Queensland Wildlife: 8 Animals You Should Look For During Your Expedition

Spanning a length of 7000 kilometers along its coastline, the state of Queensland is the second largest and third most populous state in Australia, covering the country’s northeastern portion. With the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean located to the east , the state is host to a diverse range of flora and fauna and the world’s largest coral reef system.

The capital of the state is Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane. Named after Queen Victoria, it is one of the six colonies that later on was a part of the founding states of Australia. It is also a home to various vegetation types and landscapes, accommodating everything, from tropical rainforests to sunny and pristine beaches.

Over 80 percent of the wildlife found in Australia is indigenous and cannot be found anywhere else in the entire world. As a result, Queensland wildlife too has become a point of attraction for the tourists and locals. People visit the several zoos and sanctuaries here to explore the wildlife peculiar to this area and observe the animals’ behaviours in their natural habitats.

8 Animals In Queensland Wildlife

There is rich and varying Queensland, Australia wildlife, including terrestrial as well as marine life. Some of the most wondrous creatures that can be found in Queensland are listed below.

1. Kangaroos

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Kangaroos are so widespread in Queensland that you could even witness them on golf courses. They are Australia’s most famous attraction pertaining to wildlife. The scientific name for the kangaroo family is Macropodidae which includes more than 20 different species of kangaroos like Red Kangaroo, Whiptail Wallaby, and Sharman’s Rock Wallaby, all of which can be seen in Queensland.

You should visit Outback Queensland, a zoo where you can witness the different species of kangaroos. There are several other places that you can visit if you wish to observe these marvelous creatures in their natural environment, such as Magnetic Island, Cape Hillsborough, and Daintree Rainforest.

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2. Koalas

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Koalas are native to Australia and are unevenly distributed all over Queensland. They aren’t very easy to come across, except in the southeastern area of the state of Queensland. They are arboreal herbivorous marsupials. Koalas found in Queensland are slightly smaller and lighter than the ones you would come across in the southern parts of Australia.

Because they usually inhabit open eucalypt woods, the places you can visit to get yourself acquainted with these cute, little creatures are the Magnetic Island near Townsville (Queensland’s largest wild koala colony). If you want to go to the wildlife parks in Queensland, then consider Daisy Hill Koala Park and Noosa National Park.

Must Read: 9 Best Water Parks In Gold Coast Where You Can Have Ultimate Fun In The Australian Sun

3. Turtles

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Queensland is home to seven species of marine turtles. The state has been involved in turtle conservation for the longest time in the entire world. As a result, it has become the first state that has the jurisdiction to protect the seven marine turtle species within its borders in 1968.

The reason that the state has been involved in the conservation of these turtles is because they play an important ecological role in maintaining the stability of marine life that thrives along the coastal regions of Queensland. Turtles are also seen as markers of patience and wisdom among the indigenous cultures of Australia and are depicted in many of their artworks. You can visit Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island to swim side-by-side the sea turtles.

4. The Birds of Queensland

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There are more than a whooping 600 species of birds that make their nests in the state of Queensland. This state is a bird-watchers’ paradise, so do not forget to bring your binoculars along if you can patiently wait to witness the various birds native to Australia. Some examples of the different species of birds found in Queensland are Alcedinidae (kingfishers), Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans), Phasianidae (pheasants and allies), Coraciidae (rollers), Casuariidae (cassowaries, emu), Dendrocygna (whistling ducks), and so on.

One of the most important birds that enable the survival of rainforests is the Southern Cassowary. Although they can grow up to 2 meters in height, they prefer not being seen and therefore are hard to spot. They are vital to the ecology of rainforest, as their seed planting technique has ensured the survival of Daintree Rainforests. Their bright blue necks are their most dominant physical feature.

If you wish to see Booby birds preying on fishes, head on to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Moreton, or Stradbroke. You can also find other birds like the Frigate birds, Noodies, and Terns.

Suggested Read: Gold Coast In December: A Pocket Guide For A Thrilling Holiday Amid The Scenic Aussie Land!

5. Manta Rays

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Although the world’s largest ray, the seemingly intimidating manta rays prefer to stick to microscopic planktons for survival instead of human beings. They are also devoid of a stinging barb known for its poisonous potential in other rays. Another peculiar feature about the manta ray is that they have the largest brain to body size ratio and are therefore a popular attraction to divers.

The predominant species found along the western and eastern coasts of Australia is the Manta Alfredi. So, when in Queensland, go to the island in Lady Elliot if you wish to see some. Other places where the manta rays can be sighted are the Osprey Reef, Lady Musgrave Island, Heron Island, and North Stradbroke Island. Put your fears to rest and dive into the Coral Sea or Pacific Ocean for a breathtaking adventure with these marvelous marine creatures.

6. Sharks

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Contrary to popular belief, these sharks won’t harm you unless they sense danger from you. They usually survive by feeding on sick, old, and slow fishes. Sharks are rather marvelous creatures; after all, they’ve been around for more than 450 million years. Among the 440 species of sharks that are found around the world, 170 of them inhabit the waters around Australia.

In Queensland, the waters aren’t only home to some of the world’s largest sharks, but also host other smaller shark species such as the leopard shark or the spotted wobbegong. Although, it is true that these majestic beings are the most dangerous predators in the marine ecosystem, there is no cause for fear of the ones that are found in the Australian waters.

So, when in Queensland, do go swimming with the sharks to make for one crazy story to tell your friends and family back home.

Suggested Read: Zoos In Gold Coast: 10 Places To Head To For An Enthralling Time Around Wild Animals

7. Platypus

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A Platypus is one of the most unique living mammals that have intrigued evolutionary scientists for ages. Extremely shy in nature, you will have to be very quiet, still, and patient if you wish to observe their behaviour. They are mostly found in the Mackay region, at the Eungella National Park in the Broken River.

If you see air bubbles, brace yourselves as platypuses come up to the surface to chew the food they gathered at the bottom of the river. Vigilance is key, as they appear at the surface only for ten seconds to breathe after spending a minute or two underwater.

8. Whales

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Whales are one of the most intimidating yet beautiful creatures of the marine world. Their gigantic size and strength are what contribute to the spectacle of viewing them up close. The Hervey Bay, a coastal city situated in the south of Queensland, is one of the most ideal places to witness the Humpback whale. This is because the bay provides perfect conditions for the mother whales to teach their young ones to survive from the months of June to November. As a result, Hervey Bay has been labeled the whale watching capital of Australia.

The enigmatic Minke whales give you a sight worth viewing as well. They can be seen along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef from the months of June to July. You can snorkel by their side in the Ribbon Reefs – the only place in the world where you can do so. The Humpback whales can also be witnessed along the Sunshine Coast.

Further Read: 5 Best Airports In Gold Coast That’ll Let You Have A Perfect Start To Your Australian Vacay!

Queensland is a sort of microcosm of the biodiversity prevalent in the entire continent of Australia. The Queensland wildlife and sights are truly unparalleled and, therefore, one of a kind. To experience witnessing the wildlife and more, do make a plan for your trip to Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Queensland Wildlife

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