Be a crocodile (or emu) hunter
Where to find wild crocs, emu, platypuses and penguins in Australia
Australia is famous for its strange animals, but where can you travel to in order to see wild emu, platypuses and fairy penguins or become a crocodile hunter?
Emu
It has been quite some time since the old Rod Hull and Emu act got a good reception, so if you want to see these big flightless birds anywhere, you should probably head to Tower Hill, just west of Warrnambool in Victoria. Tower Hill is a nature reserve, and the emus are not afraid to invade the picnic area, begging for food like kids asking if they can stay up late. However, if you’ve not got a firm grasp on your grub, then they’ll more than happily just scoff it off the floor.
While you’re here, you may as well go for a bit of a walk. There are great walking tracks round an old volcanic crater, and hiding away in the bushes are plenty of kangaroos. More unusual, however, are the echidnas. These bizarre egg-laying mammals look like weird porcupines, but if you can get one to show its face instead of curling into a ball, they are remarkably cute.
Platypus
When it comes to looking weird, the platypus could teach Marilyn Manson a thing or eight. With the big duck bill and fur, it’s no wonder that early settlers hadn’t a clue how to categorise it. Unfortunately for the amateur photographer wishing to complete their Aussie animal collection, they are about as sociable as a tramp who runs down the street screaming and throwing bottles at people. Although not quite as easy to spot. One good place to do so, however, is Lake Elizabeth in The Otways, Victoria.
Fairy Penguins
If it wasn’t for the penguins, Philip Island in Victoria would only be known for holding motorbike Grands Prix and foolishly naming everything after the Isle Of Wight. However, every evening hundreds of the midget pingus come in from the sea to their beds, and now millions of tourists every year flock to see this mini migration. Bring a camera, and be prepared to fight off the Japanese hordes for a good view.
Saltwater Crocodile
Whilst for many Australian creatures, getting close to them in their natural environment is a joy, this cuddly fella is one you really should keep your distance from. After all, you don’t get teeth like that by chewing grass all day long. The saltie lives up north, and while you could just dip a toe into watering holes to see if they’re there, the safest options are to go on a cruise on either the Daintree River in Far North Queensland (try www.daintreerivercruise.com) or the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory (www.jumpingcrocodilecruises.com.au). Incidentally, playing smart and trying to violently rock the boat will not make you many friends.
Where to find more Australian animals.
