5 animals you need to see in the wild at least once

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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How many of these cuties have you seen?

Australia’s top five animals might not be ‘big’ but they are mighty. And seeing these iconic animals in the wild on beautiful beaches or bush walks is as awe-inspiring as it gets.

1. Koala, Magnetic Island, Qld

Spot wild koalas high in the veil of branches against a blue sky in the gum trees lining the picturesque Forts Walk. Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) is home to northern Australia’s largest colony of wild koalas.

You can see them here curled up like rolls of carpet, asleep in the crooks of trees. Or moving slowly in single-minded grace to graze on gum leaves. While local star Rod the Cod is a draw for divers visiting Magnetic Island, fans of the Netflix series Izzy’s Koala World will be hoping it’s the herbivorous marsupials making cameos.

Koala in gum tree on Magnetic Island
Spot wild koalas high in the veil of gum tree branches. (Image: Tourism Australia)

2. Quokka, Rottnest Island, WA

It’s simply not possible to reach peak quokka. The world’s happiest animal remains a beacon for visitors to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) who come for the cute marsupials and stay for the carefree (and car-free) Rotto vibes.

These adorable animals are only found off the coast of Perth and are best known for becoming a social media sensation, posing with a cute grin for the camera.

The ultimate main character move in 2024 is to go to Rotto and clock a quokka without posting it to your Insta feed. Go on, we dare ya.

Quokka on Rottnest Island
Meet the world’s happiest animal on Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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3. Wombat, Maria Island, Tas

Did you know that wombats can sprint up to 40 kilometres an hour? Or that they produce cube-shaped poo?

You will feel like you’re in an episode of BBC’s Planet Earth when wandering around Maria Island’s chiselled landscape looking for the endemic Tasmanian wombat. This species is smaller than its mainland mates and has a diverse habitat that stretches from the coast to the alpine areas of Australia’s most southern state.

Wombat eating grass on Maria Island in Tasmania
Wombat’s are faster than you think… (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Kangaroo, Pebbly Beach, NSW

Spotting roos through the canvas mesh of your tent at Pebbly Beach Campground is as iconic as it gets. It’s easy to spot the resident herbivores hunched over the grass that encircles the beach in Murramarang National Park.

The best time to see kangaroos on NSW’s Pebbly Beach is at dawn and dusk when the sea and the sky become one. Sometimes you will see the macropods using their long muscular tails and hind legs to bound across the sand. Other times you will see a baby Joey cradled in a mother’s pouch.

Kangaroos on Pebbly Beach in NSW
It’s easy to spot the resident herbivores on Pebbly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Platypus, Great Otway National Park, Vic

When British scientists first saw the platypus in the late 18th century, some of them were said to have thought the specimen was a hoax. Yes, this native Australian monotreme appears most extraordinary, with the beak of a duck seemingly grafted onto the head of a four-legged animal.

It’s one of many reasons why spotting these endangered creatures in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park is such a thrill. While your ecologist guide at Otway Eco Tours can’t guarantee you will see platypuses in the wild on a canoeing tour, they have a 95 per cent success rate.

Platypus swimming in water
This native Australian monotreme appears most extraordinary. (Image: Getty Images/phototrip)

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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The best new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road

    Louis Costello Louis Costello
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    A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

    Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

    Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

    1. The Monty, Anglesea

    Nina Cantina at the monty great ocean road
    Pop into Nina Cantina for tacos and views.

    Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

    A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

    Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

    2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

    Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior
    Discover this new adults-only retreat.

    Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines. The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

    Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout
    See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

    Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

    The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

    3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

    cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park
    Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

    Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

    Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

    Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria
    Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

    4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

    Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping
    Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

    Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

    Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

    A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

    Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op
    Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

    Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

    Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

    Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.