10 Times Aussie Animals Melted Our Hearts

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

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

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 

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 

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 

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