Animals You Can Spot in Darwin

Darwin is home to a whole range of different species of wildlife!

Darwin is teeming with life!

There are heaps of different flora and fauna around the bushlands of Darwin.

The landscapes are equally diverse, with gullies, forests, waterfalls, rocky gorges, flat desert plains, wetlands and savannahs. Because the landscape and nature differ so dramatically, so does the nature and wildlife that call these spots home.

The Northern Territory is home to…

• 400 species of birds
• 150 mammal species
• 300 species of reptiles
• 60 fish species
• 50 species of frog

The Northern Territory is full of interesting birds that soar freely around the skies and hop among the branches of trees. There are tons of different species of birds, and many of them! Darwin is a paradise for birdwatchers. You’ll only need to look up for a few seconds into the trees, and you’ll be able to spot a chestnut-quilled rock pigeon, red-winged parrot or mysterious black cockatoos.

Mammals

What are the mammals of the Darwin bushlands? From native kangaroos to wallabies and possums, flying foxes and dingos. There are macropods and marsupials everywhere in the Northern Territory! They pop up everywhere and you’re more than likely to see them travelling in groups.

Over the years, a few species of mammal have faced extinction in the Northern Territory. Such animals include the golden bandicoot, the bilby and the lesser stick-nest rat.

Kangaroos and Wallabies

The kangaroos and wallabies in the Northern Territory are protected animals. Altogether, there are 10 species of kangaroos and wallabies in the Northern Territory! They tend to blend in with the desert surroundings quite well, so take caution if you’re driving around the bushlands.

Dingoes

Hunters of the kangaroos and wallabies, dingos are always on the hunt for their next meal in the Northern Territory! Remember, if you see a dingo in the wild – don’t feed it! These wild dogs will become quite attached to their food sources. These wolf-like dogs of the desert are keen hunters, with a great sense of smell and eyesight. Although they’re skilled in silently creeping up on their prey, they have a wolf-like howl.

Reptiles

Crocodiles and snakes exist in Darwin. Although there aren’t any crocs in the swimming holes, there are some saltwater crocodiles in the ocean.

There are also some cute little reptiles called thorny devils! These little creatures have small spikes on their back. They look a bit menacing, but this is all for show. The spikes on their back look sharp and pointy to deter predators from eating them. This helps them survive amongst many different predators of the outback.

Want to see some of the wildlife in person?

For a day full of adventure and wildlife spotting, why not visit the Litchfield National Park?

You only have to travel a couple of hours south of Darwin to arrive at the Litchfield National Park! The Litchfield National Park is teeming with some incredible wildlife.