Wildlife Viewing in Australia

The magnificent country of Australia, the repository of wonderful scenic delights, is a treasure trove of exotic wildlife. In fact, wildlife viewing in Australia is one of the top tourist attractions, with hordes of backpackers making a beeline for the verdant reserves, all round the year. This ‘Lucky Country' boasts of 300 kinds of lizards, 750 varieties of birds, 2000 kinds of spiders, 5000 varieties of bees, 180 sorts of fresh water fish, 450 kinds of mammals, 140 types of snakes, 50 forms of rays, 2000 kinds of flies, two varieties of crocodiles, 100 sorts of sharks, 110,000 varieties of insects and 2000 sorts of sea fish.

Kangaroos, Wombats, Koala Bears, Emus, Echidnas, Platypus and Kookaburra are some of the highlights of wildlife viewing in Australia. The country is flecked with numerous wildlife parks that are among the frequented tourist haunts. You can troop to the Australian Capital Territory, which houses the famed Australian Wildlife Sanctuary, the National Aquarium and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Catch glimpses of the Dingoes, Koalas, Penguins and Kangaroos, among a host of others.

The New South Wales region too abounds in a variety of wildlife creatures. A visit to the Taronga Zoo and Sydney Aquarium vouches to offer some great wildlife viewing experience. You can spot Kangaroos, Lorikeets, Wallabies, Honeyeaters, Glow Worms, Lyrebirds, Dolphins, Seals, Penguins, Frogs, Robins, Whale and Cockatoos, among an array of exotic wildlife. Blue Mountains and Port Stephens are favorite wildlife destinations. Troop to the Meningee Lakes and Sturt National Park located in the ‘Australian Outback' for some more wildlife viewing in Australia.

The Northern Territory scores huge brownie points with hundreds and thousands of wildlife enthusiasts. The noted Kakadu National Park is the top draw of this region. Jacanas, Spoonbills, Geese, Jabirus, Kingfishers and Egrets can be found aplenty. Besides, you can also spot majestic Pythons, Turtles, Kangaroos, Foxes, Emus, Lizards, Dingoes, Wallabies, Finches, Buffaloes, Kestrels, Pigs, Kites and Horses in this part of the country. The Ayers Rock also offers a slice of the magnificent wildlife.

The Great Barrier Reef, Lamington National Park, Moreton Island and Tangalooma Resort are some of the popular wildlife addresses of Queensland. The abode of variegated flora and fauna, you can spot Polyps, Anemones, Coral, Shellfish, Reef Fish, Turtles, Whales, Dolphins, Kangaroos, Bandicoots, Possums and Butterflies, among a host of others. The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for adventure sports freaks. You can indulge in snorkeling and experience a whale of a time. Hervey Bay and Mon Repos Turtle Rookery also register huge tourist inflows all round the year.

The Great Australian Bight and the ‘Bat Cave Video Centre' of the Naracoorte Caves are the star wildlife attractions of the southern part of Australia. Kangaroo Island, the Simpson Desert, Lake Eyre and ‘Flinders Ranges' are some of the other tourist hotspots. Kangaroos, Penguins and Wallabies are among the often-spotted animals in this part of the country.

Tasmania boasts of housing numerous rare sorts of animals. A trip to this pristine locale guarantees you exclusive glimpses of the Tasmanian Devil, Quolls, Forester Kangaroo, Plovers, Cormorants, Shearwaters, Oystercatchers, Wild Peregrine Falcon and Terns, among a host of others.

On a trip to Victoria, a visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and its southeastern coastline is a must for wildlife viewing in Australia. You can spot Australian Fur Seals, Swans, Shearwaters, Pelicans, Gulls and Ibis at the Seal Rocks. Possums, Kangaroos, Eagles, Echidnas, Wallabies, Fatso, Bogong Moth, Cockatoos and several other wonderful wildlife creatures can be found in Victoria.

The western part of Australia is home to the rare Quokka, a pouched mammal. Head towards the Ningaloo Reef and enjoy an exhilarating swim with the majestic whale shark.

Whales, Herons, Emus, Ospreys, Manta Rays and galahs can also be found in this part of the country. The Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and Rottnest Island are some of the other tourist highlights. It is also the abode of a wide variety of birds like the honeyeaters, parrots and cockatoos.

So pack your bags, get your shutterbugs in place and head towards the ‘Lucky Country' for an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience in Australia.