Australia is the perfect place to have a fun-filled family holiday with kids and furry friends. Celebrity Vet, Dr Lisa Chimes has given her top tips and advice on some of the best Aussie animal adventure getaways… Australia is home to some of the most unique and beautiful animals on the planet. From turtle watching on Heron Island in Queensland to penguin spotting on Phillip Island in Victoria, there is something for every animal lover.
My top five Australian holiday recommendations where Aussies can get up close with animals are:
- The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
- Heron Island, Queensland (great for turtle watching)
- Shark Bay, West Australia (look out for wild dolphins and dugongs)
- Phillip Island, Victoria (you’ll see penguins here)
- Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Before an animal sight-seeing trip, I recommend you:
- Take lots of “mozzie” (mosquito) repellent wherever you travel in Australia, particularly in the warmer months
- Sunscreen – the Aussie sun is brutal
- Reef shoes – makes walking in rocky shallow water a lot more comfortable
- Comfortable, protective, closed toe shoes for walking in the outback and rain forests
- A swimsuit – there will undoubtedly be a place to swim in Australia, whether it’s an inland lake/river or the ocean
The best zoos in Australia:
- Australia Zoo, Queensland
- Taronga Zoo, New South Wales
- Dubbo Zoo, News South Wales
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland
- Australian Reptile Park, NSW
The best value animal sight-seeing trips is: The Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales is a hands-on zoo where people can get up close and personal with lots of native Australian wild life. Located just one hour out of Sydney, it costs just $61.20 for a family pass. My favourite Australian animal and the best place to spot these: Koalas – unfortunately it is difficult to stumble on these cuddly marsupials in the wild, but they can definitely be seen at most zoos and wildlife parks. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland is dedicated to the conservation of these amazing animals.
