Top animals in Australia: From the outback to the rainforest

If you’re heading Down Under, prepare to be seriously impressed (and occasionally weirded out) by the animals in Australia. From Outback giants to rainforest rarities, Australia’s wildlife is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re on an Outback adventure, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, or spotting creatures in a national park, get ready to meet some of the most fascinating species on Earth.

While there’s no end to the list of Australia’s unique wildlife, here’s a line-up of Aussie animal icons you won’t forget.

1. Red Kangaroo

Big, buff, and bouncing across the desert – this is Australia’s OG mascot. Red kangaroos are the largest of their kind (yep, there are more kinds of kangaroos), moving at speed on powerful hind legs. You’ll spot them across the arid Outback, especially on guided tours. They’re practically a must-see on any Australia tour, and their iconic silhouette is stamped across coins, signs, and souvenirs. 

2. Saltwater Crocodile

Australia’s apex predator is no joke. These prehistoric beasts can grow over six metres long and are not the kind of thing you want to surprise in the wild. Found in the tropical north, especially near rivers and coastlines, saltwater crocodiles are best admired from a boat – (preferably a sturdy one).

3. Tasmanian Devil

No, it’s not just a cartoon. The real Tasmanian devil is smaller but a whole lot scrappier. Endemic to – you guessed it – Tasmania, these nocturnal meat-eaters are known for their ear-piercing screeches and powerful jaws. They’re classified as a threatened species, so if you spot one on your Australia trip, consider yourself lucky! 

4. Platypus

Australia has its fair share of weird animals. But the platypus? It’s almost mythical sounding. The platypus has a beak like a duck, a body like an otter, a venomous sput and it lays eggs – even though it’s a mammal. You’ll find it in freshwater rivers in eastern Australia, including parts of New South Wales. But they are quite rare and incredibly shy.

5. Southern Cassowary

Part prehistoric bird, part rainforest bouncer – the southern cassowary is a striking flightless bird with a helmet-like casque and dagger-sharp claws. They’re native to tropical rainforests in Queensland (AKA the Daintree Rainforest) and are incredibly important for seed dispersal. Just don’t get too close – these colourful giants are beautiful, but man, they’ve got an attitude.

6. Laughing Kookaburra

You’ll probably hear a laughing kookaburra before you see one. Their call sounds like someone cackling at a bad joke and is a true soundtrack to Aussie mornings. As a native bird species, they’re often spotted perched on fences, branches, and sometimes even barbecues (eyeing off your sausage). Aussie icon behaviour.

7. Echidna

Spiky, shy, and totally adorable. Like the platypus, echidnas (or spiny anteaters if you will) lay eggs (yep, again with the egg-laying mammals). They use their snouts to sniff out ants and termites and curl into a ball when threatened. Found across Australia, they’re an unassuming highlight of any national park stroll.

8. Emu

Tall, fast, and basically a feathered velociraptor. The emu is another iconic flightless bird, second in size only to the ostrich. Found in open country across the mainland, they can sprint up to 50kmph using those powerhouse hind legs. They’re also on the Australian coat of arms, because why not?

9. Dingo

They might look cute, but dingoes are clever, opportunistic predators. Found mostly in the Outback and remote national parks, they hunt alone or in small packs and are known for being seriously resourceful. Don’t feed them (really, don’t), and definitely don’t underestimate them – they ain’t your average pup.

10. Green Sea Turtle

Not all Australian animals are scary. This peaceful reef resident is one you’ll never forget. These gentle swimmers feed on seagrass, glide like pros, and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. And yes, spotting a green sea turtle on a snorkelling trip in the Great Barrier Reef (make sure it’s an ethical animal experience, of course) is actually a very common “pinch me” moment.

11. Freshwater Crocodile

Smaller and a bit less scary than their salty cousins, freshwater crocodiles live in the inland rivers of northern Australia. They’re still wild reptiles, but they tend to avoid humans (smart move). You might see them basking on riverbanks if you’re in the Outback. Just don’t confuse them with the big guys.

12. Wombat

Built like a furry tank, wombats are chunky, short-legged diggers with a serious attitude. These burrowing marsupials are mostly nocturnal and surprisingly fast when they want to be. Their cube-shaped poo? Iconic. It marks territory and keeps them in the running for “weirdest flex in the animal kingdom.” You’ll find them in forests, mountainous areas, and even coastal scrublands.

13. Quokka

“The world’s happiest animal” AKA quokkas are pint-sized marsupials with permanent smiles and zero fear of the camera. Native to Rottnest Island (near Perth), these friendly fluffballs have become selfie royalty. But behind that adorable grin is a tough little survivor, adapted to arid conditions and night-time foraging. Just don’t touch or feed them – those Insta-worthy moments come with rules.

14. Koala

How could we forget the sleepy, slow, and famously fluffy Koala? They spend most of their lives chilling in eucalyptus trees, and are native to the east coast, especially Queensland and New South Wales. Oh, and these marsupials can nap up to 22 hours a day. Iconic? Absolutely. But also vulnerable due to habitat loss. So if you spot one in the wild, capture the moment.

What is Australia’s rarest animal?

The Northern hairy-nosed wombat – only a few hundred remain in the wild, mostly found only in a few isolated areas in Queensland.

What wild animals are in Australia?

Everything from kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles to kookaburras, snakes, and reef critters. Oh, and spiders too. Big ones.

What animals are only found in Australia?

Plenty! Think platypus, Tasmanian devil, southern cassowary, echidna, and more.

What is the most dangerous animal in Australia?

The saltwater crocodile. They’re massive, stealthy, and extremely territorial.

How many dangerous animals are in Australia?

Roughly 60-70 species are considered dangerous (think saltwater crocodiles, Eastern Brown snakes, Redback Spider & more).  But the good news is that most are rarely encountered.

Why are animals bigger in Australia?

It mostly comes down to isolation and the lack of large land predators. Australia has been separated from the rest of the world for millions of years, which gave its native species a unique chance to evolve without much outside interference.

Without big predators like lions or wolves to compete with or hide from, some animals had the space, safety, and resources to grow bigger. Basically, in Australia, evolution had room to get creative and a little supersized.

What is the national animal in Australia?

The red kangaroo, of course! Outback legend, tourist fave, and total icon.