If you were born and raised Down Under, you probably consider kangaroos hopping across the road to be a regular occurrence. Seeing the occasional koala or echidna in the wild might be more rare, but still somewhat commonplace. You know to be careful in the north where saltwater crocs might be found. In Australia, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of unique and exciting wildlife, but living in close proximity to these species can result in us taking them for granted at times. To the rest of the world, however, Australia is nothing short of fascinating: a place with some of the planet’s wildest, strangest wildlife (and an unfortunate reputation for having some of the “most dangerous” creatures).
Anyone who’s been to Australia knows that the wildlife here is simply amazing. And those who have not yet visited “the lucky country” are inspired to see for themselves. Does Australia have the most incredible wildlife? We say, without a doubt, yes, and no trip to Australia is complete without a memorable wildlife experience.
A Marsupial Land
Australia’s wildlife is unique, and one of the most apparent ways this fact demonstrates itself is in the abundance of marsupials living here. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, opossums, quolls, bandicoots, and quokkas are some of the most well known marsupial creatures. This is a distinct draw for visitors to our country, as marsupials (though indeed found in other regions such as South America) are not found in many areas, and are considered both intriguing and adorable. Evolutionary history and the movement of the continents is largely behind the lack of marsupial presence in other parts of the world.
If you’re travelling in Australia, keep your eye out regularly when walking in the bush or even in quiet or remote areas. You’re very likely to see some of our most well-known residents during your stay. Be sure to exercise extra care and caution when driving, particularly during the periods of dawn and dusk. Though kangaroos and other wildlife are known to cross the road at any time, these hours are when they tend to be feeding, and are most likely to be found on the move or near the roadside.
An Underwater World
It is not just the land-based species that delight visitors and Australians alike. The waters themselves are teeming with marine life of all kinds. There are bizarrely beautiful creatures like the weedy sea dragon, awe-inspiring species like the tiger shark, and gentle giants such as the whale shark, the biggest fish in the sea. Australia is a wonderful destination for snorkelling and diving, activities which give you the opportunity to explore the depths and discover an underwater paradise. But amazing wildlife experiences can also be had along the surface. Thousands of visitors and residents each year head to the Aussie coast (and particularly to Jervis Bay) for whale watching, dolphin cruises, and much more. This is an ideal way to catch a fantastic glimpse of these marine beauties (and often lots of other species at the same time).
Ready to Meet the Locals?
Jervis Bay is an area of NSW renowned for its natural beauty and its plentiful wildlife. If you’re looking for one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia, our region can provide. Here at Jervis Bay Wild, we delight in taking guests out on the remarkable turquoise waters, introducing them to our favourite local residents. In the bay we have 70-90 bottlenose dolphins who splash and play alongside our boat during the dolphin cruise. In the winter months, our whale watching tour is our most popular, with the chance to spot the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration. Tours are offered year round to see the dolphins, Australian fur seals, and more, and our cruises often encounter marine birds, sea turtles, manta rays, and more during their journey. Ready to see Australia’s amazing wildlife for yourself? Book with us today and get ready for a wonderful adventure.
