Travel update: ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred latest travel information for South East QLD and Northern NSW
Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
How to experience Australia’s wildlife responsibly
Here in Australia, we’re all about protecting our furry friends. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your wildlife encounters while keeping our animals safe.
1
Choose responsible wildlife experiences
FNQ Nature Tours, Daintree River, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Exceptional Kangaroo Island
FNQ Nature Tours, Daintree River, Queensland © FNQ Nature Tours
Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
1
Choose responsible wildlife experiences
With so many adorable animals to see, spotting wildlife in Australia is easy. But a truly unique – and ethical – experience comes when you book with an experienced guide. Take a tour with Australian Wildlife Journeys through some of Australia's rarest environments. You'll be paired with a guide who is passionate about the local ecosystem and the animals that live there, and they’ll get you as close as they can to the action. Plus, these tours support conservation efforts.
2
Give wildlife a little space
Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Lucky Bay, Esperance, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © heidi who? photos
2
Give wildlife a little space
Just like humans, animals need their personal space. While moving closer to wildlife to catch a better look or snap the perfect photo can be tempting, remember that your presence can disrupt the creatures’ natural behaviours. Take cues from the animal, and if their behaviour changes, consider backing away. Ensuring they're relaxed is the best way to create an enjoyable wildlife experience for everyone involved.
3
Resist the urge to touch
Segway Tours WA, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria © Visit Victoria
3
Resist the urge to touch
We know our furry and feathered friends are cute, but please resist the urge to touch the wildlife. Even in cases where inquisitive animals are keen to come up and meet you (hello, quokkas!), it's important to remember that they are still wild, and scratches and bites can happen. We also risk spreading diseases from us to the animals without realising, so preventing contact is vital.
4
Be especially careful around wildlife babies
Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Queensland © Ben Beaden / Australia Zoo
Darlington, Maria Island National Park, Tasmania © Jamie Douros & Camille Helm
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Brighton, Tasmania © Tourism Australia
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Be especially careful around wildlife babies
Spotting an animal with its new baby is one of the most precious wildlife experiences. But it's also essential to be cautious in this setting. Just like any new parent, animals can be nervous about strangers getting too close to their babies. Whether it's acting aggressively or abandoning their young, things can go very wrong when animals feel stressed, so be sure to keep your distance.
5
Look after animal habitats
Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission/Caroline Fisher
Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino
5
Look after animal habitats
One of the best ways to care for local Aussie wildlife is by looking after their habitats. These are their homes, the places they source their food and shelter, so they deserve to be treated with respect. When travelling through an animal habitat, be careful not to move outside of dedicated walking tracks, and please pick up any rubbish you see along the way. In short, leave these areas the way you found them.
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Please don’t feed the wildlife
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales © Tourism Australia
Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Agincourt Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Andrew Watson
Premier Travel Tasmania, Tasmania © Premier Travel Tasmania
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Please don’t feed the wildlife
Australia may be home to some opportunistic animals that will take food when they have the chance (we’re looking at you, seagulls!), but human food is never a good idea when it comes to wildlife. Animals have natural, dedicated diets that serve their bodies well, so it’s best to allow them to find their own food. They know what they're doing, and it means you can enjoy your meal to yourself.
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Keep your eyes on the road
Coffin Bay National Park, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © David Doudle
James Price Point, Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Eagle Bay, Dunsborough, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
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Keep your eyes on the road
Driving around Australia is an excellent way to see Australia's beautiful landscapes. When driving, be attentive and look out for wildlife attempting to cross the road. Animals such as kangaroos, wombats and koalas are most active at dawn and dusk and are known to wander onto roads. If you encounter an injured animal during a drive, you're best off calling a local wildlife rescue organisation for support.
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Be considerate of nocturnal animals
FNQ Nature Tours, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Chriz Photography
8
Be considerate of nocturnal animals
Australia is lucky to be home to several nocturnal animals like possums, owls and wombats. If you'd like to have a wildlife experience at night, keep in mind that these guys are sensitive to bright lights, and your camera flash may cause discomfort. Use a flashlight with a red filter to avoid stressing out the animals or take a night tour with a guide for the best chance of spotting wildlife without bothering them.
