8 Aussie holidays where you can meet the animals

Here in Australia, we’re lucky enough to have some of the most unique animals in the world, and plenty of opportunities to meet them. Here are eight worth making a holiday out of:

Phillip Island, Victoria
Home to the popular Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Phillip Island provides a great opportunity to see hundreds of penguins waddle in from the surf and up the sand dunes every evening. The island is also home to a koala conservation centre and hundreds of fur seals.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
The name Rottnest is Dutch for ‘rat’s nest’ but don’t let that put you off. What a Dutch explorer mistook for rats were actually quokkas. There are about 10,000 quokkas on Rottnest Island, and visiting them—as well as the local birdlife and dolphins—makes a unique holiday experience.
Mon Repos, Queensland
During the summer months, visitors to Mon Repos can watch turtles making their way up the beach to lay their eggs and then see the tiny turtle hatchlings scurrying down the sandy shores to start their life in the ocean.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
It’s iconic for a reason. Accessible from a series of sites up the Queensland coast, the reef offers snorkellers a dazzling array of underwater wonders: tropical fish, reef sharks, octopuses, turtles, sea snakes, molluscs and colourful coral.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, New South Wales
If you prefer a more controlled environment, Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers overnight stays with a range of accommodation options. Their flagship offering includes luxurious accommodation in the heart of the zoo, guided tours, great food and an exciting African-safari style experience.
Monkey Mia, Western Australia
Monkey Mia is the place to go if you want to feed the dolphins. There are three feedings each morning, but dolphins often visit the beach outside of those times too. Park rangers regulate this experience to protect the dolphins and ensure they don’t become dependent on the people feeding them.
Australia Zoo, Queensland
As the legacy of Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is all about educating people about conservation by helping them meet the animals. At this popular hotspot, you have the opportunity to experience a close encounter with creatures ranging from tigers, koalas, red pandas, rhinos, lemurs, otters, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, dingos, wombats and eagles—to name a few.
Crocosaurus Cove, Northern Territory
For an encounter with extra adrenaline, visit the saltwater crocodiles of Crocosaurus Cove. Visitors can swim with the crocs in the ‘cage of death’, feed the crocs from a special platform, and have their photo taken holding a baby crocodile.