Jungle Surfing

Australia is blessed with a unique richness of wildlife, including creatures found nowhere else on the planet. And while the zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation parks are all brilliant for a cheeky encounter, nothing beats venturing into the wild to see animals in their natural habitat. We head off to the most distinctive and diverse environments, all of which are perfect for tracking some of the country’s most amazing species.
Montague Island, New South Wales
Just six miles off the state’s southern coastline and only accessible by boat from the seaside town of Narooma, this remote playground looms larger than you may expect from its 82 hectares of the protected nature reserve. Known as Barunguba by the local Yuin Aborigines, it comes with crystal-clear waters for divers, snorkellers, and anglers, a fascinating 19th-century lighthouse for history buffs, and a huge roll call of wildlife for those keen to connect with nature.
Mary River, near Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
An hour’s drive east of Darwin and an easy detour on your way to Kakadu National Park, the Mary River is the Top End waterway where you’ll find vast wetlands, plunge pools, and epic waterfalls. But it’s most famous for its Saltwater Crocodiles (or Salties) - particularly around the Shady Camp Billabong where you’re guaranteed to spot these snap-happy creatures lining up in anticipation of an easy feed (swimming is 100 per cent forbidden).
Phillip Island, Victoria
A 90-minute drive from Melbourne gets you to one of the coolest places on the planet to watch tuxedo-clad little penguins scurrying across the sand. Named for Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, this stunning island attracts three million wide-eyed visitors a year for its surfing scene, wildlife park, coastal views, and annual motor racing events, including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the World Superbike Championship.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Eight miles off the coast of South Australia and around 30 minutes by plane (or 45 minutes by ferry) from Adelaide, Down Under’s answer to The Galápagos plays host to some remarkable wildlife in its conservation areas and national parks. Known to the locals simply as KI, this surprisingly large island is divided into seven regions, with four major towns: Kingscote (the capital), Penneshaw (where daily ferries disembark), American River, and Parndana.You can rely on seeing all manner of interesting bird species as well as large goannas, rare tammar wallabies, a unique subspecies of echidna, and the Kangaroo Island kangaroo (a shorter version of the western grey kangaroo found on the mainland). The island is also home to the Seal Bay Conservation Park - the only place in the world where you can walk among endangered Australian sea lions (take the 900-metre-long Boardwalk Tour or book the guided 45 minute Seal Bay Experience tour which takes place right on the beach).