Australia is home to some of the cutest and the most unique wildlife on the planet, from the curious platypus to the prehistoric saltwater croc. Seeing these amazing creatures in the wild is often a holiday highlight, with so much variety in what you can see around the country.
 

CREDIT: Tourism Australia

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite animal experiences from all around Australia so you can inject some totally wild fun into your next holiday plans.

MEET BROOME’S FAMOUS CAMELS – CABLE BEACH, WA

CREDIT: Tourism Western Australia

Broome’s camels are as iconic as the beach they walk on. Originally brought to Australia in the 19th century, these gentle giants now call Cable Beach home, offering one of the country’s most unique animal encounters. Join them for a sunset stroll along the shoreline — an unforgettable way to experience the wild charm of Western Australia.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Broome

WITNESS TURTLE HATCHING – HERON ISLAND, QLD

CREDIT: Tourism & Events Queensland

A short trip by air or sea from Gladstone brings you to Heron Island — one of Australia’s most secluded turtle nesting sites. From January to May, you might witness tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their first journey to the sea. With limited visitors and untouched surroundings, this is one of the most intimate and awe-inspiring turtle encounters in the country.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Tannum Sands

LEARN ABOUT TASMANIAN DEVILS - TARANNA, TAS

CREDIT: Tourism Tasmania

Endangered and solitary creatures, it can be tricky seeing Tamanian Devils in the wild. For the best chance to see and learn about the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, you’ll want to head to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna, Tasmania – about an hour from Hobart. Unlike a traditional zoo, here most enclosures and cages are removed, offering resident and wild animals the opportunity to interact in the same natural environment.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Hobart

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH THE WHALES – HERVEY BAY, QLD

CREDIT: Tourism & Events Queensland

Whale watching is possible across many parts of Australia, but Hervey Bay stands out as one of the best. From July to November, humpbacks pause their migration to rest and play in the calm, sheltered waters beside World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. It’s one of the few places where you can witness these gentle giants up close — a truly unforgettable experience.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Fraser Street, Hervey Bay

GO SHARK CAGE DIVING - PORT LINCOLN, SA

CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission

If you’re looking to get your blood pumping with a close encounter in the deep, you’ll love shark cage diving! An incredible opportunity to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat, hop on a tour from Port Lincoln with Calypso Star Charters for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. No diving experience is required to take on this exciting adventure and you’ll come home with a fantastic up-close understanding of these iconic marine creatures.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Coffin Bay

SNAP A SELFIE WITH A QUOKKA - ROTTNEST ISLAND, WA

CREDIT: Tourism Western Australia

Known as the world’s happiest animal for a reason, the quokka loves a good selfie! Rottnest Island was named when Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh mistook quokka for rats, but these fluffy marsupials are a favourite with WA locals and tourists alike. Take the ferry from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island and you’re sure to spot them, most often in the mid-late afternoon when they are most active.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island

DIVE WITH THE GIANT CUTTLEFISH - WHYALLA, SA

CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission

Every May to August, Australian Giant Cuttlefish undertake their annual migration through the waters off Whyalla. These unique creatures can weigh up to 5kg, with eight arms and two tentacles. Around 100,000 take part in the migration, making it a spectacular underwater event, not seen anywhere else in the world. Whyalla Diving Services can set you up with all the equipment you need for a snorkelling or diving tour like no other.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Whyalla Foreshore

GO ON A JUMPING CROCODILE CRUISE - ADELAIDE RIVER, NT

CREDIT: Tourism Northern Territory

Getting up close and personal with the Saltwater Crocodile is a must-do when visiting the Top End – but safely of course! Climb aboard a Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to over 16,000 of these living dinosaurs. An unforgettable day for nature-lovers and thrill seekers alike, keep the camera handy as crocs launch themselves from the river and snap their mighty jaws just inches from the boat.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Darwin

WITNESS THE SEA LION COLONY – SEAL BAY, SA

CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission

Join a guided tour to see Australian sea lions in their natural habitat — a colony that’s lived here for thousands of years. With no enclosures or cages, it's a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience. For everyone’s safety, a respectful 10-metre distance is maintained at all times.

Nearby Stay: Discovery Parks – Kangaroo Island

With wildlife as diverse as ours, you’re sure to spot some animal favorites no matter where you choose to go for your next holiday.