Australia is well-known for its kangaroos and koalas, but delve a little deeper and you will find a whole host of unusual and interesting wildlife just waiting to be discovered on a tailor-made tour of Australia.
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Australia
Emu crossing the Flinders Ranges
Found in: Daintree National Park
The cassowary is the third tallest bird in the world behind the ostrich and emu, which are of the same family. A flightless bird the cassowary can be found in the rainforests of Northern Queensland. The cassowary has a reputation for being dangerous to humans, however there has only ever been one death from a cassowary and this was in 1924. The animal was believed to be defending itself against two teenagers who were clubbing it. The female cassowary is larger than the male and is on average 47 kg in weight, with the males weighing an average of 38 kgs.
Wildspread throughout Australia
There are over 40 species of cockatoo in the world with some of these having a life span of up to 120 years! Native to Australasia the cockatoo can be split into two main groups: white cockatoos and black cockatoos. Highly intelligent animals they are often kept as pets and are considered very loving creatures which can become life-long friends! Belonging to the Cacatuidae family the cockatoo is recognised for its crest which raises when it is alarmed or excited, and immediated after alighting.
Found in: The Flinders Ranges
The emu is the largest bird native to Australia and can reach up to two metres (6.6ft) in height. The bird is flightless, however is able to reach speeds of up to 31mph if required and is also able to swim if necessary. The emu has a prominent place in Australian Aboriginal mythology with one such story concluding that the sun was created by an emu egg being thrown into the sky, but is also popular throughout the rest of the country, appearing on stamps, Coat of Arms and the Australian 50 cent coin.
Found in: Atherton Tablelands
Recognised by their unmistakable call which sounds very similar to the laugh of a human, kookaburras are native to Australia and appeared as one of the mascots in the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. They are the largest member of the kingfisher family and can mainly be found in eastern Australia. Caniverous birds, kookaburras have been known to eat the young of other bird species as well as small snakes. These cheeky birds have also been known to steal meat from unattended barbecues!