Australia is a home to many native animals. You can meet and greet them at zoos and wildlife parks. But seeing them in their natural habitat will be an awesome encounter. The country's animals have become one of the tourist attractions for many visitors. Koalas and kangaroos are known to many, but this continent offers more, learn about its crown jewels and catch them all with a good photo souvenir.
1. Koala at Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Along Great Ocean Road in Victoria especially between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places to see koalas in their natural habitat. With a keen eye, you can surely see them around eucalyptus trees sleeping. Make a stop at Koala Cove Café towards Kennett River. You'll be able to see some pretty birds too.
2. Kangaroo at Kangaroo Island, Adelaide
Australia is known for kangaroos. Take a short drive and ferry ride to Adelaide Kangaroo Island. You'll be amaze to mingle with a lot of animals like sea lions on the beach, wallabies, echidnas, pelicans, koalas and of course kangaroos! Due to the large number of animals inside the vicinity, more than one-third of the island is declared Conservation or National Park. It has five important Wilderness Protection Areas.
3. Cassowaries at Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Canyons, rugged mountains, rivers and pristine rainforest, these characteristics made the Daintree Rainforest to be included in the World Heritage listing. This is a great place for nature and animal advocate. It housed the third-tallest and second-heaviest living bird, the cassowaries. It is a flightless bird that is smaller than emu and ostrich. There's a lot to do in this sanctuary like horseback riding and river cruise.
4. Dingoes at Fraser Island, Queensland
Dingoes are rarely found elsewhere in the world but in Australia. It is a wild dog that can be spotted in Fraser Island. Though, it looks like a dog which everybody knows as man's best friend, this breed is different. Dingoes are seen as a pest by livestock farmers because of their attacks on animals. They feed on rabbits, rats and kangaroos. This island is not just for dingo-sightings; Fraser Island is an ecotourism destination, with beaches and freshwater pools. It is considered as the world's largest sand island.
5. Wombats in New South Wales
Wombats are the world's largest burrowing mammal. You can find them in coastal areas, grasslands and forest areas in New South Wales and eastern Victoria. They dig burrows with their rodent-like front teeth and strong claws. They are nocturnal and not usually seen, but will leave evidence that they went there because of their distinctive cubic feces. They are marsupials and have backwards pouch.
6. Emu in Savannah Woodlands
The emu is the second largest bird in the world and Australia's largest native bird. You'll see them in grasslands and savannah woodlands all over the country. They are also located in the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve in Victoria. One unusual characteristic of this bird is that after the female Emu lays her green eggs, the male incubate and once hatched he looks after them. Talking about responsible parenting, mom?
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