Mingle with meerkats
If you miss the thrill of watching giraffes blocking your path and elephants bathing at dinnertime, it’s time for a Down Under safari. Satiate your wanderlust at Australia’s 'Big Five' wildlife camping spots.
Stay on quokka island
Safaris aren’t all about the big creatures. Sometimes it’s the little guys that steal our attention, and this couldn’t be truer for Western Australia’s smiley marsupial, the quokka. You’ll find them all over Rottnest Island, a ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle. Although quokkas are mainly nocturnal, you’ll see plenty of these furry 'scrub wallabies' foraging for food during the day.
The ultimate place to stay to meet them is Discovery Rottnest Island, nestled behind the dunes of one of the island’s best beaches. There are 83 eco-tents, some with bunk beds. The glampsite also has all-day dining at Pinky’s Beach Club, a pool and poolside bar, barbecues and direct beach access. As far as an Aussie safari goes, this one’s hard to beat.
A trio of meerkat pups has arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, giving you yet another excuse to head to the amazing attraction. The New South Wales zoo is not only one of Australia’s most famous wildlife destinations, it even has a Savannah Safari experience. Climb aboard a truck for a 20-minute tour around herds of African animals such as giraffes.
But back to those meerkats. You’ll find them at the zoo’s newest precinct, The Waterhole, where the kids can also splash about with baby elephants and hippos (statues, of course), and you can grab a bite to eat at an outdoor café. The zoo is also home to lions, zebras, cheetahs, Asian elephants, and koalas. Elevate your safari experience by staying the night in an African-inspired, canvas-covered lodge or in a tent at Billabong Camp.
Go croc spotting
Few visitors to The Whitsundays realise this Queensland holiday spot – best known for its palm tree islands and partying ways – is also home to crocodiles. And they’re not in captivity. These big, muddy fellas are going about their daily business in the Proserpine River. You can see them on a cruise with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari, which will also put on a barbecue feast, and cook up some damper to go with your billy tea.
Afterwards, head back to safer waters at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Cool down at the resort’s epic waterslide park before continuing your safari experience at their in-house Animal Park. Little campers will also love meeting the resident calves, lambs and hens.
Join a camel train
When you think of 'safari' and Australia’s Outback, undoubtedly camels spring to mind. And the best place to see them? Uluru-Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory. Hop atop a camel for a sunrise or sunset plod with Uluru Camel Tours and then learn about how they came to Australia back at the saddlery. You’ll also see plenty of
Stay tuned for…
Monarto Safari Park in South Australia. Formerly Monarto Zoo, the open-range sanctuary is undergoing a $40 million redevelopment that will include glamping (scheduled for late 2022), open-vehicle safaris and a walk-through lemur habitat.