and  Christmas Island goshawk. 

Snorkel in the newly proclaimed Christmas Island Marine Park habitat protection zone where whale sharks , turtles , manta rays , spinner dolphins , coral reef species, oceanic fish, and a vast array of seabirds call this magical place home. Find your next favorite deserted beach!

Fun fact! Did you know that there are bioluminescent fungi on Christmas Island?

Join this multi-activity 3-day river safari on Australia’s longest river. The Murray River winds its way across the dry outback transforming the arid landscape into an oasis of lakes, floodplains, billabongs, islands, ancient red gum forests, wetlands, and riverine forests. And it’s full of incredible wildlife. Incredible that this oasis is so close to Adelaide.

Living on a river doesn’t mean roughing it, as during your Murray River Safari  you’ll be staying on a luxury houseboat where you can enjoy nature from your comfortable room during your downtime. Alternatively, enjoy the river from the hot tub on the top deck. Watch the dark night sky, marvel at the river sunset, enjoy luxury meals with your fellow travelers, and share stories while sipping on local wines. 

Your houseboat is perfect for a wildlife cruise . As a small capacity boat housing no more than ten people, you’ll enjoy 2 bathrooms with hot showers, a spacious lounge and a modern kitchen. The river safari with Murray River Trails follows the Leave no Trace approach as no waste is dumped in the river and no infrastructure has been built in the river. And since you are on a houseboat with a luxury lodge feel, your sunset tour is included.

After boarding the luxury pontoon cruiser your guides will teach you about the river system and the history of the area. After lunch, a cliff walk with an expert guide will take you higher up to marvel at the views of the river and its forests, and will be a great opportunity to spot some rainbow bee-eaters as they nest in the sand dunes and cliffs.  

Dinner doesn’t mean the day is over, as you’ll get to experience a guided night walk to spot tawny frogmouths  and brush-tailed possums  and listen to the different frog species that live in the floodplain. This is one of the many authentic experiences you’ll have during your Australian safari.

Your second day on safari involves a nature drive along the ephemeral lakes to enjoy some birdwatching. Some bird species you might spot are white-winged fairy-wrens , black swans , sharp-tailed sandpipers , white-winged trillers , Australian pelican , red-capped robin ,  bluebonnets , emus ,  pied stilts , red-necked avocets , and raptors. Also, you’ll have opportunities to spot red kangaroos , koalas , and short-beaked echidnas . 

Your last day will take you on a guided canoe trip on the Riverland Ramsar river system where you’ll explore the backwater and small creeks while listening to the sounds of this natural system. Spot western grey kangaroos , lace monitors , and yellow rosellas . 

As a farewell to the river, lunch is served on the top deck of the houseboat during the last leisure cruise. 

In 2020, Murray River Trails founded the Murray River Trails Fund , a sub-fund of the Australian Communities Foundation . The Fund provides grants to registered charities that work on projects to improve the health of the river floodplain; improve biodiversity; and  inspire people to care for the river system. You can donate here . 

As you’ve seen there are plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife in Australia. Joining an Australian wildlife tour is the way to go as they know where the animals are, their behavior, and ecology, and will also show you the many different ways you can help native animals during your travels. 

Have you chosen one Australian wildlife tour yet for your future trip? What’s you next safari adventure?

Cristina Garcia

Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles , a non-profit sea turtle conservation organization.

Read her posts at Travel For Wildlife and see more of her work at Truly Wild , & Our Wild Yard .

Privacy Overview

Outback 3 Day Tour

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE CUSTOMISED BASED ON CLIENT PREFERENCE & COMFORTABILITY.

Bushcraft survival.

• PRIMITIVE FIRE MAKING

Make fire from your surroundings. Teaching both the bow drill and bamboo fire saw method, become the master of fire with this lifelong skill set that could one day save your life.

There are essentially two different types of fire making which I teach which can be used in a range of habitat types. Identifying the correct wood types to use is a critical step in the fire making process. Collecting the appropriate tinder and developing the wood style kit are the next fundamental steps before the correct technique is mastered.

The Fire Drill kit is an ancient method of starting fire without matches or a lighter, a method that applies friction  to generate heat. The heat eventually produces an ember in the burnt sawdust. Once the ember is formed it is carefully placed into a “tinder bundle”. Once the ember is in the tinder bundle it is then carefully nurtured and coaxed into flame.

The Bamboo Fire Saw is another method that incorporates a piece of wood being passed horizontally over a vertical wooden beam member, a small slither is made in the centre of the horizontal hand piece which incorporates a small hole which allows sawdust to build in a hollowed cavity, once again a ember is formed and carefully placed into a tinder bundle.

• WATER PURIFICATION

Prepare water safely for consumption. Teaching methods of purifying water include using natural filters and current innovative technology.

There are a number of potential dangerous agents which may be present in water including; E.Coli, Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green algae) & Fecal Coliforms which can be potentially harmful to the human body in even small concentrations, learning water purification is a survival must.

Utilizing water for consumption in a survival situation is the difference between life and death. There is however a number of steps which need to be taken before water can be safely consumed.

There are now new technologies which allow water to be treated easily using microbial incorporated filters such as the Katadyn and Lifestraw devices both of which will be used throughout the program.

However other alternatives may need to be used when such devices are not readably available, such as cans, bowls, shirts, socks, pants and a combination of natural elements such as sand and coal to help in water purification.

• SHELTER MAKING

Create traditional shelters using the natural resources around you, from the development of cordage to the use of waterproofing Paper bark.

Learn how to make a shelter from a number of natural resources, different shelters are designed around different landscapes and climatic considerations.

There are a number of natural forming shelters which can be found in the Australian Outback, from cave formations and escarpment outcrops to large debris piles accumulated from the effects of flooding.

There are however a number of shelters which can be built in a relative short amount of time, these may include grass, palm, bamboo and paperbark shelters.

Identifying which materials can be utilized and how natural cordage can be used to help structure a shelter is part of the learning procedure. Understanding the properties of certain materials and there benefits will further define how else the natural resources may be used, E.g. Paperbark is a waterproof material which can also be used for bedding as well as canoe construction.

• INDIGENOUS COOKING

There are a number of cooking methods which can be used including the cooking of food items on coals and the creation of a bush oven for longer standing meat preparation.

There are a number of different cooking styles including baking food items on hot coals to creating bush ovens to cook meat. The different apparatus style depends on the species of animal which is being prepared for consumption. This program will incorporate one or more traditional forms of game preparation.

• BUSH TUCKER

The Northern Territory has a number of edible food plants, learning how to identify products and prepare them for consumption is an element of survival training.

There are many types of Bush tucker foods found throughout the Top End some of these include tubers, yams, berries, fruits, seeds, sugarbag honey and insect larvae. A knowledge of knowing where to find these staples is just half of the effort, the second half is about knowing the correct procedures involved in there preparation.

Australia has many edible food plants however there are just as many which are noxious and can be fatal if consumed. The indigenous guide will detail information on identifying species and there nutritional/dietary benefits, there are also many species which are used for self-medication for cramps and colds.

The program will identify several species which can be collected and consumed.

The ability to track is a skill that can be used in every natural environment around the world, identifying species occurrence and movements allows you to an edge in the environment you are surviving in.

The techniques involved in effective tracking can be taught at a basic level, fundamental aspects of tracking involve identifying individual species based on a number of signs particularly scats, diggings, burrows, footprints and other forms of bioturbation.

Tracking is an essential tool used in hunting prey items; it helps to determine the strategies which may be used to finally capture your target species.

Tracking can also help individuals in survival situations, knowing that certain species of animals will only move a certain distance from water this for example could be used to help in your navigation towards a water source. eg. identifying water buffalo tracks in the scrub.

Identifying scats is also of importance, identifying the seeds of edible food plants in animal scats such as blackberry seeds in Dingo droppings can once again educate you on some of the consumable species which may aid in a survival situation, let alone the species which may also be hunted down.

• GAME PREPARATION

From the coals to the fire every cooking technique is different depending on the game you have caught.

FISHING CHARTER

The Finniss River has an abundance of fishing opportunities, with a number of secret spots lining the pristine river banks casting your dream barramundi is only a gulp away. Other known species of fish that we often catch include Black Bream, Catfish, Tarpon and Saratoga.

Australian Wild Tours is partnered with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) shark tagging program which uses tagging data from captured species to determine biological and ecological factors affecting population and distribution dynamics.

Australian Wild Tours encourages sustainable fishing practices and promotes key conservation initiatives in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

MORE INFO here

MUD CRABBING

The Finniss River is the perfect location to cast a crab pot. The banks are lined with Mud Crab holes which are easy to access on the low tide for the adventurous type that doesn’t mind getting a little dirty .

PERSISTENCE HUNTING

Join me on a persistence hunt which will see me test my skill, speed and endurance against one of the Territories most iconic swamp ambassadors, the Wild Boar. Following from a safe distance I’ll teach you the secrets of tracking and stalking this secretive species.

Learning how to dispatch, clean, skin and prepare the animal for consumption is a vital part of survival, this activity is optional and available for those who want to learn the process of meat preparation & consumption.

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Wild About Wildlife

From: $10,745 USD

Duration: 18 days/17 nights

Type: Groups, Private Charter, Shared.

Departs: Saturdays from Melbourne

Please note the price above is per person, based on 2 travellers and does not include airfares.

This journey is a mix of australia's ultimate marine and terrestrial wildlife safari experiences. be mesmerised by snorkelling the great barrier reef, swimming with australian sea-lions on the eyre peninsula, exploring the oldest rainforest in the world at the daintree, venturing across the stunning east gippsland region and live it up in cosmopolitan sydney and melbourne  , experience a daintree national park nocturnal walk and river cruise including crocodile spotting and birdwatching, along with a snorkel on the great barrier reef., explore lincoln and coffin bay national parks and swim with adorable australian sea-lions and bottlenose dolphins. travel along the incredible east gippsland region to see abundant marsupials, rainforests, alpine regions, estuaries and over 400 bird species., go on a nocturnal spotlighting tour in the southern highlands outside of sydney for iconic marsupials including wombats, possums and gliders. .

Enquire about this trip

Tour day-by-day

Melbourne & East Gippsland

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne, transfer to your accommodation for the next three nights.

Day 2: At your leisure to explore the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. The many attractions of the city vary from the spectacular parklands and gardens that surround the city, to the museums and festivals that are a continuing part of the city life. Excellent restaurants are on every corner and cater to every taste in the world.

Day 3: Today embark on your privately guided Wildlife Journey with Echidna Walkabout. Travel past internationally acclaimed RAMSAR wetlands of the Lakes District of East Gippsland before traveling by ferry to an island sanctuary in the wetlands with a thriving colony of wild Koalas. Take a walk through the forest spotting these delightful animals in the wild, and learning about their lives. You may also see Echidnas, Wallabies and Kangaroos and many colorful parrots, honeyeaters and seabirds which you can help record for conservation purposes. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant and your accommodation is a homestead in a small town, such as Snowy River Homestead, Orbost, or similar. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 4:  After a relaxing breakfast, travel into the rugged mountain forests of East Gippsland. The diverse forests of this area are the reason that wildlife is so abundant and the tour will visit both dry and wet mountain forests. Visit the famous Snowy River, and walk beside a wilderness creek where the landscape changes dramatically from the sunny, dry slopes to the near-rainforest of the gully. Your wildlife guide provides detailed information of the formation of these mighty forests, and helps you search for lyrebirds, parrots, goannas, wallabies and honeyeaters. Birds and reptiles are abundant, but other human visitors are few. Finish the day with a classic Aussie dinner at the Homestead. Three meals are included today.

Snowy River & Surrounds

Day 5:  Today we start with a walk into a large lowland (warm temperate) rainforest in search of birds, Platypus and Swamp Wallabies. Then walk through a heathland and along a forest-lined river – this area abuts a burnt area, so wildlife surveys here are particularly important. Search for White-bellied Sea Eagles, Hooded Plovers, Gang-gang cockatoos, Turquoise Parrots, Azure Kingfishers and Jacky Lizards.

Visit a quiet beach with a complex dune system and frequently see beach and ocean-going birds, and Australian Fur-seals. After lunch, take a walk on the nearby rocky headland, peering into rock pools, walking past wind-sculpted coastal shrubs looking at the expanse of the 90 mile beach. Spend a little time on a beautiful beach removing old fishing nets or rubbish – they wash up from the sea, and sometimes wash back out, where they trap and kill sea creatures.

Dinner tonight is a picnic in the bush overlooking the beach (weather permitting). On the way back to the Homestead, search the plains for Red-necked Wallabies, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Bare-nosed (Common) Wombats. Three meals are included today.

Day 6: Depart East Gippsland after one last visit to the beach at the Mouth of the Snowy River. On the return to Melbourne, visit the Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place, an informative Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Bairnsdale. Also search for Grey-headed Flying-foxes in their daytime roosts beside the river at Bairnsdale (a large colony set up there in 2013, and at the time of writing provide great viewing opportunities. They may move on at any time though). Transfer back to Melbourne arriving in the late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 7: This morning, transfer to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Adelaide, where you will stay for the night.

Port Lincoln & Baird Bay

Day 8:  An early start as you fly to Port Lincoln, where your Australian Coastal Safaris guide will greet you at the airport on your arrival. The first day of touring takes you to Big Swamp Wetland, a unique habitat for many documented rare wildlife, bird species, threatened plant species, fresh water tortoise, native fish and invertebrates. Next, head to Coffin Bay, an area of outstanding beauty, world famous oysters and home to a variety of important species of flora and fauna.

Join a local oyster fisherman and take a cruise to Brothers island and learn the process of farming oysters. After a seafood lunch you will visit Coffin Bay National Park where there are many species of birds, terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, lizards, snakes and amphibians. At the end of the day you will be transferred to your hotel in Port Lincoln.

Day 9:  This morning after breakfast, you will be picked up for the road trip to Baird Bay, with plenty of stops along the way for coastal views. You will join an unforgettable ocean experience - take a short cruise aboard a 14-seater vessel to where you will swim with the Australian sea lions off Jones Island. Eyre Peninsula is one of 2 places one earth where you can swim with sea lions, the other being the Galapagos. Next you will have a chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins as you head further out into deeper water. Lunch will be back in Baird Bay, and in the afternoon, head back to Port Lincoln making a few stops along the way. 

Lincoln National Park

Day 10: This morning, view waders, swans and sea birds from the Bird Hide at the small coastal hamlet of Tulka. Next, visit the Port Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs provide an opportunity to view osprey and white-bellied sea eagles. At Taylors Landing, lunch will be provided along with more opportunities to stop and watch the birdlife. In the National Park, walk or beachcomb along Surfleet Cove, take a 45-minute hike to see spectacular views of Boston Bay, Port Lincoln and the Port Lincoln National Park or walk along the rocks underneath the Cape Donnington Lighthouse.

This afternoon, visit the beautiful Mikkira Station to see koalas in the wild. Relax in the restored original homestead or go for a stroll under the beautiful old eucalypt trees in search of native animals. As the sun sets for the evening, relax with a platter of local produce and wine and listen to the sounds of nature, before transferring back to your accommodation.

Day 11: Today, transfer to the Port Lincoln airport for your return to Adelaide and another overnight stay.

Day 12: Transfer to Adelaide airport for your flight to Cairns, where you will stay for the next three nights.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Day 13: Today enjoy a full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises, visiting Normanby Island in the beautiful Frankland Islands National Park Island group. Here you will see vibrant fringing reefs and a vast array of marine species, including beautiful hard and soft corals, turtles and a huge variety of fish, including the ever-popular Ocellaris Clownfish (Nemo) found in two rare jewel-blue anemones.

Normanby Island provides some of the best snorkelling of all the islands near Cairns, with exceptional water quality and visibility aided by the island's unique geographic location and cool water channels surrounding the area. Commencing with a scenic 30-minute cruise down the Mulgrave River lined by verdant rainforest and mangroves supporting abundant bird species and Saltwater Crocodiles, the Turtle Islander vessel ventures out to the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples. This archipelago is located only 10 kilometres offshore, being the shortest sea crossing of any Great Barrier Reef day trip.

Choose from a range of optional activities with marine biologists, including a snorkel safari, island guided walk and semi-submarine experience.

Daintree National Park

Day 14: This afternoon, experience the Daintree Twilight tour. Experience the magical views of the Great Barrier Reef Drive and observe the changes in habitat diversity as the tour ventures into the Daintree Tropical Rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River spotting wildlife on a quiet, clean solar electric boat with zero environmental impact.

Dining in the evening Rainforest is an experience not to miss! Then enjoy a nocturnal wildlife tour - much of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid the heat of the day in the tropical climate. Perhaps the most unique part of this experience is to observe nocturnal wildlife in the Wet Tropics. Return to Cairns later evening.

Day 15: Transfer to the airport for you flight to Sydney, your base for the next three nights.

Sydney & Southern Highlands

Day 16: Depart Sydney early morning for the 90-minute drive to the historic town of Berrima. Take time to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquillity of this colonial township before heading to Fitzroy Falls to visit a local farm. Red leaf Farm is true Australian farming at a grass roots level complete with chicken caravan, Highland Cattle, horses, wolfhounds and their stunning Railway Carriage accommodation conversions. See waterfalls, flying foxes or swim in billabongs if it's warm enough.

Enjoy a true Australian farm adventure with country style morning tea by the farms private billabong with billy tea, damper or homemade muffins. From Red Leaf farm, transfer to Nature Experience where you will do some bushwalking and enjoy some magnificent views over the valley and waterfall. Have lunch at the Burrawang General Store which prepares and serves a high quality and innovative menu with an emphasis on local produce. After lunch, visit Tertini Wines, ending the day with tasting and a cheese platter before heading back to Sydney.

Day 17: At your leisure to explore the city of Sydney. The sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour and stunning skyline is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. What is surprising is the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities at Sydney’s doorstep.

Sydney has more marine species than any other harbour in the world and is a prime location to observe the incredible Humpback Whale migration each year from May to November. Heath-covered headlands, dramatic clifftops, scenic beaches, historic sites and outstanding panoramas of Sydney’s skyline abound at North Head Sanctuary and adjoining Sydney Harbour National Park. 

Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks

Day 18: Today you will transfer to Sydney airport for your departing flight. 

Terms & Conditions *Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Price  excludes all airfares.  Add domestic flights MEL-ADL-PLO-ADL-CNS-SYD from US$1160pp. Travel  may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability and only available on certain days of the week. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. CST #2012413-20 See our full  Terms and Conditions .

Why Swain Destinations?

Swain Destinations customizes each itinerary based on your travel style and needs. With over 35 years of travel planning experience, you can be assured you will receive personalized service, our insider knowledge and access to off-the-beaten-path experiences that will create lasting memories.

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Swain Destinations is a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), representing our commitment to our travelers and travel partners as a responsible travel company.

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Sea Dragon Lodge and Villas, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Australia’s best wildlife experiences

With animals found nowhere else on Earth, Australia’s wildlife encounters are always one of a kind.

By  Allie Metz

Whether you’re ready to dive in or prefer to observe from the comfort of a boat, Australian waters offer an incredible array of unique marine life experiences. Turtles, colourful fish and even manta rays are common sites for snorkellers, while tour operators all over the country offer exciting eco-sensitive encounters with whales, dolphins, sea lions and whale sharks.

Swim with Australia’s marine life

From snorkelling with whale sharks to getting up close to turtles and sea lions, plenty of “pinch me” moments await in Australian waters.

Read time • 8min

Seeing a kangaroo or koala is a bucket list experience for so many visitors. And for good reason! Outside of zoos, Australia’s endemic wildlife can only be found here, making it a truly special encounter. Thankfully, it’s not as difficult as you might expect. Just head outside of urban areas for your best chance at finding a snoozing koala or bouncing kangaroo. Hot tip: ‘roos love to graze on golf courses!

Where to meet Australia's cutest animals

Come and meet the cute creatures that call Australia home.

Read time • 6min

Keen to meet some of the world’s fiercest predators? In Australia, you can get face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles and great white sharks in a controlled environment. Each experience puts you into a protective cage to be lowered into the animal’s environment. Marvel at their size and power as they swim and circle around you.

A great way to ensure you’ll get to see Australia’s iconic animals is to visit one of our incredible zoos, wildlife parks or sanctuaries. They are perfect for travellers who are short on time, families with small children or travellers with accessibility requirements. Many zoos even offer exciting wildlife encounters, giving you the chance to safely interact with a range of species much closer than you could in the wild.

Australia's best zoos and wildlife parks

From koala encounters to getting up-close to adrenaline inducing crocs; experience Australian animals at one of these top-quality zoos and sanctuaries.

Some of Australia’s wildlife can be elusive, so heading out with a guide on an outback safari gives you the best chance of spotting native animals in the wild. Your guide will also share facts about the animals and their ecosystem as you head into areas not accessible to everyone. The best part? With the keen eye of an experienced guide, you’re likely to see creatures you weren’t looking for, such as lizards, birds and smaller marsupials.

Australia's best outback stations and safaris

Experience the excitement and seclusion of rural Australia with these unforgettable outback station holidays.

Read time • 5min

The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of unique species, including colourful fish, mammals, corals and turtles. Exploring this diverse underwater world gets more exciting with each trip, and having a list of must-spot creatures just adds another layer of intrigue. From tiny clown fish to giant clams, how many of the Great Eight will you see?

Meet the Great Barrier Reef's Great Eight

Discover where to encounter the Great Barrier Reef’s Great Eight marine species.

Read time • 4min

Every year, Australia’s coasts become a highway for migrating whales. Along both the east and west coasts, pods of humpbacks head to the warmer waters of the north in winter and back to the cooler waters of the south as summer approaches. Numbers are so plentiful that many tour operators guarantee sightings. The southern coastline offers the chance to see southern right whales and orcas as they too make their annual migrations.

Whale watching in Australia

Spot southern right, dwarf minke, humpback whales and even orcas as they make their annual migration along Australia’s coasts.

Travel is a rewarding experience in itself, but it can be even more so when we endeavour to leave a place better than how we found it. Australia offers amazing opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment, like becoming a citizen scientist on the Great Barrier Reef or helping to rebuild koala habitats.

How to support Australia's wildlife

Whether you’re planning a meaningful Australian holiday or looking to make a difference from home, here’s how you can support Australia’s wildlife.

Read time • 7min

You may not associate Australia with penguins, but Victoria’s Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world. Visitors are encouraged to pocket their phones and watch in awe as the tiny seabirds emerge from the sea and waddle their way back to their burrows each night. It’s as cute as it sounds.

Guide to Phillip Island

This seaside haven boasts a host of attractions for nature-lovers and adventurers.

Outback Camp Day Tour

Australian Wild Tours are unlike any tour you will ever experience. Australian Wild Tours are an exclusive operation which have been hand crafted by Survivalist and Wildlife Expert Andrew Ucles.

• Duration: 12 Hours (approx.)

Outback Camp Over Night Tour

You haven’t experienced the Territory until you’ve slept under the stars amongst a symphony of nature’s calls in our remote and secluded piece of paradise set upon an escarpment ridgeline. A once in a lifetime adventure.

• Duration: 24 Hours (approx.)

Outback Camp 3 Day Tour

3 Day Exclusive Tours uniquely tailored by wildlife & survival expert, Andrew Ucles. An authentic & immersive journey for a maximum of four guests only. Discover, explore and ignite your fire of adventure.

• Duration: 3 Days (approx.)

Fishing Charters

Australian Wild Tours offers a daily fishing charter experience targeting some of most iconic species the Northern Territory has to offer.

• Duration: 8 Hours (approx.)

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Program: The Science Show

The Bee Babette tours Australia

• X (formerly Twitter)

What better example of combining science with the arts? Kit Predergast is an entomologist specialising in wild bees. She is also a burlesque performer. As The Bee Babette Kit presents a show delving into the anatomy and behaviour of our many species of wild bees. She’s taking her show to festivals all over Australia.

Guest Kit Prendergast - The Bee Babette Wild bee scientist Science Communicator

Presenter Robyn Williams

Producer David Fisher

Two inspirational books and new powers for Parkes dish

In this episode

Humanities strengthened at Caltech

Tree – the living world in and around a single Mountain Ash

Denver herbarium tops 100,000 specimens

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