Safari in Australia

Australia is a continent of unique wildlife found nowhere else - kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus, and echidnas evolved in isolation for 45 million...

Australia Safari at a Glance

8 safari regions, 1040 parks & reserves, 223 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Australia

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Visit Australia

The best months to visit Australia are January, February, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.3°C, rainfall 121.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 68.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 121.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 69.2%
  • March: Good, temperature 21.4°C, rainfall 117.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 71.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.4°C, rainfall 73.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 15.2°C, rainfall 71.1mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 72.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 12.9°C, rainfall 52.1mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 74.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 12.4°C, rainfall 68.2mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 13.9°C, rainfall 55.5mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 16°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 18.2°C, rainfall 78.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 67%
  • November: Great, temperature 20.2°C, rainfall 95.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 67.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 102mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 66.2%

Wildlife in Australia

Home to 223 recorded species including 70 waterbirds, 45 tropical birds, 43 iconic birds, 30 birds of prey, 12 marine & freshwater, 8 small mammals.

Notable Species in Australia

Recommended Packing List for Australia

Based on average temperature of 18.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 70%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 18°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safety & Health - Australia

Australia offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, but its vastness demands respect for its unique environment. We always prioritize preparation for the elements and awareness of local wildlife, particularly in northern territories. With common sense and good planning, your Australian safari will be an unforgettable and safe adventure.

Visa

For most nationalities, you'll need a visa to enter Australia. We've found that the eVisitor (subclass 651) for many European passport holders or the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) for others like US, Canadian, and Japanese citizens are the most straightforward to apply for online. We always recommend sorting this out well in advance of your trip.

Malaria

Australia is wonderfully malaria-free. This means we don't have to worry about prophylaxis, which is a significant relief and one less thing to pack or stress about for your safari.

Safari Calendar - Australia

Australia offers a safari experience unlike any other, with unique marsupials and ancient landscapes. For the quintessential outback adventure, we recommend visiting Uluru and the Red Centre between May and September when the weather is most pleasant. If you dream of seeing crocodiles in their natural habitat and experiencing the dramatic waterfalls of the tropics, the dry season from June to August in Kakadu and the Kimberley is unparalleled. For coastal wildlife and marine encounters, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer a fantastic balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

January - Summer / Wet Season

We love exploring the lush, green landscapes of Kakadu National Park during this time, despite the heat, as the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.

February - Summer / Wet Season

We recommend visiting the Kimberley region for its dramatic waterfalls and the chance to see the landscape in its full, verdant glory, but be prepared for potential road closures.

March - Late Summer / Early Autumn

We find March to be an ideal month for exploring Kangaroo Island, as the weather is comfortable and the wildlife is active without the peak summer crowds.

April - Autumn

We absolutely adore the Australian Alps in April for their stunning autumn colours and the chance to see wombats and kangaroos in crisp, clear air.

May - Autumn

We recommend heading to Uluru and the Red Centre in May; the daytime temperatures are perfect for exploring and the desert blooms after the last rains.

June - Winter

We love the accessibility of Kakadu and Arnhem Land in June; the dry season means all roads are open and the wildlife is easily spotted around waterholes.

July - Winter

We find July to be the ultimate month for exploring the vast wilderness of the Kimberley, as the weather is perfect and the landscapes are breathtaking.

August - Winter / Early Spring

We recommend visiting Tasmania in August for its unique wildlife and dramatic winter landscapes; it's a ruggedly beautiful experience.

September - Spring

We love the wildflowers of Western Australia in September; the landscapes are carpeted in colour and the weather is superb for exploring.

October - Spring

We recommend the Eyre Peninsula in October for incredible marine wildlife encounters, including swimming with sea lions and seeing great white sharks.

November - Late Spring / Early Summer

We find November to be a great time to visit Fraser Island; the weather is warm enough for swimming and the island is less crowded than in peak summer.

December - Summer / Wet Season

We love the energy of the Australian summer, and while the north can be challenging, the southern coasts offer fantastic opportunities for spotting marine life and enjoying warmer weather.

Safari Regions

Australia FAQs

When is the best time to experience an Australian safari, considering its vast regions?

Northern safaris (Kakadu, Kimberley) are best during the dry season (May-October) for accessibility and optimal wildlife viewing. Southern regions like Kangaroo Island are more temperate, suitable year-round but particularly pleasant in spring and autumn. Your ideal timing depends on your target region and specific wildlife interests.

How does an Australian safari differ from traditional African safaris in terms of experience or activities?

Australian safaris focus on endemic marsupials, monotremes, and unique birdlife, often involving walking or boat-based experiences rather than solely vehicle game drives. They frequently incorporate Indigenous cultural experiences and offer a deep immersion into vast, ancient landscapes, distinct from traditional African big-game viewing.

What specific safety precautions should I take on an Australian safari, especially regarding wildlife?

In northern regions like Kakadu and the Kimberley, always heed warnings about saltwater crocodiles, especially near water sources. General safety includes robust sun protection, carrying ample water in remote areas, and strictly following your guide's instructions regarding any wildlife encounters.

What is the typical cost range for an authentic Australian safari experience, and what factors influence it?

An authentic Australian safari can range from AUD $3,000 for shorter, mid-range tours to over AUD $10,000 for multi-day luxury expeditions, particularly in remote areas like the Kimberley. Factors influencing cost include duration, level of accommodation, remoteness of the region, and inclusion of domestic flights or private guiding services.

Given Australia's vastness, what are the best ways to travel between different safari regions or parks?

Domestic flights are essential for traversing Australia's vast distances between major safari regions, often connecting to smaller regional airports. Within specific safari areas, 4WD vehicles are common, and some remote lodges are only accessible via light aircraft transfers, offering unique aerial perspectives.

Recommended Books for Australia

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Other Safari Countries in Australasia