Learn about these dangerous Australian animals which can be found Down Under – but hopefully not on our tours!
Australia is infamous for being home to some of the most deadly animals in the world. However, most people are very unlikely to encounter these animals when they visit. You’d actually be unlucky to see one!
From spiders to crocodiles and everything in between, Australia is a giant island with many different environments for these animals to live in. Here’s our guide to Australia’s deadliest and most dangerous animals.
Dangerous Australian Animals
Redback Spider
Generally spiders will keep to themselves and as long as you don’t disturb them, they won’t bother you. However, many people still have a phobia of spiders. With this particular one, there might just be a good reason. Red back spiders are a small but highly venomous species. They can be found throughout the country, usually in closed in locations such as garden sheds. Their venom is so poisonous that one bite can cause death if not treated. However, antivenom has been available since the 1950’s.
Box Jellyfish
The Box Jellyfish is the most venomous jellyfish on the entire planet. Encountering this jellyfish in the ocean can lead to a very painful sting or even death. Jellyfish season is between November to May and it’s advised to avoid unsafe beaches, only swim at jellyfish proof beaches, or wearing protective jellyfish stingersuits – like wetsuits.
Brown Snake
The Brown Snake is an aggressive snake, whose venom is ranked the second most toxic in the world. One bad bite and victims can be paralysed within minutes. To avoid these animals it is best to avoid areas of long grass. You can also stomp your feet if you are walking in bushland as the vibrations in the ground will scare off snakes. If you do encounter one, stand still or move away slowly. Any sudden movements or getting too close, may be seen as a threat and these snakes are known to be aggressive.
Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is considered one of the most dangerous animals in the ocean. Perhaps it is from fear, or from movies (anyone seen Jaws?) that we have this perception. In reality, many sharks simply mistake humans for seals or they take a bite and release their victims – so we are not actually a sharks preferred food. The likelihood of meeting a Great White Shark while swimming in Australia is actually very slim.
Saltwater Crocodiles
Found in Australia’s north saltwater crocodile’s are the largest reptiles in the world. With razor sharp teeth, and an incredibly strong jaw they grip their victims and perform a ‘death roll’ in the water. These crocodiles can grow up to seven metres long and are the top of the food chain. The best way to avoid an encounter is to stay well out of their territory. The only way to see these incredible creatures is from the safety of the boat on an accredited tour.
Non-dangerous Australia animals that you will see on tour!
We love an Aussie animals as much as visitors to Australia do, so we’ve got plenty of opportunities to see them on our tours. If you have Australian wildlife on your must-see list, check out these great day tours from Melbourne. You can visit these animals – and avoid the deadly ones.
Little Penguins at Phillip Island
Phillip Island is the place to view Little Penguins in their natural habitat. The nightly Penguin Parade is the best place to get up close to these amazing birds as they return from the ocean at the end of the day. On our tour we visit Point Grant for some sightseeing before watching the Penguin Parade.
Koalas on the Great Ocean Road
Travel along an iconic coastline on the Great Ocean Road and view koalas in the wild. This famous scenic drive is the place to see wildlife, beautiful beaches and of course the famous limestone stacks – the Twelve Apostles. On of our stops is to see koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township. These iconic Australian animals are usually found sleeping in the eucalyptus trees.
Kangaroos, Emus and Wallabies in the Grampians National Park
The Grampians national park is the place to experience wildlife, walks and waterfalls. The National Park is home to Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, emu and cockatoos. As part of our tour, you can view kangaroos in the town of Halls Gap. You can keep an eye out for the more reclusive wallabies and emus.
Wombats, Emus and Kangaroos at Wilsons Promontory
Wilson Promontory is a coastal national park with pristine beaches, an idyllic coastline and untouched bushland. You can also view native Australian animals on our day tour from Melbourne. You can see the famous wombats feeding in the late afternoon. On tour we visit the Wilsons Promontory Wildlife Walk to see kangaroos and emus.
On Tour with Go West
If you are visiting Melbourne we would love to welcome you on one of our day tours. We are a family-owned and operated tour business. In addition, we are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we look forward to welcoming you onboard a tour very soon!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
