Australia Wildlife
Australia has an incredible and diverse range of wildlife that of course includes the famous koalas, kangaroos, wombats, kookaburas and dingos that so many people associate with the country.
Australia has many of the deadliest animals in the world including snakes, sharks and spiders. Few people know that even the cute looking platypus produces one of the most excruciating venoms known. This aside, there is no reason why you should ever be aware of this fact, as you shouldn't come across the deadly varieties on a daily basis. Unless you visit the zoo or aquarium you are unlikely ever to see them as, in most cases, they don't wish to be found.
In the Air
You will become accustomed to daily sightings of what we in England would consider exotic birds including parrots, cockatoos, parakeets and pelicans. If you can't see them you will almost certainly hear them! They are in abundance, even in cities, all across the country, not to mention the fruit bats that live in the trees of national parks and gardens. You will also learn the familiar laugh of the Australian icon, the kookaburra, which is a large 'noisy' bird found throughout the country.
In the Water
There are over 300 species of sharks in Australian waters. Most are not dangerous to humans; however, the fearsome great whites are present in some waters, but rest assured that shark nets are in use in many of the country's popular swimming beaches.
During the migration season whales can be spotted in key coastal areas throughout the country, as can turtles and seals. In other waters, in particular northern rivers, crocodiles are present so caution must be used when travelling in unfamiliar territories. At various times of the year it is not safe to swim in the ocean (particularly in tropical North Queensland) without wearing a 'stinger suit' due to the potentially fatal box jellyfish that are present in the waters. However, you are far more likely to see a beautiful variety of marine life including sting rays, dolphins and exotic fish than anything sinister.
Far more dangerous than what may be lurking in the water is the ocean itself. Rip tides are common and you must observe the warnings present on all swimming beaches. Do not swim outside of designated areas.
On the Ground (or more usually in the trees)
Adored around the world, the koala is an Aussie icon. Sometimes mistakenly called koala bears, they are in fact marsupials. Their staple diet is eucalyptus leaves and they are protected by the state and considered a national treasure. Aside from the national parks, they can be found in the cities but you will need a trained eye to spot them as they are usually asleep at the top of tall trees. Kangaroos can be spotted in more rural areas where you are also likely to see wombats and possums.
