Leslie Massey
Australia is a haven for marsupial lovers, with around 70% of the world's 334 extant marsupial species calling the continent home. Marsupials, also known as pouched mammals, give birth to underdeveloped young that undergo further development in a pouch on their mother's body. This unique reproductive technique may be one of the reasons why marsupials thrived in Australia.
So, where can you spot these fascinating creatures on your tour of Australia? Well, you're spoilt for choice! From the iconic koala, found in forests and woodlands in eastern Australia, to the quirky fat-tailed dunnart, which inhabits dry grasslands, deserts and savannas across the country, there are marsupials to be found in almost every habitat.
If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, head to the forests of eastern Australia to spot the vulnerable greater glider, or to north-eastern Queensland to see one of Australia's two species of tree-kangaroo. With so many unique marsupials to discover, your Australian tour is sure to be a wild adventure!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tour company | Royle Safaris |
| Tour locations | Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Atherton Tablelands, Crater Lakes, Cairns, Sydney, Murray River, Tanami Desert, Gibson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Pilbara, Kimberley, Mitchell Grasslands, Rottnest Island, Bald Island, East Coast Australia, New Guinea, Sydney, Southern Highlands, You Yangs mountain range, Great Ocean Road, East Gippsland |
| Marsupials | Koalas, Tasmanian devils, Lumholtz's tree kangaroos, red kangaroos, bilbies, boodies, woylies, numbats, quolls, wallabies, wombats, possums, platypuses, echidnas, gliders, bandicoots, quokkas, pygmy possums, dingos, rock-wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons, potoroos |
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What You'll Learn
Koalas in forests and woodlands in eastern Australia
Koalas are native to Australia and are found in coastal areas in the eastern and southern regions of the country. They inhabit both forests and woodlands in eastern Australia, from north Queensland to south-east South Australia.
Koalas are arboreal, tree-dwelling mammals, and their habitats are defined by the presence of food trees, particularly eucalyptus trees. They live high up in the trees, away from ground predators, and sleep directly on the branches. Koalas can be spotted in the treetops of old eucalyptus forests, where they feed on eucalyptus leaves, eating up to a kilogram a day. They are picky eaters, however, and will only eat a few species of eucalyptus.
In Queensland, koalas can be found in the Magnetic Island National Park, which is home to the largest koala population in northern Australia. The Tanglewood Track in Noosa National Park is another good spot for koala-spotting in Queensland.
In New South Wales, the Great Ocean Road is home to some of the best koala-spotting locations in the country. Kennett River and Cape Otway are both known for their koala populations. The state also boasts the East Gippsland region, which has a large unbroken chain of forest stretching from the alps to the sea, including lush rainforests, eucalypt groves, and pristine rivers.
In South Australia, Kangaroo Island is famous for its large koala population, found throughout the river systems and woodland forests. The island is also home to the Western River Refuge, which protects the island's unique wildlife, including koalas. The Eyre Peninsula is another spot in South Australia where koalas can be found in the eucalypt forests.
In Victoria, Raymond Island in the Gippsland region is known for its large population of koalas, who live among the coastal heathlands and giant eucalypt groves.
Unfortunately, koalas face significant threats to their existence, primarily habitat destruction caused by agriculture, urbanisation, and bushfires, some of which are related to climate change.
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Kangaroos in north-eastern Queensland
Kangaroos are iconic Australian animals and can be found in many parts of north-eastern Queensland. They are mostly active in the late afternoon and early morning when the temperatures are coolest, and they tend to rest under trees and in other shady areas during the warmest parts of the day.
Eastern grey kangaroos are a common species found in this region. They are social animals that live in groups called mobs, which consist of several breeding females and their young, as well as adult males. These kangaroos can adapt to altered landscapes, such as golf courses, outer suburban parks, and rural residential areas, as long as they have access to shelter, water, and grass. Some popular spots for kangaroo watching in north-eastern Queensland include the town of Anglesea, Safety Beach Golf Course near Woolgoolga, and Look At Me Now Headland at Emerald Beach.
In Far North Queensland, a small group tour can take you to the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands, where you can spot Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroos, a rare species that shares its habitat with platypuses. This region is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, offering a mix of savannah and eucalypt woodlands along the coast. Winter is an excellent time for mammal observation in this area, as the colder temperatures increase the activity of fur-clad mammals.
Another place to see kangaroos in north-eastern Queensland is the town of Toowoomba and its surrounding areas, such as Inglewood, Mungindi, and Thallon. However, it is important to note that many kangaroos, wallabies, and rufous bettongs are killed on roads in southern Queensland, so it is recommended to be cautious when exploring these areas.
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Possums in Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands, located in Far North Queensland, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting the highest number of endemic mammals in Australia. This biodiverse hotspot is known for its unique wildlife, pretty villages, fun hikes, and epic scenery. The region's diverse habitats range from lush rainforests to volcanic lakes, wetlands, and savanna country.
When it comes to possums, the Atherton Tablelands is a particularly special place. The area is home to more species of possums and gliders than anywhere else in the world. Among the possum species found in the region are the Common Brushtail Possum, Coppery Brushtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, and Striped Possum. The Common Brushtail Possums and Coppery Brushtails are known for their bold behaviour, often wandering past verandas in the early evening, providing excellent opportunities for observation. The Lemuroid Ringtail Possum is often spotted feeding on the leaves of Turpentine trees.
The Atherton Tablelands is also a great place to see gliders, which are closely related to possums. Gliders found in the region include the Sugar Glider, Northern Greater Glider, and Yellow-bellied Glider. These gliders feed on the sap exudate from incisions made in tree bark, attracting a variety of birds and insects as well.
To increase your chances of spotting possums and other wildlife in the Atherton Tablelands, it's important to consider their habits and behaviours. Many of the mammals in the region are nocturnal, so your best chances of sighting them are at night. The colder temperatures of winter also increase activity among fur-clad mammals, making it an excellent time for mammal observation.
In addition to possums, the Atherton Tablelands is home to a diverse range of other wildlife, including tree kangaroos, platypuses, cassowaries, rock wallabies, and more. The region's unique mix of habitats provides a home to many endemic species, some of which are only found in this region. So, whether you're a possum enthusiast or just a nature lover, the Atherton Tablelands is sure to offer a wealth of exciting wildlife encounters.
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Quolls in Tasmania
Tasmania is home to two species of quoll: the eastern quoll and the spotted-tailed quoll. The spotted-tailed quoll is the world's second-largest carnivorous marsupial, growing up to 130 cm long and weighing up to 4 kg. The eastern quoll is smaller and more slender, reaching lengths of 60 cm and weighing up to 1.5 kg. Both species are nocturnal and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wet forests, cool temperate rainforests, and coastal scrub. They are most commonly seen along Tasmania's north and west coastal regions.
Eastern quolls can be found in a range of colours, from ginger to fawn to dark brown or black, with small white spots on their bodies. They are known to inhabit campsites, having been spotted at Mount Field and Cradle Mountain. They have also been sighted along the C832 road and on the Arthur River Cruise in broad daylight. The eastern quoll is one of the species that can be observed on the Quoll Patrol tour, which departs from Launceston or Scottsdale and offers the chance to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Spotted-tailed quolls, on the other hand, are exclusively mesic zone species, inhabiting wetter habitats. They are reddish-brown to dark chocolate brown in colour, with white spots covering their bodies and tails. They have been spotted near Pipers Brook and Bridport, along the B82, and on the Arthur River Cruise.
Quolls are carnivorous marsupials that hunt by stalking their prey. They pin small prey with their front paws while devouring it and jump onto larger prey, using their claws and jaws. They are primarily nocturnal, sleeping in hollowed-out logs or rocky dens during the day and hunting at night. However, they have been known to scavenge during the day as well.
In addition to the eastern and spotted-tailed quolls, there are four other species of quoll in Australia and two in New Guinea. Unfortunately, the quolls in Tasmania, particularly the Tasmanian devils, have been affected by Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), an infectious cancer that has drastically reduced their population. Conservation efforts, such as the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, have been established to address this issue.
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Gliders in eastern Australia
Gliders are a group of ingenious possums that have evolved to glide using a membrane of skin called a patagium, allowing them to swoop between trees. Of the world's 60 or so gliding mammals, six are found in Australia, including the greater glider, the feathertail glider, the sugar glider, the mahogany glider, the squirrel glider, and the yellow-bellied glider.
The greater glider is a large gliding marsupial found in eastern Australia, including southern Queensland, southeastern New South Wales, and the montane forests of the Victorian central highlands. They inhabit old-growth eucalypt forests and can be found along the Great Dividing Range. Greater gliders are nocturnal and solitary, feeding almost exclusively on Eucalyptus leaves and buds. They are listed as endangered nationally and in several Australian states.
The feathertail glider is the smallest gliding possum, weighing just 10-15 grams. They are found in eastern Australia, from northern Queensland down to Victoria and South Australia. Feathertail gliders are at home in rainforests and even in city parks and backyards where eucalypts grow.
The sugar glider is a common and widespread species found in both wet and dry forests and woodlands in eastern Australia. They are easily identified by their buttermilk-coloured bellies and loud shrieks. Sugar gliders chew holes in gum trees to lick the sap and have become popular in the legal pet trade.
The mahogany glider is a highly endangered species with a limited distribution in northern Queensland. They inhabit open forests with a diverse array of flowering plants and are found in tea-tree swamps and eucalypt/grass tree woodlands.
The squirrel glider is slightly larger than the sugar glider and has a fluffier tail. It inhabits dry forests and open woodlands in Victoria and the eastern states up to Cairns.
The yellow-bellied glider is another species found in the eastern states, ranging from Victoria up to Queensland.
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Frequently asked questions
Kangaroos are famous for their bouncing gait, but did you know that there are also two species of arboreal kangaroo in Australia? Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and Bennett's tree-kangaroo are found in small, isolated patches of tropical forest in north-eastern Queensland.
Koalas are found in forests and woodlands in eastern Australia. They are solitary, tree-dwelling animals with distinctive grey fur, furry ears, and black noses. Koalas have vulnerable conservation status and their population is decreasing.
There are three species of greater glider: the central greater glider, the northern greater glider, and the southern greater glider. All three species are found in forests in eastern Australia.
