Exploring The Wildlife of The Outback

The Outback is an incredible place to see and experience, and it is packed with wildlife that can’t be found anywhere on Earth. Here are a few of the creatures to be on the lookout for and a few tips for finding and seeing them.

A specimen of the Amethystine python, the longest snake in Australia.

Kangaroos

Kangaroos are as common as Google searches for “how to quit vaping.” They can be found across the country, both in the wild and in the extensive wildlife parks and zoos in the major cities.

The Outback is home to three different types of kangaroo: the red kangaroo, the Eastern grey kangaroo, and the Western grey kangaroo.

Sand Goanna

The Sand Goanna is a voracious monitor native to Australia. Considering its density, it is fairly easy to encounter one in the Outback, especially if you are near a shaded area or a water source.

While they tend to target prey that is smaller than themselves, it is still advised not to get too close to them, as they can still cause harm when scared or cornered.

Venomous Snakes

If you love reptiles and snakes, there is arguably no better place to see snakes than Australia. There are over 145 different venomous snakes that live in Australia, making up 60 percent of the total snake population. However, it is important to note that only 12 of these species have a fatal bite.

It is essential to note that even though Australian hospitals and clinics are equipped to deal with snake bites, they can easily be a few hours away, depending on where you are in the Outback.

Saltwater Crocodiles

Made famous by the late great Steve Irwin, saltwater crocodiles are renowned across the country. These majestic but deadly creatures can be found in swamps and near rivers across Northern Australia.

While going out and trying to find one for yourself may be exciting, it is best to go with a guide, as they can not only keep you safe, but they also know where the best places are to find them.

An Australian Estuarine crocodile showing off its impressive dentition.

Australian Feral Camel

Finally, one of the more unique creatures you can find in Australia is the feral camel. They live across the country, with the largest populations being found in the many deserts and arid regions of the country.

While they are fairly easy to find if you know where to look, the sheer expanse of the Outback means it may take some time to find the larger herds.

Tips for Spotting Wildlife in The Outback

Now that you know what you should look out for, here are a few tips to help you find and see all the wildlife The Outback has to offer.

Ask the Locals

The first thing you should do is to simply ask the locals. Many people in the Outback know a lot about the weather, the wildlife, and the general area they live in. This means they are often the best people to ask if you want to see something specific.

They can also help you find a few lesser-known areas to visit, areas that many guides or experts may not be aware of.

Dusk & Dawn

The conditions of the Outback are extreme, even for the creatures that live there. Because of this, they aren’t very active during the day, and therefore, they can be a lot harder to find and see.

Because of this, the best time to go for a nature adventure is in the early morning, or later at night as the sun sets. This is when many of the animals come out of hiding and explore, hunt, etc.

Be Prepared

Being prepared for the Outback is one of the most important things to do when spotting wildlife. It gets very hot, and can get very cold, you can end up walking for a very long time, and the chances of the “worst-case scenario” rise the longer you are out in the bush.

Therefore, you need to have the right clothing, food and drinks, a first-aid kit, and emergency communication gear.

Go Off the Beaten Path

While the Outback is vast, it is still an area used by trucks and farmers, and there are a lot of aircraft that fly over the area. This means the wildlife isn’t going to be five minutes from a main road, and you may need to travel a bit.

A cattle station in the Flinder.

Patience

Finally, you always need to have patience. The Outback is an astonishingly large area, and there is no guarantee you will see the animals you want to see. This means that patience is your friend in many cases.

If patience isn’t for you or you are short on time, there are plenty of reserves and wildlife areas across the Outback that you can visit, where you will most definitely be able to see many of the creatures that call the area home.

The wildlife of Australia is diverse and truly unique, and the best way to view all of the animals, creatures, and critters that call the country home, is to take a trip to the Outback and see and experience them for yourself.

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