Unique Fauna — Kangaroos, Koalas & More
Australia's 50 million years of isolation from the rest of the world have produced a unique wildlife. Over 80% of Australia's mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are found nowhere else — the highest endemism rate of any continent.
The Icons
- Kangaroo: Over 50 million kangaroos live in Australia — more than twice as many as people. From the 2-meter tall Red Kangaroo (the largest marsupial in the world) to the tiny wallaby. In the wild: Grampians NP (Victoria), Kangaroo Island (SA), everywhere in the Outback.
- Koala: NOT a bear! A marsupial that sleeps 22 hours a day and feeds exclusively on eucalyptus leaves (which are toxic to most animals). In the wild: Great Ocean Road (Lighthouse Road near Kennett River), Kangaroo Island, Noosa National Park, Magnetic Island.
- Platypus: The most bizarre animal of evolution — a mammal that lays eggs, has a duckbill, swims in rivers, and can sting with a venomous spur on its hind leg. Extremely shy. Best seen: Eungella NP (Queensland), Atherton Tablelands.
- Wombat: A burly, burrowing marsupial cuddle bear with a unique talent: It produces cube-shaped droppings (to prevent them from rolling away). In the wild: Cradle Mountain (Tasmania), Wilsons Promontory (Victoria).
- Tasmanian Devil: The largest carnivorous marsupial — only in Tasmania. Nocturnal, with a bite that crushes bones. Screeching sound at night in the bush. Threatened by facial tumor disease (DFTD).
- Quokka: The "happiest animal in the world" — a small marsupial with a perpetual smile. Almost exclusively on Rottnest Island (WA). → Details in the Western Australia chapter.
💡 Tipp
The best time to see wildlife in the wild is at dusk (sunrise and sunset). Kangaroos and wallabies are most active then. For koalas: Look up into eucalyptus trees — they are well camouflaged, but a trained eye can spot them. The smell of eucalyptus oil and koala droppings helps in the search.