Australia · WILDLIFE

Australian Wildlife Tours: 15 That Go to the Animal

110 tours  ·  from $17

Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, quokkas and whatever the Top End river is holding. The 15 below separate the genuine sanctuaries and wild encounters from the photo-op stops, priced and honest about how close you actually get.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour - Torquay and the first taste of the coast
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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

1.Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6,020 reviews · 13h 30m · from $94Our pick

Spend 13.5 hours on the Great Ocean Road with an Australian guide such as Warren, Theo, or Lorraine. Visit Torquay, see wild koalas and parrots, walk through tall forest, and explore the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Transport, hotel pickup, and morning tea are included. Lunch and dinner are at your own cost.

“Warren is one of best guides I have ever meet. He is fun and caring. He definitely makes the Great Ocean Road tour more enjoyable and memorable than its originally is. Highly recommended for all.”

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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Moonlit Sanctuary: the best daytime wildlife stop
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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

2.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Top rated

Spend about 12 hours exploring Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, a guide, and entry fees included. Expect a late return, cold evening, and no photography at the penguin viewing area.

“Our tour guide Cloe was excellent. Very nice tour would highly recommend it for amazing experience.!”

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Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife - Loch Ard Gorge and the story behind the cliffs
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Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

3.Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,252 reviews · 12 - 13 hours · from $46

Spend 12 to 13 hours on a reverse Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, visiting London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and Memorial Arch. Choose a classic coach, mid-size group, or Mercedes-Benz van. Guides such as David Hsu, William, Philip, and Daniel add local stories, while wildlife stops may reveal koalas and kangaroos.

“William was a fantastic and informative guide, he was entertaining and gave us plenty of stops along the way. The tour was amazing and would absolutely do it again,.... if the bus was a bit more comfortable where you could stretch your legs out a bit (lol)”

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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise - Leaving from the Daintree River near the ferry
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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

4.Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,663 reviews · from $25Best value

Cruise the Daintree River near the ferry on a quiet solar-assisted boat carrying up to 24 people. Guides such as Mark and Dave point out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, crabs, and fish. Tea and coffee are included, and the one-hour trip returns to its starting point.

“It is a very unique experience . Guide was very knowledgeable in spotting crocodiles including each names , age”

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Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - What you see on the 75-minute cruise
Boat Tours in Brisbane, Brisbane Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

5.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with live commentary, then spend about three hours among koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles. The boat has a cafe, the sanctuary offers animal talks and shows, and the return cruise brings you back to Southbank. Dennis and the crew are praised for friendly service.

“Very friendly and professional staff. Great trip! We enjoyed the history of the Brisbane River and the Koala experience was a dream come true!”

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Blue Mountains: Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park - The Three Sisters and Echo Point views
Blue Mountains Tours, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains: Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park

6.Blue Mountains: Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,481 reviews · from $182

Leave Sydney early for the Blue Mountains, where you’ll see the Three Sisters, ride all three Scenic World attractions, walk a rainforest boardwalk, eat lunch, and visit a wildlife park with koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. Guides such as Sean, Ella, Luke, Mick, and Tom lead small groups of up to 21 people.

“Great experience. If skipping breakfast due to the early pick-up, the first stop is to local cafes. The driver, Hayden, was very informative and professional. There was a mixup with my pickup location but it worked out better for me. Our bus arrived to the main spots around the same time as other tours but it wasn't overly crowded. Blue mountains stop was well apportioned in time. Lots of walking for extended periods of time! Bring an extra water bottle. Featherdale wildlife park was the best part! The 30-45min line for photos with a Koala took most of the time here so strolling by the other animals will be rushed.…”

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Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit - Getting from South Bank to Lone Pine
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Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

7.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Cruise from South Bank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary aboard Mirimar II, with live English commentary, river views, and three hours among koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses, birds, and reptiles. Captains such as Robbie and Robert are praised for their warm, entertaining hosting. Food is available onboard, while koala encounters cost extra.

“Really enjoyed this trip. We wanted to go to the sanctuary anyway but this cruise combination was an added bonus. Really friendly and helpful crew, beautiful trip up the river with informative commentary and a lovely couple of hours at the sanctuary itself.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Emerald Lake gives the morning some breathing room
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

8.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Leave central Melbourne for Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, then walk around Emerald Lake and explore Healesville Sanctuary. You’ll have time for koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and animal talks before ending at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Peter, Matty, David, and Emily are known for clear commentary and attentive service.

“Well planned., enough time at sanctuary., didn’t feel rushed..”

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Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney - Featherdale Wildlife Park: your best chance to meet native animals
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Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney

9.Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,087 reviews · from $135

Spend about 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains from Sydney, with central pickup, Featherdale Wildlife Park, koalas and kangaroos, the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, village lunch, and guided bushwalks. Guides such as Jason, Ben, Stuart, and Tony are known for local stories and flexible planning.

“I was lucky to have Tony as our guide, he was very nice and caring. He made jokes along the way and made the day enjoyable!”

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1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise - Guides who bring the river to life
1-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Port Douglas & Daintree, Cruises & Boat Tours, Port Douglas & Daintree Tours, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Port Douglas & Daintree

1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

10.1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 947 reviews · from $25

Spend an hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Ray, Brad, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, tree snakes, kingfishers, and other wildlife. Choose a morning, lunch, or afternoon departure, then enjoy tea, coffee, or a children’s slushie. The cruise returns to the starting point.

“Great experience. Our guide, Ray, was very informative and witty. Our young one enjoyed the boat trip also. We were lucky to see a few crocs despite heavy rain.”

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Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour - Sydney Zoo: koalas, kangaroos, and a fast start
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Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour

11.Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 932 reviews · 11 hours · from $147

This 11-hour Brighton Coach & Tours trip combines Sydney Zoo, a koala photo, kangaroo encounters, Blue Mountains lookouts, Leura village, and unlimited Scenic World rides. You travel by air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide such as Alfie, Max, Stephen, or Tom. It is a full day with plenty to see, but busy stops can feel rushed.

“Tom and Steven were so helpful and had great recommendations! The day was jam packed and the Blue Mountains are beautiful. Getting to feed the kangaroos was the cherry on top of a great day!”

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Blue Mountains Sunset Waterfalls Wildlife Tour From Sydney - Meeting in central Sydney and heading west
Blue Mountains Tours, Evening Experiences, New South Wales Tours, Night Tours in the Blue Mountains, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in the Blue Mountains, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Sunset Waterfalls Wildlife Tour From Sydney

12.Blue Mountains Sunset Waterfalls Wildlife Tour From Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 897 reviews · 10h 30m · from $102

Leave Sydney after the morning rush for a 10.5-hour Blue Mountains tour with guides such as Greg, Mitch, Derek, or Smokey. Walk near Wentworth Falls, spot native wildlife, visit the Three Sisters, and finish at Lincoln’s Rock for sunset. Moderate fitness, sturdy shoes, warm layers, and your own food are important.

“Absolutely loved the trip! The nature is just stunning, amazing cliff walks, crazy views and a beautiful sunset. Great organization, everything went smoothly. Highly recommend!”

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From Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure - The early start and the ferry across Moreton Bay
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From Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure

13.North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 869 reviews · 10 hours · from $105

Spend 10 hours exploring North Stradbroke Island with a small group of up to 11 people. Guides such as Rob, Rio, and Aggie lead you to Brown Lake, Myora Springs, Cylinder Beach, the North Gorge Walk, Point Lookout, and Amity Point, with chances to spot koalas, kangaroos, dolphins, whales, turtles, and rays.

“Great trip! Well structured with plenty of time at each location - took a swim in Brown Lake, amazing walk at Point Lookout and a relaxing time at the beach, and then got to see three koalas at Amity Point. Beautiful ferry ride as well, transport via the van was easy”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne - Cape Woolamai adds sand, surf, and breathing room
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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

14.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with a guide such as Michael, Bluey, David, or Reuben. Meet kangaroos and koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore after dark. Expect a 12 to 14 hour day, a small group of up to 24 people, and a late return.

“Watching the penguins was a truly beautiful experience and having David our tour guide pace out the day with a focus on spending quality time at the key sites made it more relaxing and enjoyable even though this is a long tour day. David made this interactions with the group fun and shared a lot of tidbits about the area, the animals. birds and their behavior. We spotted several wallaby in the wild as well. Knowing that David had your back on this tour made it a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you David and team!”

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Sydney: Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Small-Group Tour - The Blue Mountains by van and on foot
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Sydney: Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Small-Group Tour

15.Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 822 reviews · 11 hours · from $133

Spend 11 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring Featherdale Wildlife Park, Wentworth Falls, Leura or Katoomba, and the Three Sisters. Guides such as Ben, Nigel, Scotty, Tony, and Jason adjust the route for weather and crowds. Expect short bushwalks, scenic lookouts, and a maximum group size of 23.

“amazing trip to the Blue Mountains. Our guide tried to beat the crowds where ever possible.”

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★ 5.0Scooter Wildlife & Sunset TourFrom $7021 reviews
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