Wallabies, Kangaroos...what is the difference?
At first sight, Australia is the country of kangaroos. in reality, it's more the country of the wallabies. So, what's the difference?
Kangaroos is generally speaking bigger than a wallaby. You will probably see more wallabies than kangaroos. A quick advice: it's better to pad a wallaby compared to a kangaroo. Indeed the kangaroo can be quite impressive (up to 2 metres high). This is also a very powerful animal. So be careful. Wallabies have generally a more friendly attitude towards humans (and they are also less impressive).
Can we see kangaroos everywhere in Australia?
No. You won't find kangaroos in the big cities but more in villages or in the countryside (or between 2 cities near the road). The myth of the kangaroo is Sydney CBD is only at the Sydney zoo! However, you will see heaps of then when you go outside the cites. The Great Ocean Road is a great place to go to spot lots of them.
Koalas
The Kaola is a protected species in Australia. Indeed, introduction of dogs, foxes, deforestation and bush fires jeopardises these fragile animals. You can distinct several types of koalas. In the north they have a thin fur. In the south of the country they have a thicker one to protect them during the cold winter. Remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere and south is colder than north, hence they need a different type of fur. Koalas are only eating certain types of Gum trees (Eucalyptus), this is a reason why you can only find koalas in certain regions of Australia (Queensland, Victoria and South Australia).
Crocodiles
Crocodiles are mainly in the north of the country. Far North Queensland and the Northern territories are the place where you are more likely to come across them
Important advice
- never swim or dive in any river or lakes in these states. Even in the ocean near Darwin you can encounter crocodiles. Crocodiles are very dangerous and you won't see them coming.
- There are two types of crocodiles: sea crocodiles ('salties') and fresh water crocodiles. Don't even think about being secure in the sea, a crocodile can easily kill a shark.
Wombats
This creature is a sort of big hedgehog, full of hair. It digs massive holes in the soils and loves to roll in it. The Wombat is probably one of the oddest animals in Australia. This animal is harmless, but be really careful of his teeth, they are very sharp. It can weight up to 20 kilos or more!
It exist several types of Wombats in specific regions of Australia.