Where to Go on Safari in Australia
Lock eyes with a majestic kangaroo, marvel at the graceful movements of dolphins or seek the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes: Australia's diverse ecosystems offer something truly special for every adventurer.
Safaris may be most commonly associated with Africa, but Australia offers its own take on this travel concept. Across the country you can embark on expeditions into the wilderness to spot all sorts of wildlife. These journeys capture the spirit of a classic safari while adding a different dimension through Australia’s unique terrain, species and culture.
Australian safaris invite you to explore some of the most natural spaces and fascinating wildlife on the planet. There are captivating endemic species in Tasmania, cute koalas on the Great Ocean Road, desert-dwelling marsupials in the Outback and the vast underwater ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef.
Much like the array of accommodation for African safaris, there’s also a stunning collection of Australian safari lodges. You can stay in luxury tree houses amid the glistening canopy of the Daintree Rainforest or get even closer to nature with safari-style tents in Kakadu National Park.
We’ve asked our experts for their recommendations regarding where to go on safari in Australia and what species you can see in each place. Here’s our ultimate guide to Australian safaris for first-timers, seasoned safari-goers or anyone trying to choose between Africa and Australia.
What you need to know
- See kangaroos, thorny devils, reptiles and rodents in the Outback.
- Learn about efforts to save the endangered Tasmanian devil in Tasmania.
- Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef to spot fish, sea turtles, cetaceans and dugongs.
- Explore the rugged reaches of Kakadu for the chance to see crocodiles and wallabies.
- Look out for koalas, seals and of course kangaroos on Kangaroo Island.
- Delve into the Daintree Rainforest: one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
- Go whale watching and visit wildlife reserves on the Great Ocean Road.
Is there a 'Big Five' in Australia?
The Big Five are a set of charismatic megafauna that have become nearly synonymous with African safaris: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.
Australia doesn’t have its own version of the Big Five on land, but it does boast the Marine Big Five: humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and dugongs. All of these species can be spotted in the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
Similarly, the Great Barrier Reef has a set of marine species known as the Great Eight: whales, sharks, turtles, manta rays, clownfish, giant clams, potato cod and Maori wrasse.
An underwater safari in either of these two reefs (which are located on opposite sides of the country) may not be quite the same as an African game drive, but it will certainly inspire a similar sense of wonder and awe at nature’s beauty.
Top Australian safari destinations
Uluru and the Outback
The classic Australian safari destination, the Outback is a land of vast arid landscapes, wild animals, spiritual energy and unique heritage. It’s a fantastic place to spot many of the country’s most beloved creatures, including kangaroos, the magnificent thorny devil and many other reptile and bird species.
Experience extraordinary luxury at Longitude 131°, where glass walls deliver incredible views of the mighty Uluru. For views of Kata Tjuta as well, be sure to opt for the Dune Pavilion suite. At night watch Uluru change from bright red to deep purple – a visual manifestation of the energy running through the heart of the Northern Territory.
Along with natural wonders and wildlife, you can learn about the Dreamtime from Aboriginal guides. A wonderful mix of cultures, landscapes and history, the Outback is a must-visit safari destination in Australia.
Tasmania
Known for its vast expanses of wilderness and diverse landscapes, Tasmania is home to 19 national parks teeming with wildlife from forest-dwellers to sea creatures.
It’s also a place of tremendously stylish hotels; stay in a triangular villa within an art gallery and museum at MONA Pavilions or indulge in boutique luxury in the historic Islington Hotel at Hobart.
Sustainability is a core part of the identity of this independent island. Saffire Freycinet, a contemporary hotel that cleverly embraces its natural surroundings, leads conservation efforts in the region and acts as a refuge for older Tasmanian devils, which are currently endangered.
Tasmania’s eponymous animal is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, weighing up to 12 kilograms. You can meet them at sanctuaries like Saffire Freycinet and Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s great natural wonders, the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world.
It’s home to over 3,000 individual reef systems and an incredible wealth of biodiversity, with 30 species of cetaceans, more than 1,500 types of fish and the graceful dugong. Any snorkelling or diving enthusiast must explore this underwater marvel.
Rising ocean temperatures have put the reef in peril, making sustainability an especially vital concern. There’s a myriad of ways you can discover the reef responsibly. We recommend staying at Lizard Island: a contemporary lodge that’s situated inside the national park and collaborates closely with researchers and conservationists.
Another option is the idyllic Haggerstone Island, fringed with palms and white sand beaches. Here there’s a genuine connection to nature, and the entire island can be booked exclusively for those seeking complete privacy.
Kakadu National Park
The northernmost part of Australia’s Northern Territory, known as the Top End, is one of the world’s great wildernesses, accessible from the tropical city of Darwin. Here enormous expanses of pristine landscapes are filled with wildlife, ancient culture, captivating recent history and more than 80 national parks.
Perhaps the most famous among them, Kakadu National Park is home to Bamurru Plains, which is set in its own private reserve and is one of the top sustainable lodges in the world. Here buffalo, wallabies, crocodiles and much more can be discovered on exhilarating quad bike and airboat safaris led by expert naturalist guides.
For the ultimate Australian safari experience, set out with legendary guide Sab Lord from Lords Camp in Arnhem Land. Benefit from his decades of experience on an epic expedition (longer itineraries can last up to two weeks) of wildlife viewing, wild swimming and authentic cultural experiences.
Kangaroo Island
Ten thousand years ago a section of land in southern Australia was cut off from the mainland by rising waters, and archaeological proof of humans ceased. Kangaroo Island became a remote wildlife haven, virtually untouched until the 19th century.
Diverse, windswept and made up of rolling hills, craggy cliffs, amber grasslands and white sand beaches, the island’s ecosystems are now protected by several nature reserves and hotels. It’s home to a massive list of wildlife including platypuses, possums and, unsurprisingly, kangaroos.
Southern Ocean Lodge offers an elegant place to stay while exploring the wilds of the island. Safari excursions take you to the coast to look for seals and dolphins, or into Flinders Chase National Park where you can spot koalas and wallabies. There are beehives, wine and food tours and unmissable cultural excursions, too.
More of Kangaroo Island
From our experts
I often recommend staying a few nights so you’re not rushing between places. Early mornings and late afternoons are when wildlife tends to be most active, thanks to cooler temperatures and softer light. And they’re also the most comfortable times to be out.
The Daintree Rainforest
Australia’s Daintree Rainforest is a verdant, lush rainforest used as the inspiration for the landscapes in the blockbuster movie Avatar. And it’s not hard to see why – it’s breathtaking.
For a stylish, modern and totally luxurious tree house, look no further than Silky Oaks. With the social areas open to the meandering Mossman River below, the lodge maintains a strong connection to nature and promises a truly immersive experience.
Adventure-seekers can trek through the jungle, soar through the forest canopy on a zip line and go on wildlife walks or kayaking trips, keeping an eye out for crocodiles and green possums along the way.
Home to a quarter of Australia’s frog population, one of the world’s largest butterfly colonies and well over a hundred rare and endangered species, the Daintree Rainforest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. You might even spot obscure animals like Boyd’s forest dragon or the striking southern cassowary.
Great Ocean Road
For spectacular views and the chance to see wildlife in multiple locations, be sure to include the Great Ocean Road on your Australian safari. Stretching between Torquay and Allansford, this Australian National Heritage Site offers a variety of habitats to discover.
Explore its rainforests, rivers, rugged coastline and ancient volcanoes. And stay at Lake House Daylesford, a stunning lakefront retreat tucked within olive groves and dappled forests.
From there, travel to Ballarat Wildlife Park for private ranger-guided wildlife tours. Also in the region is the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where you can meet emus, koalas and lizards.
Visit between June and September for marine safari opportunities as well; this is when migrating southern right whales come close to shore. You can also go swimming with dolphins at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.
When to go: seasonality and migration calendars
Any time of year is a good choice for a safari in Australia, but some months are better for spotting certain species. Here’s a quick overview of which wildlife activities you can enjoy in each season.
Spring (September–November)
- Spring is a great time to see baby kangaroos, koalas and wallabies across the country.
- September and October are ideal for birdwatching in Kakadu National Park.
- Sea turtle nesting season starts in November and continues through February on the east coast.
Summer (December–February)
- These are the peak months for safaris in Tasmania and Maria Island, with sunny weather and warm temperatures.
- Baby sea turtles hatch on the shores of Queensland from January to March.
- Summer is the best time to spot orcas in Western Australia’s Bremer Bay.
Autumn (March–May)
- Whale sharks are present at Ningaloo Reef from around April to mid-July.
- April and May are ideal for the Great Barrier Reef; conditions are good for snorkelling and diving and it’s not too crowded yet.
- This is the best time of year to spot adorable baby quokkas on Rottnest Island.
Winter (June–August)
- Winter brings ideal safari conditions to North West Australia and the Top End and cooler weather to the Outback.
- Manta rays are especially common in the Great Barrier Reef from around June to September.
- These are among the peak months for whale watching in the Great Barrier Reef, Hervey Bay and Sydney.
Ask the expert
An Australian safari can take many different forms, depending on which animals you want to see.
Marine safaris might involve snorkelling and diving in beautiful coral reefs, or embarking on boat trips to spot dolphins and whales. On land you can venture through the Outback or the rugged Top End to see kangaroos and wallabies.
Wherever you go, you’re bound to encounter unique species: think Tasmanian devils, quokkas or dugongs. One-of-a-kind animals like these are a hallmark of Australian safaris.
No, you can’t see tigers or lions in the wild in Australia. If you’re hoping to see lions, consider an African safari; as for tigers, they’re most common in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
The capital of Australia is Canberra. While many people think of Sydney or Melbourne as Australia’s capital due to their fame and recognisable landmarks, Canberra was chosen as the country’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between the two larger cities.
While Australia is known for its warm climate and beaches, it does have snowy regions, particularly in the Snowy Mountains, the Victorian Alps and Tasmania. To experience Australia’s wide range of climates, add one of these beautiful destinations to your itinerary.
Winter in Australia is from June to August, and can be quite cold in the south of the country. Other parts of Australia – particularly the tropical Northern Territory – enjoy relatively mild winter weather.
The official language of Australia is English. It’s the primary language spoken by the vast majority of Australians and is used in government, education, business and day-to-day life.
While English is recognised as the official language, it’s crucial to acknowledge Australia’s First Nations history and hundreds of Indigenous languages. These languages were spoken by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years before European colonisation.
There are over 250 Indigenous languages in Australia, though many are endangered today. Pitjantjatjara, Yolŋu Matha and Warlpiri are just a few examples of still-spoken Indigenous languages.
Ready to start planning?
Whatever you want from your next safari in Australia, our travel designers are ready to help.
Trip inspiration
For some inspiration, we recommend exploring some of our curated travel guides – one on the best things to do in Australia, and another if you’re weighing up whether Africa or Australia is the right fit for your next safari trip.
Our article on planning your first trip to Australia also shares tips from our travel designer David, who has lived in the country for years and brings genuine, hands-on experience. This will help you get some ideas for your next adventure, what to prioritise and how to make the most of your time.
