Australia is well known for its cheeky and lovable animals. Many people travel from all over the world to see a kangaroo or koala. However, these animals are not as common as tourists believe. A visitor is unlikely to see a native animal whilst staying in city apartments. Brisbane and Sydney are unlikely to yield a kangaroo sighing. However, travelling away from the cities to the outback will increase the odds. If deciding to travel to search for animals, it is advisable to obtain travel insurance. Much of Australia’s outback is remote and emergencies often occur.

Some of Australia’s most well loved animals are;

• Koalas
• Kangaroos
• Emus
• Wombats
• Cockatoos

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   Image via Wikipedia

   Koalas

Koalas are not bears but marsupials. These are a kind of mammal. Koalas are vegetarians who live on eucalyptus trees which are common in Australia. Koalas are found in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. They inhabit large eucalypt forests but are rarely seen in the wild. The best place to see koalas is in a zoo. If encountered in the bush it is advisable not to approach them as they are wild animals and can be dangerous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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   Image via Wikipedia

   Kangaroos

Kangaroos are common in bushland areas throughout Australia. However, they are not common in the cities. Travelling to remote areas will

almost ensure a kangaroo sighting. Seeing kangaroos in the wild is an amazing experience. They travel in large groups and the sight of a mob of kangaroos hopping over a plain is unforgettable.

 

 

1. Emus

Emus are large flightless birds. They are not common on the eastern seaboard of Australia due to development. However, they are more numerous in the inner, arid areas of the country. Emus are able to run at a great pace and can swim to avoid predators. They are valued by indigenous people for their meat and feathers. Emus are also one half of the Australian coat of arms, the other being the kangaroo.

 

 

 

 

1. Wombats

Wombats are short, furred, four legged creatures which are difficult to spot in the wild. They burrow underground and emerge at night to forage for food. They are slow moving creatures which are common to the South Eastern areas of Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Cockatoos

One animal which is often spotted in city areas of Australia is the native cockatoo. The cockatoo is a white breasted parrot with a distinctive loud call. The bird’s piercing screech often startles many people staying or living in apartments. Brisbane and Sydney are home to many cockatoos. They are a common sight in Australian cities.

The adventurous traveller may wish to search for Australian animals in the wild, but this requires care, including reliable equipment and travel insurance. Australian animals although cute to look at are wild creatures and should be approached with caution if found in their native habitat. However, once spotted they are an incredible sight. The thrill of seeing a wild kangaroo or koala is one which remains in the memory forever.