Australia is home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife in the world, and there are several hotels and lodges that allow you to experience this wildlife up close. Here are some of the best hotels for wildlife lovers in Australia:
1. Wildman Wilderness Lodge – Northern Territory
Located in the heart of the Mary River Wetlands, Wildman Wilderness Lodge offers a chance to experience the vast and remote Northern Territory landscape. Guests can observe native wildlife such as crocodiles, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species.
- Key Features: Luxury tents and cabins, guided wildlife tours, birdwatching, and proximity to Kakadu National Park.
- Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
- Website: Wildman Wilderness Lodge
2. Pumphouse Point – Tasmania
This stunning boutique lodge is located in Lake St Clair National Park, offering a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Guests can enjoy the chance to spot wildlife like Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and platypuses while staying in a beautifully restored pumphouse overlooking the lake.
- Key Features: Secluded location, beautiful views, wildlife spotting, and hiking opportunities.
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and those seeking an eco-friendly retreat.
- Website: Pumphouse Point
3. Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is renowned for its abundant wildlife, and Southern Ocean Lodge offers luxurious accommodation right on the island’s rugged coast. Wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and penguins can be spotted on the property and nearby.
- Key Features: Eco-friendly luxury rooms, stunning ocean views, guided wildlife tours, and close encounters with native wildlife.
- Ideal For: Wildlife lovers, luxury travelers, and those looking to explore Australia’s natural beauty.
- Website: Southern Ocean Lodge
4. Binna Burra Lodge – Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
Situated in the Lamington National Park, Binna Burra Lodge offers guests the chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the area. The region is home to over 160 species of birds and a range of marsupials, including wallabies and possums.
- Key Features: Guided bushwalks, wildlife spotting, eco-friendly cabins, and rainforest surroundings.
- Ideal For: Birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking an immersive wildlife experience.
- Website: Binna Burra Lodge
5. Daintree Ecolodge – Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Nestled in the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this eco-lodge offers luxury treehouses with a deep connection to nature. Guests can spot rare wildlife such as cassowaries, tree frogs, and various reptiles while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
- Key Features: Rainforest treehouses, guided walks, wildlife spotting, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Ideal For: Eco-conscious travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking peace and seclusion in nature.
- Website: Daintree Ecolodge
6. Taronga Western Plains Zoo – Dubbo, New South Wales
For an immersive wildlife experience, consider staying at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. The zoo offers a variety of unique accommodation options, including luxury lodges with views over the zoo, where you can observe animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
- Key Features: On-site safari experiences, animal encounters, and stunning wildlife views.
- Ideal For: Families, animal lovers, and those wanting an up-close wildlife experience.
- Website: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
7. The Ghan – Northern Territory & South Australia (Train Journey)
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to experience Australia’s wildlife, hop aboard The Ghan, a luxurious train that travels from Adelaide to Darwin. Along the journey, you’ll pass through some of Australia’s most famous wildlife habitats, with stops for exploring the natural beauty and encountering kangaroos, emus, and birdlife.
- Key Features: Scenic train journey, luxury cabins, guided wildlife experiences along the way, and stunning outback landscapes.
- Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking for a unique travel experience.
- Website: The Ghan
8. Pinnacles Desert Discovery – Cervantes, Western Australia
The Pinnacles Desert offers a surreal landscape filled with limestone pillars, and the nearby Pinnacles Desert Discovery offers a chance to stay close to the wilderness. The area is home to various wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and native birds.
- Key Features: Accommodation near the desert, wildlife spotting, and unique desert landscapes.
- Ideal For: Desert lovers, wildlife watchers, and adventure travelers.
- Website: Pinnacles Desert Discovery
9. Bamurru Plains – Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains offers a unique luxury experience right on the edge of the Kakadu National Park. This property features open-air safari-style tents and provides the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife such as crocodiles, buffalo, and over 200 species of birds.
- Key Features: Safari-style accommodations, guided wildlife tours, birdwatching, and proximity to wetlands.
- Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventure travelers.
- Website: Bamurru Plains
10. Litchfield Safari Camp – Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Located within the lush Litchfield National Park, this safari camp offers an immersive experience with an abundance of wildlife. Visitors can spot native species like dingoes, kangaroos, and a variety of reptiles and birds while exploring the park’s waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Key Features: Safari tents, guided tours, abundant wildlife, and proximity to waterfalls and swimming holes.
- Ideal For: Adventurers, wildlife photographers, and those wanting to explore a beautiful national park.
- Website: Litchfield Safari Camp