Fascinating animals that live in Australia (wallabies, wallaroos, quokkas…)

Chapter 5 of 6

Platypuses

Platypuses are funny-looking animals—picture a long body, a flat tail, a flat beak and webbed feet.

The east coast is the best place to see them, in small rivers away from the crowds and noise.
You can also try the following places:

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
• Great Otway National Park
• Cradle Mountain Park

Seals, fur seals and sea lions

You will most likely spot one of these three mammals when travelling along the Australian coast. Sharks are fond of them, so if you see many seals, fur seals or sea lions, you might just spot a few hungry hunters as well.

They can be seen just about anywhere in southern Australia, particularly around Kangaroo Island and Phillip Island.

Penguins

Australia and New Zealand are home to the world’s smallest penguins—little blue penguins, also known as fairy penguins.

They can be found in southern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Try exploring:

• Kangaroo Island
• St Kilda near Melbourne at St Kilda Pier
• Phillip Island (for a fee)

Crocodiles

In Australia, you may encounter freshwater crocodiles as well as saltwater crocodiles.
In fact, you may see a yellow warning sign on the beach—beware swimming here, crocodiles around!

You’re most likely to see them in the Northern Territories and Queensland, particularly in the wetlands.

Sharks

Australia is one of the countries in the world where you are most likely to come across a shark—so many species are swimming around!

Generally, on busy beaches, like the popular hangouts in Sydney, nets installed offshore limit the risk of accidents.

Beaches are sometimes closed to swimming because there are too many sharks close to the shore. You may not get a warning from a friendly lifeguard in more isolated places, so ask locals or pay attention to various signs.

Perth is known for having a large number of sharks along its coastline. They can also be seen on the east coast, as well as on Kangaroo Island and Phillip Island in the south of the country.

Dolphins

This is an animal that you may have seen just about everywhere else in the world, but if you’ve never seen one, Australia may be the place!

You’ll be able to see them just about anywhere, but especially in Tasmania and on Monkey Island in Western Australia.

Turtles

You’re bound to come across a turtle if you’re diving or snorkelling. And if this is a bit too much water adventure for you, you can always sign up for a tour on a glass-bottom boat—you’ll be able to admire turtles, sting rays and all the underwater life without getting wet.

The Great Barrier Reef, Green Island and the Whitsundays are top spots, especially if you’re diving or snorkelling. Bundaberg is the place to go for turtles laying eggs and cute babies.

Whales

Yes, there are whales along the shore of Australia!

You can only see whales at certain times of the year:

• From May to October, on the Great Ocean Road and more specifically at Warrnambool
• In June, in Queensland, on Hamilton Island

Blue-ringed octopuses

This small octopus can sting if disturbed and its venom is highly toxic—the sting contains paralyzing tetrodotoxin, and it’s often fatal.

Be careful where you step on beaches in the northern half of the country, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef area.

Dugongs

This mammal nicknamed “the sea cow” is an endangered species.

Dugongs are found in the waters of the northern half of the country.

Cone shells

These shellfish are dangerous, as their sting can be fatal. They have harpoon-like darts which can deliver paralyzing venom.

Just about everywhere in Australia, except in the southern waters. Basically, from Perth to Sydney.

Jellyfish

There are many different types of jellyfish in Australia, from the tiny blue “Blue Bottle” jellyfish, which cause severe but non-fatal pain, to the very large jellyfish, which are just as harmless, and the box jellyfish, which are very dangerous because their venom is lethal. So look out for the yellow signs on the beaches, which may indicate the presence of deadly jellyfish, locally known as “stingers.”

Mostly in the east and south of Australia.

Stingrays

This ray with its powerful venom can be very dangerous. “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was reportedly killed by a stingray.

They can be found all along the south coast of the country and the coasts of Western Australia.

Stone fishes

This fish, which as its name suggests looks like a stone, can inject its venom if you step on its dorsal spines.

They can be found in the waters of the northern half of the country.