Due to its isolation on the globe, Australia had the chance to develop a unique flora and fauna. From fan favorites, like kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils to the lesser-known species such as the golden bandicoot, over 80% of mammals in Australia are endemic to the country, and so found nowhere else on the planet. Getting up close with this abundance of unique wildlife is one of the many reasons why traveling to Australia is worth every minute and every mile of the journey. Here are 5 wildlife sanctuaries to explore during your travels.
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Close to the center of Brisbane lies Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Founded in 1927, the sanctuary is home to around 80 species of native Australian animals. Tick off your wildlife bucket list as you spot iconic animals including koalas and kangaroos.
• Australia Zoo: This 700-acre zoo halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast belongs to the family of the late Steve Irwin, of Crocodile Hunter fame. Here you can witness a huge diversity of species, from crocodiles to dingoes, kangaroos, elephants, cheetahs, and much more. Visitors can get up close with Komodo dragons, wombats, and quokkas, and learn about conservation during daily keeper talks.
• Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: Located just off the coast of Cairns on pretty Fitzroy Island, the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a center that helps sick and injured turtles get a new lease on life. The Great Barrier Reef, of which Fitzroy Island is part, is home to 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles. Visit the center to meet the turtles and learn about the efforts that are made to protect them and release them back into the wild.
• Alice Springs Desert Park: Located smack bang in the middle of Australia, Alice Springs Desert Park is a wildlife park where visitors can experience the diversity of animals and plants that can be found in the outback of Central Australia. From emus to red kangaroos, barking spiders, and canegrass dragons, connect with the local fauna and flora, and don’t miss out on nocturnal tours to see what goes on in the desert when humans are fast asleep.
• Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in southern Australia just outside of Adelaide, the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning reserve where you can get up close with hundreds of native Australian animals. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, bandicoots… all the classics are represented here in a beautiful forest-like ecosystem. It is also one of the rare places in Australia where you can see a real-life, funky-looking platypus.
