I have only two weeks to enjoy Australia, possibly New Zealand also. My priority is the animals and the envirnment. I am definately staying at Kangaroo Island for at least 3-4 days. My question is, where else should I go to see/interact with the animals? Is February a good time to go? I am skipping the big cities. Any suggestions will be appreciated to this solo woman traveller.

February is about the hottest month with temps. regularly in the high 30's celsius. March is by far the best month for touring Australia.
There are many places to interact with the wildlife. KI is definitely a good choice. The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island in Victoria is a "must see", PI is also good for Koalas. The Healsville Sanctuary about an hour from Melbourne is a great place and is probably the best place to see a Platypus. The Grampians National Park between Adelaide and Melbourne is excellent for Kangaroos and other native animals. Although it's a Zoo and in a city Taronga Park in Sydney is unbeatable, then there are all the places in Qld. e.g. Australian Zoo for all the really wild creatures.

Oh and I forgot to mention, Kakadu National Park just out of Darwin. Probably the best area in Australia for everything in the wild.

Could you say a wee word about your expectations when you say "see the animals". I mean Australia has many unique creatures - and sometimes you just see them - but it tends to be more serendipity than planned.

KI does have a great variety and folk offering trips to help you to find them. So a good choice if that is your priority. But you also say you are interested in the "environment" - do you mean unique landscapes?

Have you been anywhere else where your priority was just the animals, and how did it go?

Also you would be seeing the animals in the wild and most of them can be quite vicious. Kangaroos can give you a nasty thump with their paws if they don't like you and can be very dangerous. Koalas appear cuddly and there are places where you can hold them, but they spend most of their lives up trees and even when you do hold them they can scratch and sometimes get quite angry. The sanctuaries are the best places to "interact" for the above reasons.

Since you've already made plans for Kangaroo Island, I suggest sticking with Australia. New Zealand deserves more time than you'll be able to spend there this trip.

Lee Ann

Hellyes,

Bottom line..you can't do both Oz and NZ in 2 weeks...does a disservice to both and you'll be frazzled and spending too much time on planes.

There are tons of critters to see in Oz; and if K.I. is a must do on your itinerary, then please opt for a tour company to show you everything.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

I have done some more research and I don't think South Australia is going to be too hot in mid/late February. I have done "animal priority" trips before like San Diego to see SeaWorld and Baniff in Canada. I am hoping to see both wild animals (which I am not planning on petting and animals in "petting zoos" - particularly the kangaroo and wombat. I am still thinking about staying one week in south australia and one week in one area of NZ like Kaikora.

That sounds like a good idea. Adelaide is my home town and I know it can get bloody hot in February, but if you don't mind the heat, and we all cope, then Welcome Downunder.