Developing an appreciation for the weird and wonderful world of Australian wildlife

Growing up as a young suburban Australian in one of Australia’s largest cities, I didn’t think much of Australia’s wildlife or “outback” any more than something you’d see on tourism advertisements or on symbols on our currency or government logos. This disinterest continued right through my teens and university, where I was instead captivated by the large alpine forests of North America and the creatures which inhabit it. So much was I intrigued by it, during the Christmas break in my second year I decided to take a trip to the Pacific North-west to experience it for myself.

So there I am, a 19 year old Melbournite fresh off the plane on his first overseas trip looking to take in nature for all it was worth. I had booked a tour which specialised in taking university to young 20’s travellers deep into the forests to camp, hike, swim, kayak and fish – all the things we’d seen in the movies and wanted to try out in real life. The tour group was around 20 people with a mix of young couples, friends and singles such as myself. Around half were from the US, but there was a mix of Canadians, French, Germans, two lads from the UK and a timid girl from Japan. Being the only Aussie I was a bit of a hit with the group but something came quite apparent very quickly – I was quickly asked for my experiences in the Australian outback and its native flora and fauna. Embarrassingly I had to admit how little experience I had and then be surprised how a significant number of the group had travelled my own country more than myself. Suddenly I was being filled with a barrage of phones showing images in vast gorges, kayaking through tropical streams, walking across barren plains and getting close ups with Australian wildlife. I quickly realised my folly in thinking I needed to travel half way around the world to see nature when it was quite literally in my own backyard.

Returning from my trip (which was excellent, I’d recommend anyone who wants to see North American wildlife to head to the Pacific Northwest – just not in winter), I decided I would correct my inaction and plan a trip into the outback. I ended up planning a 19 day trek which would take me to the red centre- where I would get to experience the outback in all its forms from the bushland of Victoria, the deserts of the Northern Territory and then finish in Far North Queensland to enjoy the tropical sun by the beach. Through this trip I was blown away by the sheer number of Australian species I didn’t know existed – from the large Perentie, to the near alien looking flora you could find in the desert of Australia.

Since this trip I’ve gained a much stronger appreciation and sense of understanding of my countries natural landscape and wildlife and have many more years of travel to absorb all it has to offer. My advice for those who are thinking of travelling especially in this post COVID world? Check out your backyard before looking at that global map.