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Tasmanian devils
Some may doubt that this little marsupial, which looks like a stocky black dog with a big snout, is an actual animal and not a Looney Tunes character.
The Tasmanian devil is actually less restless than the cartoon version. No, they don’t go around in circles creating tornadoes. However, they can be quite aggressive and have very powerful jaws so it’s best to avoid getting too close.
Unfortunately, the Tasmanian devil population is declining. The main cause of death is a specific form of cancer, the devil facial tumour disease, which is transmitted from one animal to another (it is apparently not transmissible to other species). Another reason is that Tasmanian devils are scavengers. They like to feed on dead prey, especially animals who have been run over, and sometimes they get run over by cars too.
The Tasmanian devil is not easy to spot in the wild. They mostly live in Tasmania—although 3,000 years ago, they were present across mainland Australia. However, in September 2020, around fifteen animals (without the highly contagious form of cancer) were reintroduced into New South Wales, 200 km north of Sydney.
Where to see Tasmanian devils
To see a growling Tasmanian devil, explore one of Tasmania’s wildlife reserves:
- Nature World (Bicheno)
- Tasmanian Devil Unzoo (Taranna)
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (Brighton)
- Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary (Mole Creek)
- Devils Craddle (Craddle Mountain)
- Wings Wildlife Park (Gunns Plain)
You can see Tasmanian devils on the mainland as well, notably in zoos in Sydney, Perth, Monarto, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and in several reserves, sanctuaries and wildlife centres (Healesville Sanctuary in Badger Creek—VIC, Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda [QLD], Cleland Wildlife Park in Crafers [SA], etc.).
Dingos
The dingo is a wild dog native to Australia and only present Down Under. They have erect ears and a ginger coat. Feeding dingoes is really not a good idea (it’s forbidden most of the time) as it can make them aggressive, like the vast majority of wild animals.
Where to see dingoes
Everywhere except Tasmania, and more specifically:
- In the deserts that separate the eastern and western parts of the country
- On Fraser Island
- In the Kimberley
Spiders
There’s no shortage of spiders in Australia. However, you could very well go months without seeing one—don’t give up on applying for a WHV to Australia just because the mere thought of a spider sends shivers down your spine!
The Red Back is one of the most venomous, is quite small and has, as its name suggests, a red spot on its back.
Let’s be honest—there are spiders just about everywhere in Australia, especially where it’s humid and outside the main urban areas.
Snakes
Like spiders, there’s no shortage of snakes in Australia. However, the good news is that they tend to avoid humans.
If you do come face to face with an inland taipan, however, be aware that it’s the most venomous snake in the world!
The bush and mountainous regions are undoubtedly the places where you are most likely to see one. Overall, it is the arid areas that are most affected.
Camels
Yes, you may spot camels on a road trip in the Outback.
You can find camels in the desert and in Alice Springs, where there are camel races!
Geckos
The gecko is a type of small lizard. In fact, there are hundreds of species of gecko. In Australia, you’ll see some large and some small. The smallest ones may stop on one of your windows, and you’ll be able to see their little legs with their round ends.
They can be seen everywhere in Australia!
Echidnas
Also called the “anteater”, this is another animal emblematic of Australia! Covered in prickles and fur, the echidna is a unique animal.
It’s not easy to spot one. They tend to be found in wooded areas and scrub, in the countryside and on the outskirts of suburbs.
Bats
Bats are very common in cities, notably at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney or Melbourne.
Enjoy your trip and keep your eyes wide open, there’s a lot to see!
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