Best Places to See Wombats in Australia

Wombats are burrowing marsupials found in the cooler and forested parts of southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, and small areas of South Australia. They are most active around dawn and dusk, though in colder regions like Tasmania, daytime sightings are common.

Three species live in Australia — the Common wombat, Southern hairy-nosed wombat, and the Northern hairy-nosed wombat (critically endangered and not seen in the wild by the public). This guide focuses on wild wombat encounters and ethical viewing opportunities with Common and Southern hairy-nosed wombats.

Where to See Wombats: State-by-State Highlights

While wombats are found in several parts of southern and eastern Australia, your chances of spotting one vary by region and season. Below is a guide to the best wombat viewing locations, organised by state to help you plan your wildlife adventure.

Australian Capital Territory

The bushland around Canberra is home to healthy wombat populations, particularly within the national parks.

Top Wombat Viewing Location in the ACT:

• Namadgi National Park – Great for hiking and spotting wombats in the wild, especially near creek crossings and grassy clearings.

New South Wales

NSW has several reliable wombat hotspots, often near bushwalking trails or in regional reserves. Patience helps — these wombats are more wary than their Tasmanian cousins.

Top Wombat Viewing Locations in NSW:

• Lake Bathurst region – South of Goulburn, this area is known for roadside sightings near dusk.

• Booderee National Park (Jervis Bay) – Wombats can sometimes be seen near campsites and walking trails.

• Jenolan / Blue Mountains – Occasional sightings, especially near secluded bush tracks.

Northern Territory

Wombats are not found in the wild in the Northern Territory. Their natural range does not extend into the Top End or central deserts. If you’re visiting the NT, you’re more likely to encounter rock wallabies, dingoes, or reptiles than wombats.

Where to Learn About Wombats in the NT:

• Alice Springs Desert Park – Occasionally features wombats in its nocturnal house or educational exhibits.

• Territory Wildlife Park (near Darwin) – May house wombats in captivity as part of native species education programs.

📝 Note: For wild wombat encounters, head south to South Australia or east to New South Wales.

Queensland

Queensland is home to one of the world’s rarest mammals — the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat. However, they are not viewable by the public, as they live in a strictly protected reserve.

Top Wombat Viewing Location in QLD:

• Epping Forest National Park (no public access) – The only place where Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats survive in the wild. Viewing is restricted to researchers.

📝 Note: If you’re keen to learn about this species, consider visiting conservation centres or following Queensland Government updates on recovery efforts.

South Australia

Wombats in South Australia are less commonly seen by the general public, but they’re out there — especially in the semi-arid regions.

Top Wombat Viewing Locations in South Australia:

• Flinders Ranges – Keep an eye out on dusk drives or remote hikes.

• Gawler Ranges / Eyre Peninsula – Remote but home to Southern hairy-nosed wombats.

Tasmania

Tasmania is arguably the best state in Australia to see wombats in the wild — particularly during the day. These wombats are comfortable in open grassy areas and are often spotted on walking trails and near campsites.

Top Wombat Viewing Locations in Tasmania:

• Maria Island – Arguably Australia’s most famous wombat hotspot. Wombats graze freely around Darlington and the walking tracks.

• Narawntapu National Park – Nicknamed “the Serengeti of Tasmania,” this coastal park is fantastic for wombat spotting at dusk.

• Cradle Mountain / Ronny Creek – The boardwalk trail near Ronny Creek is a scenic and reliable place for wombat sightings.

Victoria

Victoria offers excellent wombat viewing, particularly in its coastal national parks. While mostly nocturnal, wombats here can be spotted at dusk or during overcast days.

Top Wombat Viewing Locations in Victoria:

• Wilsons Promontory National Park – Wombats are frequently seen around Tidal River campground and the walking trails.

• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – A lesser-known gem near Warrnambool, great for self-drive wildlife spotting.

• The Grampians – Though more elusive here, wombats do live in the park, especially in quieter areas.

Western Australia

Wombats are not native to most of Western Australia, but some Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats live near the SA/WA border in remote areas. Sightings are rare and typically limited to scientific research zones or private land.

Top Wombat Viewing Location in WA:

• Near the Nullarbor Plain (border region) – Sightings are uncommon but possible in far eastern WA.

📝 Note: There are currently no well-known public wombat viewing locations in WA.

📷 Tips for Ethical Viewing of Wombats

Wombats are wild animals and should always be respected. Here’s how to ensure your encounter is safe — for both of you:

• Never feed wombats (even in campgrounds)

• Avoid walking between a wombat and its burrow

• Keep dogs leashed in wombat habitats

• Drive slowly at dawn and dusk — wombats are low and hard to see

📚 What Are Wombats, Scientifically Speaking?

Wombats are short-legged, burrowing marsupials that belong to the family Vombatidae. Though they may look like small bears or overgrown rodents, they’re actually more closely related to koalas — their closest living relatives.

Wombats are known for their strong claws, backward-facing pouch, and cube-shaped poo — a helpful adaptation for marking territory without it rolling away!

Here’s how wombats are classified: