Australia is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world and home to nearly 10% of all known species. Australia also contains the most endemic species of any country, with 87% of its mammals, nearly half its birds, roughly 94% of its reptiles and amphibians and 86% of its vascular plants, found nowhere else on Earth.
Experiencing a unique evolution, due to more than 50 million years of geographic isolation, the flora and fauna found in Australia and its surrounding islands, are unlike those found anywhere else in the world. Within Australia’s various environments, you will find some of the most diverse and abundant ecosystems in the world.
These include coastline estuaries, the continental Great Dividing Range, an arid and semi-arid Outback interior that covers 70% of the mainland, tropical, subtropical and temperate rainforests, mighty river systems and saltwater lakes, thriving hinterlands and remote island destinations.
You can learn more about the Indigenous history and culture from local guides and rangers, in Australia’s many diverse parks and nature reserves. Aboriginal-led tours also offer unique experiences for visitors to learn about uses, relationships and mindsets First Nation’s communities have toward their region’s landscape, flora and fauna, which are unique to each location and culture.
Afterwards, you will undoubtedly come away with a renewed sense of connection to nature and wildlife, as well as a greater understanding of First Nation’s history and culture.
Did you know? Apart from its endemic species, Australia is also a spectacular destination for viewing some of the world’s largest and longest animal migrations, including whales. In fact, Queensland’s Hervey Bay is one of only five sites certified by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) [source: https://whaleheritagesites.org/whale-heritage-sites/ ].
Did you know? Australia has 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated solely for their natural Importance, of which five can be found in Queensland.
Did you know? Australia has the most National Parks ( 700) of any country and became home to the second largest National Park in the world (after America’s Yosemite), when it established the Royal National Park, located south of Sydney, in 1879.
Did you know? Australia ranks 8th in the world for percentage (roughly 45%) of territorial waters that are marine protected areas and has the most biodiverse waters, with oceans that support over 5,000 species of fish, more than half of the shark and ray species in the world, six of the seven known species of marine turtles, tens of thousands of species of invertebrates and over half of the world’s 58 seagrass species.
Did you know? Australian rainforests include the oldest, continuously surviving rainforest in the world in northern Queensland, as well as the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world in southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Did you know? You can help with research and conservation while travelling in Australia. There are many tour operators (check out Naturaliste Charters) who participate in research and allow their guests to get involved as well. You can also help by recording and submitting your sightings as you travel, on various websites such as ebird.org and Happywhale.
Did you know? Considered a birdwatcher’s paradise the world over, Australia has the most endemic bird species of any country and no other continent has made as significant a contribution as Australia to the evolution of birds.
‘Navigating Austral Seasons [When Planning a Trip Down Under]’, to make the most of experiencing seasonal nature and wildlife events that occur around Australia each year.
To learn more about making eco-conscious and ethical decisions before, during and after you’ve experienced nature and wildlife tourism activities.
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