A Wildlife Lover’s Dream Destination

From cuddly koalas and bouncing kangaroos to the elusive platypus and spiny echidna, Australian mammals are unlike any others on Earth. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, family traveller, or nature enthusiast, this guide will help you discover where to see, feed, and ethically interact with native mammals across the country — in the wild, at sanctuaries, and beyond.

Australia is home to over 300 species of native mammals — and most of them can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. From duck-billed platypuses to tree-dwelling gliders, marsupials hopping across desert landscapes, and wombats snuffling around misty trails, every encounter tells a story millions of years in the making.

🦘 Want to meet a kangaroo or see a platypus in the wild?
👉 Explore our detailed guides to Australian Marsupials and Platypus, Echidnas & Native Rodents. As well as Top Mammal Encounters in Australia.

Australia’s long geographic isolation created the perfect conditions for evolution to take some truly fascinating turns. Here’s what makes our native mammals so extraordinary:

🦘 Marsupials Rule the Land

Most of Australia’s mammals are marsupials — mammals that carry and nourish their young in pouches. Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and quokkas all belong to this group. They’ve adapted to survive in every landscape, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

🥚 Egg-Laying Mammals (Monotremes)

The platypus and echidna are the only living monotremes in the world. These unusual mammals lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young — and spotting one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

🐁 Rare Native Placentals

Australia also has a handful of native placental mammals, including bats and rodents. Though often overlooked, these species play vital roles in local ecosystems.

Most Australian mammals are shy, nocturnal, or active at dawn and dusk — but with the right timing and approach, you can enjoy unforgettable sightings.

🌿 Where to Look

• National parks, bush trails, water sources, and quiet campsites.

• Possums and wombats are often seen near campgrounds at night.

Looking for close-up encounters and photo ops?
👉 Don’t miss our guide to Top Mammal Encounters in Australia »

Ready to dive deeper?

• 🦘 Australian Marsupials » – Where to find them, how they live, and why they matter

• 🥚 Platypus, Echidnas & Native Rodents » – Meet ancient egg-layers and secretive rodents

• 📸 Top Mammal Encounters in Australia » – Feeding kangaroos, camping with wombats, nocturnal tours & more

Your wildlife encounters are more than just travel memories — they’re a way to connect with animals found nowhere else on Earth. By choosing ethical experiences, avoiding touching or feeding wild animals, and supporting conservation-focused organisations, you help protect these species for future generations.

📌 Add this page to your Australia bucket list and share it with fellow wildlife lovers.