Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Maxime Coquard
Where to meet Australia’s weirdest animals
Hang out with some of the strangest – and rarest – animals on the planet in their natural Australian habitat.
By Lee Atkinson & Sophia Watson
Australia is home to spectacular creatures you won’t find anywhere else on the planet and nothing compares to that feeling of pure joy you get when you spot one in the wild. What’s even better is knowing your experience is helping to protect animal populations. From the duck-billed otter – which is how the platypus was described when it was first seen by Europeans in the 18th century – to giant hopping dogs (aka the kangaroo), meet our weird and wonderful creatures with these unforgettable experiences.
The Frilled-Neck Lizard
Frilled-neck Lizard © Tourism Australia
Did you know?
The frilled-neck lizard’s signature “frills” are supported by long spines that connect to the lizard’s jawbone.
Where: Australian Reptile Park, one-hour drive north of Sydney
Known affectionately as ‘frillys’, frilled-neck lizards spend most of their time in the trees in Kakadu. They are very safe there and use the height to scan the ground for prey – which is mostly insects. Frilled-necks are very agile and will jump straight onto the ground to catch insects, it’s quite a sight to behold! Because these animals can scare easily and therefore may cause injury to themselves if they feel threatened, it’s best to visit these collared creatures in the safe and caring confines of a wildlife park. The Australian Reptile Park in Sydney is known for their incredible reptile and lizard residents.
How to experience it: Get a personal behind the scenes animal encounter at the Australian Reptile Park. You’ll get a 20-minute hands-on animal experience – either behind the scenes or within an enclosure, hosted by an experienced keeper.
The Spotted-tailed quoll
Spotted-tailed Quoll, FNQ Nature Tours, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland © FNQ Nature Tours/James Boettcher
Did you know?
At one-metre long, the spotted-tailed quoll is the longest carnivorous marsupial in the world.
Where: Danbulla National Park, Far North Queensland, 1.5-hour drive south of Cairns
The last Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) died more than 80 years ago, but this unique creature’s lesser-known cousin, the spotted-tailed quoll – the largest marsupial carnivore on mainland Australia – still survives in small numbers in Queensland’s rainforests. Also known as tiger quolls, these nocturnal creatures that hunt for possums and small wallabies under the cover of darkness are one of Australia’s most endangered animals. Join FNQ Nature Tours in secret rainforest locations where you can join researchers who document sightings and study quoll behaviour. It’s a rare chance to not only get to know these extraordinary creatures, but to also help save them from extinction.
How to experience it: Spot quolls alongside researchers on a two-day behind-the-scenes tour.
Read next
Top tips for viewing wildlife in Australia
The Platypus
Platypus © South Australian Tourism Commission/ Photographer
Did you know?
Platypuses don’t have stomachs. They feed on worms, insect larvae, shrimp — but that food goes directly to their intestines from their gullets.
Where: Healesville Sanctuary, a one-hour drive from Melbourne
The platypus is perhaps the most wonderfully weird animal that nature has to offer – so you won’t want to miss a chance to experience these elusive little water babies. Just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne (through the stunning Yarra Valley wine region), you can immerse yourself in the platypus habitat during an exclusive Platypus Discovery at Healesville Sanctuary
How to experience it: Discover all about this incredible native species by observing its natural behaviours at Healesville Sanctuary. You will work with a Platypus expert to learn more from the specialists who care for the cryptic monotreme, and the work being done to protect the species across Victoria. This experience is extremely popular, so booking ahead is a must.
The Echidna
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia
Did you know?
Echidnas are named after the mythical ‘Mother of Monsters’, a half-woman, half-snake from Greek mythology.
Where: Australia Zoo, just over an hour drive north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast
Also known as ‘spiny anteaters’, these prickly, slow-moving critters are one of Australia’s most loved unusual native animals. The echidna has spines like a porcupine, a beak like a bird, a pouch like a kangaroo and lays eggs like a reptile. They're small, solitary mammals so spotting them in the wild can be a bit tough. Luckily, you can encounter the echidna, getting up close and personal, at one of Australia’s most respected wildlife parks, Australia Zoo (the famed home of the Irwin family).
How to experience it: Take part in an interactive, educational experience with one of Australia’s native icons at Australia Zoo. This sticky-beaked creature is one of the most interesting animals around, and you’ll never forget this up close encounter. They may even sit on your lap so you can hand feed them. Crikey!
