Australia nature tours

Australia has long been a favorite destination for nature lovers across the world. On one of the oldest continents, its geography spans mountains, deserts, rainforests and coral reefs offshore. Nature tours in Australia are some of the best in the world.

What makes Australia's nature unique? 

With 16 natural landscapes listed by UNESCO, and six world renowned Commonwealth national parks, numerous marine parks and countless botanical gardens, Australia is a superb nature destination. Its geographic isolation allows some unique flora and fauna to flourish, and Australian natural parks are diverse and exciting. 

The best national parks and natural sites in Australia 

If you're planning to see all the wonderful nature Australia has to offer, choose some of these highlights for your itinerary. 

Marvel at the wildlife of Fraser Island

The world's largest sand island, Fraser Island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Its fascinating wildlife includes swamp wallabies, sugar gliders and even dingos, all living among forests, freshwater lakes and glorious sand dunes.   

Swim through ancient history at the Great Barrier Reef 

No list of Australian nature highlights can be complete without this 25 million-year-old reef, whose beauty is unmatched anywhere else on the planet. Sitting off the coast in Queensland, the reef is 3,000 kilometers long and supports an ecosystem whose diversity cannot be found anywhere on land. The Great Barrier Reef is even visible from space. Get up close on a snorkeling or diving trip. 

Learn some of nature's oldest secrets at Shark Bay 

Shark Bay is little-visited gem in Western Australia, well worth visiting if you’re interested in marine life and history. Its coastline of striking red rock is covered with some of the world's oldest living matter: algae colonies called stromatolites. It’s also one of the only places left in the world where you can see dugongs, and it has the world's most impressive sea-grass in all of Australia.  

Admire the temperate forests of Tasmania 

This island state, just across the Bass Strait from Melbourne, is well worth the journey to get here. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed forests are an enticing sight, with glacial landforms and even evidence of early human life dating back 20,000 years. History and nature come alive in Tasmania.  

Uncover the hidden gem of Pulu Keeling National Park 

Australia national parks are plentiful, but best-of lists often overlook Pulu Keeling National Park, because of its isolation and difficulty to reach. Still, this island off of Perth is famed for populations of seabirds found nowhere else, marine turtle beaches and unique geography.  

What's the best time of year to experience Australia's nature? 

Being such a large country, Australia's climate differs from one coast to the other. Visit the other reefs and deserts between June and October to avoid high rainfall, and explore the coastlines and southern parts of Australia between October and March when the climate is warm and activities accessible.