10 Times Aussie Animals Melted Our Hearts
Just try not to say “Aww!”
By Sophia Watson
Australia really does a spectacular job of turning the cuteness-factor up to 11, where few can resist the adorable and cuddly faces of our native wildlife. Which of these irresistible Down Under critters do you love the most?
1. Fairy Penguin date-night
All you need is love ❤️🐧 @tobiasvisuals was lucky enough to witness this beautiful moment of two little #penguins standing flipper in flipper, taking in the sparkling lights of @visitmelbourne's skyline. Averaging 30cm tall, these cuties are the smallest species of penguin in the world! You can spot them hanging out at #StKilda pier just after sunset. #seeaustralia #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #worldpenguinday
25 Apr
Photo: @tobiasvisuals of two fairy penguins, St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria
2. Dugong mumma and baby playtime
Photo: @samlawrencephoto of a mother dugong and her calf, Shark Bay Ningaloo Reef, Coral Coast Western Australia
3. Public displays of Wallaby affection
Warning - this public display of affection is too cute to handle 😘 @fourwhoexplore’s patience was rewarded by this picture-perfect moment between mother and joey yellow-footed rock wallabies at #BrachinaGorge in @southaustralia’s @flindersrangesandoutback. Thanks to conservation efforts, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to a healthy population of these #wallabies, and Brachina Gorge is a hotspot. Tap the save tab if you’d like to take a trip to meet one of these cuties! #seeaustralia #seesouthaustralia #flindersranges
12 Aug
Photo: @fourwhoexplore of a mother yellow-footed rock wallaby and her joey, Brachina Gorge in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia
4. Koala snuggles & snoozes
Photo: @reneehowell18 of a mother koala and her joy, at the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, New South Wales
5. Tropical Cockatoo romance
Tag someone you want to give a virtual hug to ❤️ @medroaming captured these affectionate @hamiltonisland locals whilst exploring the largest of the 74 islands that make up the @whitsundaysqld. With its white beaches, crystal clear waters and an abundance of wildlife, #HamiltonIsland is a great spot to unwind on a future @queenland holiday. #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #lovewhitsundays #hamiltonisland
30 Apr
Photo: @medroaming of two cuddling cockatoos, on Hamilton Island at the Whitsundays, Queensland
6. Quokka valentines
Photo: @cruzysuzy of a quokka holding a heart-shaped leaf, on Rottnest Island in Perth, Western Australia
7. Sea Lion smooches
There must be something in the water in @westernaustralia 🥰 @kyle.bowman was left third-wheeling at #CarnacIslandNationalPark when these cheeky critters decided to share a quick smooch for the camera! This picturesque #island is located off the coast of @visitfremantle in #westernaustralia and is home to a colony of rare and playful Australian #sealions, the only type found solely in Australia! If these cheeky locals have got you #dreaming of meeting some of Australia’s friendly marine life, jump aboard a sea lion charter with @charter_1 or @starsandyachtcharters during your next visit! #seeaustralia #thisiswa #wanderoutyonder #CarnacIsland #visitperth
4 Oct
Photo: @kyle.bowman of two sea lions in the Carnac Island National Park waters, off the coast of Fremantle, Western Australia
8. True love on Kangaroo Island
Photo: @suelie of kissing and cuddling kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
9. Sugar Glider Shenanigans
Solid evidence that #Australia is home to the cutest animals in the world! 😍 Introducing Thumbelina the four-month-old #feathertailglider who is one of the newest #marsupials at the @australianreptilepark on the @visitcentralcoastnsw. These tiny critters are actually the world’s smallest marsupials weighing only 15 grams and despite their size, have the ability to glide up to 25 metres from tree to tree - amazing! The park has reopened to the public so you can get up close and meet the #animals that call this place home! Who’s keen for visit this weekend? #seeaustralia #NewSouthWales #LoveNSW #centralcoastloves
28 Jun
Photo: @australianreptilepark Thumbelina the four-month-old feathertail glider at Australian Reptile Park, New South Wales
10. Wombat Wobbles
Photo: @australianreptilepark Wombat life at the Australian Reptile Park, New South Wales