australian wildlife tours

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Featured Wildlife Journeys

Experience australia’s premium 'wildlife in the wild' encounters, learn from expert guides that share our extraordinary landscapes, help us to create a better future for australia’s wildlife, find a tour.

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Wildlife Journeys

Aboriginal Culture & Wildlife of the Tropical North

from $14,490 AUD

13 days/12 nights - Australian Geographic Departure

take me there

North Queensland Tropical Birding Tour

from $3,325 AUD

5 days/4 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Mallee and Outback Birds of Victoria and Mungo

Mungo, NSW.

from $5,490 AUD

8 days/7 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Far North Queensland - Wildlife & Conservation Safari

from $3,250 AUD

4 days/3 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Birding & Wildlife Conservation Journey East Gippsland

East Gippsland.

from $2,412 AUD

Kakadu & Arnhem Land - Small Group Tour

Kakadu & Arnhem Land.

5 days/4 nights

Mungo Outback & Conservation Journey - Small Group Tour

from $2,995 AUD

6 days/5 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Kangaroo Island - Wildlife & Conservation

Kangaroo Island.

from $3,190 AUD

Australia's Ultimate Wildlife Adventure

East Gippsland, Sydney, Tasmania.

14 days/13 nights - Australian Geographic Departure

View our Individual Wildlife Tours Around Australia

Featured Tours

Featured tour

1 Day Birdwatching Mt Field National Park

Day tour - tasmania.

From $750 AUD

Take me there

Deluxe Whaleshark Swim

Full day - ningaloo & exmouth.

From $550 AUD

Port Lincoln Wildlife Encounters

2 days/2 nights.

From $1,470 AUD

East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

4 days/3 nights - east gippsland.

From $2,560 AUD

Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

3 days/3 nights.

From $2,300 AUD

Kangaroo Island Immersion

4 days/3 nights.

From $3,365 AUD

Flinders Chase Focus

From $596 AUD

Kakadu & Arnhem Land Photography Tour

From $6,726 AUD

Sunset Whale Watching Tour

2 hours - exmouth.

From $99 AUD

Australian wildlife Journeys

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We are dedicated to creating a better future for our wildlife with our guests through conservation actions.

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We share stories through passionate guides that bring local ecosystems to life and educate.

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We support local vendors and reinvest into our local communities, providing richer travel experiences.

Special Interest Tours

Whale Watching

The biodiverse waters of Australia are home to 30 species of whale including the largest migrations of Humpback Whales in the world. Encounter these majestic creatures across the Eastern, Southern and Western coastlines.

Conservation in Action

Participate in activities to assist with creating better habitats in the future for Australia’s wildlife including citizen science, tree planting, light weeding or beach clean-ups. Or go behind the scenes with wildlife researchers and conservationists on field trips.

Photography

Australia’s iconic landscapes, vibrant colours and diverse wildlife offerings make the country one of the great wildlife photography destinations across the globe. Join our crafted itineraries that put you in the right place at the right time to capture your dream snaps.

Birdwatching

Australia has the most endemic bird species of any country on earth and is known as the ’Land of Parrots’. Of the 828 bird species found on our continent, around 45% only found here. We invite you to pack our binoculars and explore our range of dedicated birdwatching tours.

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May 3 is Wild Koala Day: 5 Reasons We Love Seeing Koalas in the Wild

With its fluffy ears and spoon-shaped nose, the Koala is one of Australia's most adored animals. In Australia you can still see Koalas in the...

Learning about Native Fish with Kym Manning

Exploring Australia's Top End with Sab Lord of Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris

Naturaliste Charters Announces 2024 Birdwatching Departures

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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!

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

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!).

Best Australian safari vacation packages with 187 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

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

The 3 day/2 night tour of the Red Center was spectacular. Our tour guide Sheeana was amazing!!! She was so informative, full of energy the entire time, and very accommodating. We weren’t able to fully climb certain hikes, so she modified our experience. It was so good to not feel pressured to go over our physical limitations and have a guide to tell us details about everything we were seeing. The camps were beyond expectation. We aren’t really camping people, so we were nervous about what we were getting ourselves into. The private tents were comfy, the showers and toilets were not scary at all, and we had electricity to charge phones in the main common area. It was perfect for groups, couples, or individuals that aren’t heavily experienced outdoors people. We highly recommend this tour!

3 Day Kakadu Litchfield 4WD Adventure (Camping)

Excellent tour, Elliott was extremely knowledgeable and added an authentic traditional aspect to complement the natural beauty of the country, while maintaining a fun atmosphere.

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

Loved it , so many things packed into 6 days camping under the stars was great , hikes were great , tour leader was great food was great . just great !

10 Day Perth to Adelaide Adventure Tour

Had the most incredible 9 day camping trip with Amanda as our tourguide, it was the best trip ever!! We did so many amazing things such as hikes and visiting these incredible hidden beaches. The swag camping was so much fun and we had the most amazing campsites with some real aussie wildlife around us. Swimming with the dolphins and sealions in the wild is definitely the best activity you can possibly do! I only have amazing things to say about this trip and I would 10/10 recommend it to anyone. Thanks Nullarbor traveller for giving me this incredible experience!!

• In-depth Cultural

Great Ocean Road and Grampians 2 Days

Henning, our guide was amazing. First time I tried a tour like this, and wont be the last time. I think the people attracted to tours like this tend to be nicer than others. Would definitely recommend 100%.

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.

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.

Kimberley 21 Day "Nulla Nulla" 4WD Camping Safari

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

• Volunteering

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

This was an amazing trip. It's perfect if you are looking to get certified and if you are looking to support conservation efforts. I went as open water certified, looking to get my advanced open water so I had the first two days to hang out in Cairns while the open water people did their classroom training. The hostel we stayed at was really great, lots of people, decent cheap food for dinners. It's nice because you are traveling with the same people for all legs of the trip so you dont really have to worry about "strangers" in your room. Konrad was really great organizing everything and met with us prior to each leg. The live aboard was very well structured, knowledgeable staff and honestly really good food considering the limitations. The days afterward spent learning about marine conservation and doing your part helping with the efforts are definitely once in a lifetime. Russell is extremely knowledgeable and understanding in that you might not be on the marine biology path, but you want to help. I went on this trip as a single who wanted to go on a dive trip to check the box of diving the Great Barrier Reef but I definitely got a lot more out of it. The people that are involved in this trip from No Limit Adventures to Reef Teach to Eye on the Reef to the Turtle Hospital are all so passionate about their jobs and it made this trip truly a once in a lifetime experience.

5 Day Kimberley Family Safari

Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY

Excellent tour experience.

Australian Safari

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.

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

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)

Travel Styles

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• Australia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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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 .

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Ecotourism Ausralia

All our regular tours have  advanced eco-certification

Araucaria Ecotours

                    Established 1997                      

Most tours depart from Brisbane

  O ur day tours and multi-day tours:

• Seeking wild platypus, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums, fruitbats, forest birds,  wetland birds, reptiles, frogs, butterflies and other wildlife

  Learning from wildlife experts about the behaviour and ecology of our native animals: our three-day wildlfe tour in particular was desgned by zoologist Dr Ronda Green as a kind of minicourse on Australian wildlife and how it came to be so different from other world regions

• Traveling to  forests (including canopy), mountains, wetlands, beaches and the true outback
• Mostly viewing in the wild but on some tours also visiting conservation-focused wildlife parks to see rare and threatened spec ies or species we aren't likely to encounter in the wild
• Seeing a brilliant Milky Way, far from city lights, on our multi-day tours
• Viewing a magical 'starry sky' of glow worms on our wildlife day tour, in a cave with night and day reversed so we can see them without waiting for nightall
• Local foods and wines
• Joining citizen science and conservation projects
• Safe, comfortable travel

  Nature education activities on weekend camps

• Introduction to bird-watching and bird behaviour, the natural history of Southeast Queensland (especially the Scenic Rim) or local plant identification (all ages, mostly from 12 to 80's plus)
• Children's nature-education games, arts and crafts, and nature observation walks (mostly for ages 5-12)
• How to be a field ecologist (mostly for ages 12-16)
• Come for the day, spend the weekend camping next to the Araucaria property, or stay in one of the many accommodation options in the Scenic Rim
• Hire us to conduct activities in other locatons (talks, excursions, nature games, fauna surveys)
• Details of nature education weekends here

 For more information on our tours:

Visit Day tours  for details of our bird-watching day-tour to forests and wetlands;  our wildlife and forests day tour which visits rainforest, eucalypt forest and tea-tree woodlands seeking birds, koalas, kangaroos and other species plus a cave where glow worms shine during the day thanks to day-into-night cave lightjng; and Coochie-mudoe Island , a gentle island walk exploring sandy and rocky shores, mangroves and coastal woodland and the birds, butterflies and shorelife. Visit Multi-day tours for details of our 3-day introduction to Australia's wildlife ; 3-day birding for beginners ; 8-day outback ; special citizen science tours

   Where we travel

       The Scenic Rim : rich in wildlife, wonderful mountain scenery, variety of forests

       Wetlands with abundant birdlife in Greater Brisbane and further afield

       Quiet beaches edged with woodland, away from crowds

       The true outback: red sands, red kangaroos, emus, mulga woodlands ...

   Wildlife

     The Scenic Rim is part of the neNSW/seQld border region,       which harbours the third highest biodiversity in Australia

      Many species, large and small, famous and little-known, live here:

•       kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums, gliders, bandicoots, quolls, other marsupials,   
•       platypus, echidna (the egg-laying mammals)
•       fruit bats, microbats and native rodents
•       lyrebirds, bowerbirds, cockatoos, spoonbills, raptors, many other birds
•       pythons, monitor lizards, many frogs,
•       butterflies, glow worms and many more
•        ... plus many plants and colourful fungi 

      (No guarantees of particular species  on any particular day)

     Click here for our wildlife pages

• Our guides Ronda and Darren
• Safety on tour
• Conservation and animal welfare

Australia Wildlife & Safari Trips

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Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
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The Kimberley

• Experience the tidal phenomenon
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• Discover Abrolhos Islands
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• Experience the Horizontal Waterfall
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• Explore Mon Repos Turtle Center
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In the Wake of the Makassans

• Encounter funeral rituals
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Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

• Explore King George river
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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

• Explore Macquarie Island
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Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica - Ross Sea Expedition

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In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

• Visit the Ross Sea region
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• Enjoy additional discovery by kayak

Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands

• Trace footsteps of explorers
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• eastern side of Antarctica

Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents

• Experience half-circumnavigation
• Explore inaccessible Antarctica
• Encounter wildlife
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• Visit the best islands for birding
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• Visit Grandvewe Cheeses
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Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

CHUCHI my name is Andrew Ucles.

and now it’s your opportunity to create a story on earth’s most ancient continent.

I’ve spent all of my life in nature – learning it’s secrets and it’s reality – from close calls with dangerous animals to suffering from exotic diseases, it’s been a lifelong journey.

Being a solo adventurer has taken me to all corners of the globe; and with each environment I’ve adopted new techniques & strategies around pursuing wild game

From sharing wisdom with Kenya’s Massai trackers to exploring the Australian Outback with Indigenous Aborigines, my insight into traditional hunting blended with self-taught methods makes my approach unique and highly adaptable.

Whether you’re from the city or the country – we all have the abilities to thrive in nature. Let me teach you the skills necessary to unlock your instincts & become a part of it, join me…

About Australian Wild Tours

Australian Wild Tours are an exclusive and unique blend of Wilderness and Adventure tours (maximum of 4 people) set in the remote and breathtaking tranquility of Top End Australia.

Handcrafted by Wildlife and Survival expert Andrew Ucles, the tour is unlike any other, encapsulating the Outback Spirit amongst an ancient landscape. This authentic customized experience endeavors to ignite your Wild Side within the heart of Australia

Welcome to the Northern Territory.

“For the first time in a long time, being so far away from my daily life, I was able to take a step back and look at how I was approaching it. And each day you both consciously and subconsciously put me in scenarios and posed questions that ultimately led me to wonder how I could live a fuller life…”   D.Ortiz (California)

The Finniss River Station

Re-Discover & Re-Wild on the Finniss River.

Tours are conducted on the Finniss River Station a wilderness oasis embedded within nature’s diverse labyrinth of escarpments, wetlands and monsoonal rainforests boarded by the secluded and private beach front of the Timor Sea.

The Wildlife diversity visually stretches throughout each changing ecosystem, from Buffalo in the Marshes to Crocodiles in the Mangroves. Our transient birdlife creates an orchestrate of atmospheric symphony from cackling Magpie geese, to dancing Brolga’s and Kookaburras.

Explore nature’s wonders on the Finniss River, the Territory’s very own Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tour Operations

AUSTRALIAN WILD TOURS welcomes all individuals to become part of nature.

Whether you are the adventurous type or are looking to create your connection with nature, these tours are crafted around your comfort ability and experience.

This experience can also be a family one, bring your son or daughter along, a friend or colleague, if you’re a couple looking to get in touch with your wild side and have a thrill for excitement, then this is the perfect tour for you.

As a result of seasonal variation throughout the Australian landscape these tours have been designed accordingly to climatic considerations.

Tours operate between May and October and are limited to 4 people maximum for an intimate experience.

Andrew Ucles has spent the last 20 years perfecting a skillset that not many people in the world have attained, and he may be the only Australian that has acquired such a diverse skill range when it comes to wildlife across the globe.

He has been able to master a number of environments from across the world, from the African Savannah, to the Amazon Jungle and his home the Australian Outback.

Kieran O’ Donnell British Special Forces/Survival Consultant

Specialists In Nature Tours

Hello welcome to coates wildlife & nature tours.

Coates Wildlife Tours is family-owned and the first company in Western Australia to offer authentic natural history tours over such a vast area. Since our foundation in 1986 by naturalist, Kevin Coate, we have delivered inspiring natural history tours and wildlife encounters in Western Australia and beyond.

As part of our personalised approach to travel, we only take small groups (6 – 12 passengers) and our itineraries are meticulously planned and flexible to allow you time to pursue your own wildlife passions.

Our mission is to offer memorable eco experiences on tours that travel to remote ‘off the beaten track’ destinations, and to have you come home more inspired, more connected and more rejuvenated from your experience with Coates.

WHY CHOOSE COATES WILDLIFE TOURS

Nature & wildlife tours designed with you in mind, great destinations, great destinations, great leaders, great leaders, great companions, great companions, upcoming wildlife & adventure tours, find your next eco adventure here, western wanderer.

Next Tour: 15th – 29th May 2024

Kimberley Wonders

Next Tour: 6th – 18th June 2024

Western Explorer Tour

Next Tour: 17th – 28th July 2024

South West National Parks

Next Tour: 12th – 24th October 2024

WHY TRAVEL WITH COATES WILDLIFE TOURS?

Expect something extrordinary.

We are committed to continuous improvement and are always looking for ways to better our product, and welcome and appreciate your feedback.

Spectacular Destinations

• Unique destinations within Australia
• Top international wildlife sites
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EXPEDITION TRAVEL

• Small group nature focused travel
• Like minded travellers
• Authentic wildlife encounters

EXPERT GUIDES

• Experienced naturalist guides
• Passionate and knowledgeable leaders
• Safety and passenger focused

A TOUR TO SUIT YOU

• Fully accommodated
• Easy Camping
• Small group remote camping

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Featured Wildlife Journeys

Experience australia’s premium 'wildlife in the wild' encounters, learn from expert guides that share our extraordinary landscapes, help us to create a better future for australia’s wildlife, find a tour.

View our Packaged option specials

Wildlife Journeys

Island Birds & Whalesharks or Humpbacks Ningaloo

Ningaloo & Exmouth.

from $6,500 AUD

8 days/7 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

take me there

Mungo Outback & Conservation Journey - Small Group Tour

Mungo, NSW.

from $2,995 AUD

6 days/5 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

North Queensland Tropical Birding Tour

from $3,325 AUD

5 days/4 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Far North Queensland - Wildlife & Conservation Safari

from $3,250 AUD

4 days/3 nights - Australian Geographic Travel Departure

Murray River Houseboat Safari - Wildlife Adventure on Water

Riverland, South Australia.

from $3,310 AUD

Mallee and Outback Birds of Victoria and Mungo

from $5,490 AUD

Aboriginal Culture & Wildlife of the Tropical North

from $14,490 AUD

13 days/12 nights - Australian Geographic Departure

Kangaroo Island - Wildlife & Conservation

Kangaroo Island.

from $3,190 AUD

Birding & Wildlife Conservation Journey East Gippsland

East Gippsland.

from $2,412 AUD

View our Individual Wildlife Tours Around Australia

Featured Tours

Featured tour

Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching

From $109 AUD

Take me there

1 Day Birdwatching Mt Field National Park

Day tour - tasmania.

From $750 AUD

Sunset Whale Watching Tour

2 hours - exmouth.

From $99 AUD

Island Life

From $596 AUD

Kangaroo Island Immersion

4 days/3 nights.

From $3,365 AUD

Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim (Humpback or Whaleshark)

Full day - ningaloo & exmouth.

From $550 AUD

Ultimate Luxury Safari Adventure

6 days/5 nights - kakadu & arnhem land.

From $8,175 AUD

Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour

Full day from exmouth.

From $270 AUD

9 Day Western Wilderness & Wildlife Encounter

9 days/8 nights.

From $6,399 AUD

Australian wildlife Journeys

Our Purpose

Regenerative travel.

We are dedicated to creating a better future for our wildlife with our guests through conservation actions.

SPECIALIST GUIDES

We share stories through passionate guides that bring local ecosystems to life and educate.

REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

We support local vendors and reinvest into our local communities, providing richer travel experiences.

Special Interest Tours

Photography

Australia’s iconic landscapes, vibrant colours and diverse wildlife offerings make the country one of the great wildlife photography destinations across the globe. Join our crafted itineraries that put you in the right place at the right time to capture your dream snaps.

Conservation in Action

Participate in activities to assist with creating better habitats in the future for Australia’s wildlife including citizen science, tree planting, light weeding or beach clean-ups. Or go behind the scenes with wildlife researchers and conservationists on field trips.

Whale Watching

The biodiverse waters of Australia are home to 30 species of whale including the largest migrations of Humpback Whales in the world. Encounter these majestic creatures across the Eastern, Southern and Western coastlines.

Birdwatching

Australia has the most endemic bird species of any country on earth and is known as the ’Land of Parrots’. Of the 828 bird species found on our continent, around 45% only found here. We invite you to pack our binoculars and explore our range of dedicated birdwatching tours.

Our latest news & sustainability stories

The AWJ blog

May 3 is Wild Koala Day: 5 Reasons We Love Seeing Koalas in the Wild

With its fluffy ears and spoon-shaped nose, the Koala is one of Australia's most adored animals. In Australia you can still see Koalas in the...

Learning about Native Fish with Kym Manning

Exploring Australia's Top End with Sab Lord of Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris

Naturaliste Charters Announces 2024 Birdwatching Departures

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Top 5 places to encounter wildlife in Queensland

• Atherton Tablelands

By Australia specialist Connor

From rainforest to reef, the diverse landscapes of Queensland are home to a surprising assortment of animals that you can discover in this Australian state.

A rainbow of fish darting over the Great Barrier Reef. Crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy banks of the Daintree River. Getting up close and personal with protected kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas in Port Douglas. I’m always floored by how many of Australia’s renowned animals you can find in Queensland. Here’s my choice for the top five places to encounter wildlife on a visit.

Bird watching in the Atherton Tablelands

Sitting out on the porch at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat  in the tropical rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands , a cacophony of bird calls rang out through the air. The elevated deck was surrounded by trees, making me feel entirely immersed in the forest. All I had to do was sit back and relax while flocks of bright-white cockatoos flew by, and eastern whipbirds sang their distinctive tune. The whipbirds’ call is like nothing I’d ever heard — it sounds like the zap of a laser or a crack of a whip, a comparison that earned this mohawked grey-and-yellow bird its name.

The bird life is so diverse at Rose Gums that the hotel even has a page on its website dedicated to listing the more than 160 species that you might be able to see while staying here. This includes endemic species, such as the grey-headed robin, mountain thornbill, and Atherton scrubwren.

Some of the rooms have picture windows framing the bathtub, so you can even look for birds while soaking in an indulgent bubble bath. If you’d rather be one with the brush while birding, you can explore the 10 km (6 mi) of walking tracks on the property.

You can also find cassowaries here, a large, flightless, and surprisingly fast bird that stands out for its unique plumage of black quill-like feathers topped by a red neck, blue face, and a keratin crown on its head. Cassowaries also have wolverine-sharp nails on three of its toes and are known for scratching vehicles. While sometimes elusive in other parts of Queensland, cassowaries are so abundant here that the hotel asks you to place a protective cover on your car so the birds don’t wreck the paint job.

Marine life on Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef , not only can you see the orange-and-white striped clownfish, but many others of ‘the Great 8’ — eight charismatic residents of the biodiverse reef. The list also includes sharks, sea turtles, potato cod, Māori wrasse, giant clams, manta rays, and whales.

I remember the feeling of the refreshing seawater caressing my skin as I gazed down into a watery world below, watching grey reef sharks working their way through the water and moray eels peeking out from their lairs beneath mounds of coral. Others on my dive boat spotted sea turtles gliding by, and our snorkel guide talked about the tiger sharks and hammerheads that can be found along the reef.

While there’s been much discussion over the overall health of the reef in recent years, I found the reef was incredibly vibrant. The spiny branches of staghorn coral, some growing to more than two m (6.5 ft) tall, towered over the seafloor. Meanwhile, the layered spirals of plate coral have also been reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science to be regenerating their habitats at a 14 times higher rate — that’s two decades faster — than other coral types.

I was also entranced by brain coral, covered in a maze of grooves that make them look indeed just like a brain, and the undulating mushroom corals, which seem to change their hue in different angles of light.

Manta rays, whales & sea turtles on the southern reef

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is all about finding the right experience for you , which might include an overnight stay at one of the outlying islands on the southern stretch of the reef. This includes the rustic rooms and tents on Lady Elliot Island and a more sophisticated stay on Heron Island . At both hotels, the reef is so close to the shore that you can wade into the water and instantly be immersed in vibrant marine life.

For eco-focused, solar-powered lodging, plot a course to Lady Elliot Island, but for a bit more luxury, I recommend a stay at the Heron Island Resort. Set on its own little stretch of reef, you can arrive to Heron Island by ferry, or swoop in more swiftly on a seaplane or helicopter. Heron Island has the feeling of a Robinson Crusoe's desert island with a smattering of lavish trappings, like waterfront massages and wine-and-cheese sunset cruises, thrown in for good measure. There’s a wide mix of rooms available, from the simple and comfortable Turtle Rooms to the beachfront Heron Suites.

On both Lady Elliot and Heron, you’ll have the chance to see manta rays dancing gracefully in the sunlight-dappled sea. On Heron Island there’s the added allure of the loggerhead and green sea turtles, which nest here from November to March each year — the eggs usually hatch January to May. You can also look for humpback whales, which pass by the island from June to September.

Crocodiles in the Daintree Rainforest

Beyond the reef and beaches of Queensland, you’ll find the Daintree Rainforest , the oldest rainforest in the world. This is home to a number of reptiles small and large, ranging from spiny Boyd’s forest dragon lizards, which dart up the high trees, to the saltwater crocodiles in the eponymous river.

Boarding a river boat, you’ll travel down the Daintree River to look for crocodiles, some of which grow up to 5 m (16 ft) in length. As you motor along, you can also glimpse snakes hanging from tree branches and birds flying overhead. The boat’s captain and guides are so well acquainted with the area that they know the crocs by name — they could differentiate between the giant reptiles and told us all about the history of each.

The boat stays a comfortable distance from the big reptiles so as not to disturb them. I was there in June — Australia’s winter — when the cold-blooded creatures hunker down a bit. I still saw them lounging their scaly bodies on riverbanks, eking out the sunlight, but our guide said that in summer they’re much more active. This activity ticks up a notch during mating season from November to February when they get much more territorial and more likely to bare their sharp teeth.

Kangaroos, wallabies & koalas in Port Douglas

In a country that’s known for its singular wildlife, few species are more popular more than kangaroos and koalas. There’s a place in Queensland where you can see both of these sought-after Australian animals, as well as emus, kookaburras, wallabies, possum, pythons, crocodiles, and many more.

I suggest a private tour the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas , a wildlife sanctuary established for the protection, conservation, and observation of animals. The two-hour private tour is designed around you, so guides can take you and your group to the animals that you want to see most.

During the tour, you’ll have a chance to meet with a wildlife keeper and watch a personal reptile presentation. A private tour is also the only way to visit the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre to learn about the Wildlife Habitat’s rescue efforts.

You can also partake of the rare chance to interact with some of the animals. While holding a koala isn’t something I’d usually recommend, the way they handle it at the Wildlife Habitat is very different. The koala won’t be whisked from person to person for a photo op. Instead, you’ll enter the koala enclosure one at a time with the wildlife keeper there ensuring the protection and comfort of the koala at every step.

Read more about trips to Australia

Australia family tour: Sydney, national parks & Great Barrier Reef

14 days from $4,470pp

Highlights of Australia — city, outback & reef

13 days from $9,450pp

Ultimate luxury tour of Australia

17 days from $38,900pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Highlights of Queensland
• The Great Barrier Reef: find the right experience for you
• Top 10 wildlife experiences in Australia
• Family vacations in Australia
• What to do in Australia: our highlights guide

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Ep131. Walking, Whitakers & Wildlife Trusty Hogs

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Give mum the gift of memories this mother's day.

Posted on 08th May 2024 by Media Relations

If you haven't yet organised an activity or gift for the mother figure in your life, don't settle for a pair of slippers! Treat your loved one to a great day out at Taronga Western Plains Zoo!

Take mum on a tour of the Zoo!

There are some lovely animal mums and bubs to visit, including lioness Marion and her three cubs Bahati, Jabari and Zawadi! Marion and the cubs are in the large Lion Pride Lands habitat with dad Lwasi and three older siblings Amali, Imani and Mara. Now that they are older and more confident, the cubs are spending a lot of their time playing with their siblings, with mum always nearby keeping an eye on proceedings. They are in regular communication with each other, with growls, purrs and rumbles increasing as they come together.

Grab a coffee or lunch at Cafe Wild

Watch our Spider Monkey mums and bubs on the Primate Islands, or head to The Waterhole, and see Meerkat mum Midra and her boisterous mob digging and foraging.

Give a one-of-a-kind experience

Give your Mum a gift she will never forget, with a  behind-the-scenes tour  or animal encounter . 

Book mum a Giraffe encounter

Why not take mum to meet our giraffe mothers, and even grandmothers including Tuli and Ntombi, on a Giraffe Encounter? Giraffe mothers will creche their calves and leave an adult to ‘babysit’, and with four calves in the tower (the collective noun for a group of giraffes!) keepers are fortunate enough to be able to witness this behaviour on a regular basis, just like they would in the wild!  Book your Giraffe Encounter today! 

Don’t forget the Zoo Shop has a lovely range of gifts, including jewellery, books and decorative items. Better yet, Taronga is not-for-profit meaning every dollar you spend has the Power to Protect. Whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Friend or Zoo Parent , book an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience or buy a gift for a loved one, every dollar you spend helps save wildlife!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo wishes all the mums and mum figures out there a very happy Mother’s Day!

We proudly Acknowledge the Cammeraigal (Taronga Zoo, Sydney) and Wiradjuri (Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo) people, their Country, spirit and traditions as customary owners of the lands upon which our Zoos stand.

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