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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.