Wildlife Encounters in Australia’s North and South

Australia is famously home to a diverse range of indigenous wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else on earth.  From iconic marsupials to deadly predators, Australia’s native animal population is becoming increasingly accessible offering us the chance to learn more about the remarkable creatures that call Australia home.

In Australia’s Top End, two hours east of Darwin, the wetlands of the Mary River National Park are a must-see for any nature lover.  As well as spectacular fishing opportunities, the national park is popular for four-wheel driving, bushwalking and bird watching and is the home of an abundant array of wildlife including saltwater crocodiles.  

The Wildman Wilderness Lodge is located in the heart of the Mary River wetlands area and offers an immersive adventure and the ultimate in bush luxury.  Activities including excursions to Kakadu National Park and cruising on the Mary River are all part of the Wildman experience.

Close by at Bamurru Plains, guests are provided with an extraordinary wildlife experience on 300km2 of private land.  Located just to the west of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains allows up to 20 guests to enjoy exclusive access to miles of the Sampan River, the coast and the Mary River Floodplain system.   The range of guided activities on offer includes skimming across the floodplains by airboat, fishing, spotting crocodiles from the river boat and viewing the native wallaby and buffalo on an open-top safari. 

In South Australia’s rugged outback, The Arkaba Walk traverses the ancient Flinders Ranges and the private Arkaba Conservancy.  This ancient land is home to a wide range of native mammals and birdlife including Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus.

Over a four-day guided walk, groups of up to ten walkers hear of the incredible geological history of the region and of the tireless conservation efforts that take place to protect this unique and fragile land as well as its native inhabitants.   

Arkaba Homestead is a luxury five-bedroom guesthouse located in the heart of the conservancy in a restored sheep station.  Rates at the homestead include daily explorations across the property with field guides and feature bush walking, 4WD safaris, wildlife spotting, visiting ancient Aboriginal sites or just soaking up the sights and sounds of the Australian bush. 

While it’s name suggests only one famous resident, Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, is occupied by a vast array of Australian wildlife including the short-beaked echidna, tammar wallaby, brushtail possum and southern brown bandicoot. The amazing wildlife continues underwater with unique marine life, fish and leafy sea dragons.   The Kangaroo Island kangaroo is similar to the eastern grey but is unique to the island.   Conservation is of crucial importance as many of the species are critically endangered.  A must-visit is the Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to a one of Australia’s largest colonies of sea lions.

At Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, guests have access to signature experiences which are included in their tariff, such as a guided excursion to Seal Bay and a sunset visit to Grassdale, a historic island property where local wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies congregate to graze.  All guests enjoy a personalised experiential itinerary of the Island’s unique natural attractions.

The Kangaroo Beach Lodges are located on the 8,000 acre De Mole Farm.  With seven kilometres of ocean frontage and surrounded by coves, cliffs and bushwalks, the lodges are ideally positioned to watch the nearby wildlife exist within its natural environment.

Please contact us to bespoke your wildlife encounters in Australia. Email: travel@onlyluxe.com.au