Some 180 million years ago, the super continent of Gondwana split. One of the breakaway landmasses from that separation, contained what would become Australia and Antarctica. By 30 million years ago Australia had fully separated and journeyed north on its own. Since then, changes in land formation and climate, and the physical separation from the rest of the world, led to the unique flora and fauna that we know in Australia today. More than 80% of our plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are unique to Australia and are found nowhere else in the world.
Some of our Australian animals are very well known like kangaroos, dingos, wallabies and wombats and of course the koala, platypus and echidna. But, there is still so much we don’t know about Australia’s native animals.
Wombat: Australia’s second largest marsupial, these rotund grass-munchers are more agile than they appear with top speeds of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) per hour!
Koala: These fluffy tree-dwelling marsupials are known for being lazy, sleeping 18-22 hours per day. They spend the rest of their time eating, consuming up to one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of eucalyptus leaves every day. Meeting a koala is one of Australia’s most iconic animal experiences.
Kangaroo: There are about 50 different types of kangaroos – including two that live in trees! Despite being the world’s largest marsupial, they are surprisingly great swimmers. With two kangaroos for every person in Australia, you have a good chance of spotting ‘roos on your visit.
Echidna: One of two monotremes (egg-laying mammals) in the world, these spiky animals look something like a hedgehog crossed with an anteater. A baby echidna is adorably known as a puggle.
Platypus: Australia’s other monotreme, the quirky and shy platypus lives in the rivers, lakes and creeks of eastern Australia. Interestingly, their beaver-like tails are not used for swimming, but to store fat in case of a food shortage.
Quokka: Dubbed the “world’s happiest animal”, quokkas are only found on Rottnest Island, near Perth. Their friendly nature and adorable smiles have made them an internet sensation with many people snapping quokka selfies.
Tasmanian devil: Living up to their namesake, these small, feisty carnivores are found in the southern state of Tasmania. Among other fun facts, devils have powerful jaws used to devour their entire prey and are spectacular tree climbers.
Saltwater crocodile: The largest living reptile in the world, saltwater crocodiles (or “salties” to locals) can be found across northern Australia. While they attack from underwater, salties actually have to bring their prey above water to eat.
Whales: Humpback and southern right whales migrate annually along Australia’s coasts between May and November. Australian waters are home to a celebrity humpback named Migaloo – an albino adult male. Keen whale watchers can spot him travelling along the east coast up to the Great Barrier Reef every year.
Australian birds: A birdwatcher’s paradise, Australia is home to 56 types of colourful parrots, the laughing kookaburra and even the planet’s smallest penguin. You will also find two of the world’s largest and heaviest birds here – the emu and the cassowary.
