Go Wild in Australia!

Australia is not just about surfing, beaches and kangaroos. Visitors may be surprised at the variety of wildlife this continent has to offer.  Below you will find a list of the top hostels that offer unique opportunities to experience Australian wildlife at close hand. And it's not just kangaroos!

       

Pittswater YHA is 30km north of Sydney in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The hostel is reached by ferry or water taxi. There are a number of double kayaks for hire for guests to explore the national park shores and mangroves. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to possums, wallabies, Joanna and kookaburras, all of which can be spotted during organised bushwalks and boat trips.

Perth City YHA is ideal for city lovers. From this central hostel, with its extensive modern facilities take a trip to Rottnest Island, home to many unusual animals, particularly the quokka, similar to a pint-sized kangaroo.  For more information go to www.rottnestisland.com .

Kangaroo Island YHA is located at 100 metres from the beach and ferry. Guests can relax in hammocks in the gardens. On the island there are penguin colonies, tammar wallabies, Australian sea lions, echidnas, Heth goanas and, of course, kangaroos. The best way to experience the wildlife is by walking among its many conservation parks and sanctuaries.

Port Elliot YHA was renovated from a stunning historical building to a beach house with panoramic views.  Across the road are stunning beaches for kayaking and beachwalking.  Port Elliot offers many wildlife opportunities. Urimbirra Wildlife Park has many examples of Australian fauna including a nocturnal mouse. Granite Island, accessed either by the causeway or horse drawn tram is particularly popular with children as they can watch the fairy penguins on their nightly pilgrimage. The Whale Watch Centre in Victor Harbor has the most up to date information on the location of whales as well as a fantastic display of these great mammals.

Coodlie Park YHA is an ideal base for visiting the Eyre Peninsula and Venus Bay. In Coodlie Park itself visitors can take part in nocturnal tours where they can see Western Grey Kangaroos, Hairy Nose Wombats, rabbits, the odd fox and feral cats and some night ground nesting birds. In Venus Bay there are dolphins and seals all year round that play and feed in the bay. Close by is the Point Labatt Sea Lion Colony. On the Eyre Peninsula you can swim with sea lions and dolphins and adrenalin junkies can even dive with great white sharks!

Eco Beach YHA in Apollo Bay is an architect designed  hostel with spacious lounges and outdoor balconies. It's centrally located, guests can walk to the beach and town or hire a bike and cycle along the scenic Great Ocean Road. It's also a great location for nature lovers being close to the Great Otway National Park  where visitors can join in organised walks. Guests keen to get close to the wildlife can hire two man kayaks and paddle out to the local Seal Colony, a very interactive experience as seals are highly curious creatures and  want to get close up to you too!

Amaroo Park YHA  has great facilities such as a bar, self-catering kitchen, swimming pool and BBQ. There is a huge variety of wildlife based activities available, guests can experience the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where the little penguins emerge from the sea.  There is a wildlife cruise to see the colony Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks or a treetop walk at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Grampian YHA Eco Hostel is located in the Grampian National Park. The Grampian region is home to abundant native animals and birds including kangaroos, wallabies and emus. At night there are possums and sugar gliders in the trees and woodlands.The Eco Certified hostel is stylish and comfortable. Guests have easy access to Halls Gap Zoo, in the foothils of the Grampians where they can touch and also feed  friendly native and exotic animals.

Narooma YHA is ideal for whale watchers.  Between Sydney and Melbourne, it's a short walk from the beaches and town.  It's one of the best and most affordable spots in NSW for whale watching. The hostel is extremely comfortable with a garden, a sun deck and bbq.

At Myella Farmstay YHA  guests can ride horses and motorbikes to gather the cattle, milk cows and feed the animals and learn to lasso. You will also be expected to muck out the cowsheds! The owners care for orphan kangaroos, raising and then releasing them. Guests can bottle-feed the young kangas.

Magnetic Island YHS is on a stunning nature reserve. The accommodation consists of A-frame bungalows next to a wildlife sanctuary. Your chance to sleep with a koala and a croc! Magnetic Island is a haven for wildlife like rock wallabies, koalas and birds such as lorikeets, sunbirds, brahmini kites and cockatoos. Visitors can enjoy a bush tucker brunch with local rangers. There are guided Sea Kayak tours to beautiful bays to see dolphins, turtles, coral reef fish and sea eagles.

Cairns Central YHA is located opposite the Cairns Central Shopping centre and has a large internal courtyard with landscaped gardens, swimming pool, two spas and outdoor games areas. The hostel organises wildlife tours and trips to the Great Barrier Reef. A popular destination is the picturesque mountain retreat of Kurunda Village, surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. Accessed by a scenic railway or Skyway, the park is home to a wealth of native Australian animals such as the platypus, fresh water crocodiles and green tree snakes. Birdwatchers can see exotic species like yellow fig birds, gaudy parrots and “thick knees”.

The Treehouse YHA at Mission Beach is a uniqe island-style timber building, nestled in lush rainforest.  Mission Beach is surrounded by a tropical rainforest, sunkissed beaches and the silvery shimmering blues of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. It is also home of the rare and beautiful Cassowary a flightless bird only found in tropical rainforests.

Colonial Village YHA in Hervey Bay is the closest mainland point to to Fraser Island. The largest sand island in the world, it's home to rare birds and animals like the dingo, lizards, swamp wallabies and possum. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the hostel has received many tourism awards.

For information on hostels in Australia go to www.yha.com.au .