Archives 2022

Beyond the headline cities of Warsaw and Kraków, Poland offers abundant and memorable travel experiences.

Into history and culture? This European gem delivers with more castles, churches, palaces and museums than you could imagine. The great outdoors more your bag? Take your pick from Baltic beaches, snowcapped mountains, meandering rivers, thousands of lakes and 23 national parks.

And if you thought that Polish food and drink was all pickles, potatoes and vodka, think again. That culinary trio is the amuse-bouche for a gastronomic buffet ranging from blueberry-filled dumplings to gold-leaf-flaked liquors.

Read on for our selection of the very best experiences in Poland.

Get a bird’s eye view of Warsaw

Warsaw is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, and its current economic boom is symbolised by the Varso Tower which, at 310m (1017ft), is the EU’s tallest skyscraper. The Varso’s 240m-high (787ft) observation deck is slated to open in 2025. In the meantime, enjoy the retro vibes of the observation terrace of the 1955 Palace of Culture & Science; the amazing panorama of Warsaw’s reconstructed Old Town from the bell tower of St Anne’s Church; and vistas over the Vistula from the rooftop garden of Warsaw University Library.

Detour: Fabryka Norblina once produced metal goods. It’s now the biggest of Warsaw’s spate of industrial transformations and includes the city’s biggest food hall and lots of other fun places to eat and drink.

Tour Malbork Castle, the world’s biggest brick building

This UNESCO-listed complex is Europe’s largest castle. Begun by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, Malbork Castle was the order’s headquarters for almost 150 years. Despite sustaining serious damage during WWII, almost the entire complex has been preserved, and the castle today looks much as it did six centuries ago. Highlights include the Grand Masters’ Palace with its splendid interiors such as the Great Refectory (look out for its remarkable palm-vaulted ceiling), and the Amber Museum.

Planning tips: Avoid queues by purchasing tickets online. Pack a picnic as the dining options at the castle are limited.

Learn about Jewish Poland at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Another in Poland’s exceptional collection of museums is POLIN, which charts over 1000 years of Jewish history across the nation’s historic territories. The highlight is a dazzling reconstruction of the painted ceiling and bimah (raised central platform for reading the Torah) of the synagogue that once stood in Gwoździec (now part of Ukraine). The section on the Holocaust (1939–45) is appropriately dark and claustrophobic. The exhibition ends with videos of local Jews talking about the continuing specter of anti-Semitism in Poland.

Detour: Warsaw’s Jewish Historical Institute houses the UNESCO-listed Ringelblum Archive, a precious collection of 6000-plus documents, including diaries, drawings, photographs and posters, that provide first-hand accounts about Nazi Germany’s extermination of Jewish communities in Poland.

Encounter Łódź’s abundant street art

The city of Łódź, which grew fabulously wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through manufacturing, has embraced street art unlike anywhere else in Poland. There are well over 200 public works of art to discover as you walk around, including Pasaż Róży by Joanna Rajkowska, a magical courtyard that’s completely covered with mirror fragments arranged in swirling rose patterns; and Wiedźmin (Witcher), designed by Jakub Rebelka, which is Poland’s tallest piece of street art and covers the 70m-high (230ft) sides of an apartment block.

Detour: Marco Italian Food and Street Art, the cafe at Łódź’s Central Museum of Textiles includes a gallery of images from Urban Forms, the foundation that organises the creation of some of the city’s most impressive pieces of street art.

Taste gingerbread in Toruń

They’ve been baking and perfecting gingerbread in World Heritage–listed Toruń for centuries. To learn more about this sweet and spicy treat, visit one of town’s two museums devoted to gingerbread. The bigger and better of the two is the Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, housed in the world’s oldest gingerbread bakery. Sign up for one of the museum’s workshops to learn how to make your own gingerbread.

Detour: Gateway to the Great Masurian Lakes, Olsztyn offers an attractive, spruced-up old town and plenty of new hotels, restaurants and bars. Never overwhelmed with tourists, it’s a refreshing slow down before moving on to the usually busier lakeside towns.

On Europe’s far eastern flank, Armenia is one of the few remaining countries on the continent where you can truly get off the beaten track. (Think: Albania five years ago.)

Rich in history and culture, this captivating country in the Caucasus is dotted with enchanting stone monasteries, many dating back more than eight centuries. Its growing capital, Yerevan, is packed from (tuff-volcanic-stone) wall to wall with galleries, performance venues and feast-worthy restaurants. And – appropriately for such a mountainous country – there’s ample hiking, too, with plenty of cozy mountain resorts and homestays to spend a few nights.

But the best part about traveling to Armenia is having the opportunity to chat with locals. Their pride and passion for their homeland is fascinating, and they might make you feel like an Armenian yourself.

Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.

Armenia is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.

When should I go to Armenia?

Armenia is hopping in summer – though it’s also very hot, with July and August temperatures in Yerevan hovering around 30°C (86°F). Summer is also time for fun festivals like Vardavar (during which locals run around tossing buckets of water at each other – and likely you), and for cooling off in Lake Sevan.

You can avoid the heat by visiting in in May or June, when it’s usually between 10°C (50°F) and 30°C (86°F) in Yerevan. Springtime is also wonderful for hiking across Armenian hilltops and valleys, which are speckled with millions of wildflowers. (Locals brew the flowers into tea or make them into jewelry.) Fall is another wise time to visit since there are fewer crowds and usually pleasant temperatures.

The long winter (November to March) isn’t ideal as many tourist amenities shut down and the temperatures can drop below freezing. If you do find yourself in Armenia at that time, stick to Yerevan, where there are plenty of ways to warm up with a glass of wine. Some great spots include In Vino wine bar and Ulikhanyan Jazz Club.

How much time should I spend in Armenia?

Many people pop over to Armenia after visiting Georgia – it’s a quick and easy trip over the land border to Armenia’s UNESCO-listed monasteries Sanahin and Haghpat. If you’re short on time, fly directly into Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport, which has lately been welcoming more and more flights from Europe and the Middle East.

If you have time, spend a week or two circling Armenia in a car – the country is slightly smaller than Belgium, so it won’t take too much time.

Is it easy to get in and around Armenia?

Armenia is still connected by Soviet-era minibuses called marshrutky, which can be a frustrating mode of travel as they don’t have fixed schedules. Trains, which run between Yerevan and Batumi in Georgia with a few stops along the way, are extremely slow, so aren’t recommended if unless you have ample time.

The best way to stay connected.

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Get your eSIM

The easiest option to get around Armenia is via car or van tours. You’ll find plenty of operators with reasonable prices around Republic Square in Yerevan.

Yerevan itself is very walkable, and ride-hailing apps GG and Yandex are a common and affordable way to get around (Armenia doesn’t have Uber). Yerevan also has spiffy new city buses and a one-line subway, though you won’t likely need them if you stick to exploring the city center.

If you have time, the best way to explore Armenia is by renting a car from the airport or through an agency in Yerevan. Having your own vehicle will give you the freedom to stop when you want and hike to remote monasteries. There are also a few cool campgrounds for road trippers on a budget, including Crossway Camping, where you can stay in a hippie bus, or Camping 3 Gs, which has epic views.

Top things to do in Armenia

A visit to Armenia will undoubtedly include a visit to one of its marvelous stone monasteries – after all, Armenia is the world’s first Christian nation. Some of the finest are within a couple of hours from Yerevan, including Noravank, which shines gold at sunset, and Khor Virap, where Surp Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before convincing King Tiridates III to declare Armenia Christian in 301. Most monasteries are located in canyons or on mountaintops; explore them on foot with the help of local hiking app HIKEArmenia.

A trip to Armenia’s cities is wonderful if you’re into art and high culture. Yerevan is filled with art galleries dedicated to notable Armenian artists like Sergei Parajanov – one of the world’s great film directors – and performance venues like the grand National Opera and Ballet Theatre. In Armenia’s second city, Gyumri, you can wander around tuff-black-stone buildings and visit the Aslamazyan Museum, which is dedicated to two artist sisters, one of whom many consider Armenia’s Frida Kahlo.

Armenia is a burgeoning wine destination and home to the world’s oldest winery, inside the Areni-1 Cave. You can sip Armenia’s unique areni grape wine among vineyards at Momik Wine Cube.

Or hit the trails. Surrounded by forested paths, Dilijan is a great mountaintop base; you can also hike up Mt Aragats, Armenia’s tallest mountain. If you’re up for a (much) bigger challenge, you can through-hike the Armenian section of the epic Transcaucasian Trail.

My favorite thing to do in Armenia

For those who lived through the Soviet days, decaying brutalist stone architecture might be considered a painful reminder of the USSR’s collapse. For me, as a Canadian, exploring abandoned Soviet structures is my favorite thing to do in Armenia.

Yerevan’s Children’s Railway still runs and is fantastic, as is the pyramid-like Cafesjian Center for the Arts (aka the Cascade), which has been reimagined as an amazing art gallery and sculpture garden. Outside the capital, check out the telescopes around Byurakan. There are sometimes tours of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory and – depending on the guard’s mood – you have a good shot of visiting the abandoned Radio Optical Observatory 54.

How much money do I need for Armenia?

Armenia has its own currency, the dram, easily exchanged at money changers in Yerevan or withdrawn from ATM with little or no fees. Credit cards are widely accepted in Yerevan, but not outside the capital.

While Armenia might be cheap by European standards, prices are still higher than many nearby Central Asian countries. The most expensive place is Yerevan, and there are several high-priced resort areas like Dilijan in the north, as well as along the western beaches of Lake Sevan.

If you’re on a budget, try a homestay or B&B – these allow you to connect with locals and often feature the option of learning to make Armenian dishes like gata (cake).

• Hostel room: Around 7500AMD (around US$20)

• Basic room for two: Starting at 30,000AMD ($80)

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): Starting at 20,000AMD ($50)

• Public-transport ticket: 300AMD ($1)

• Soorch (Armenian coffee): 500–800AMD ($2)

• Lahmajun (Armenian flatbread): 500–1500AMD ($2–3)

• Dinner for two: Around 7500AMD ($20) and up

• Local beer at the bar: 800AMD ($2)

Is Armenia safe?

Tensions have been rumbling with neighboring Azerbaijan since the fall of the Soviet Union, leading to multiple wars and frequent fire across Armenia’s eastern border. In 2023, Azerbaijan seized the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh; discussions of a permanent peace deal remain ongoing. Whether a peace deal is reached or not, Armenia is generally safe to visit, though it’s a good idea to avoid the border areas with Azerbaijan.

Can you travel between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye?

You cannot travel by land or air between Armenia and Azerbaijan directly, though you may connect through a third country like Georgia. Flights are available to and from Türkiye; the land border is only open to those who aren’t traveling on Armenian or Turkish passports.

Land borders are open with Georgia and Iran, but be sure to carefully research visa requirements if thinking about a trip to the latter.

How much English is spoken in Armenia?

Since the principal languages spoken are Armenian and Russian, fluent English is rare in Armenia, Yet don’t be discouraged. You should be fine with English in Yerevan, and Armenians are famous for making themselves understood using any means possible, including their hands.

Do I have to cover up?

Due to their Christian Orthodox faith, Armenians tend to dress more conservatively and show less skin than in Western Europe. But things are starting to change, due in large part to the influx of liberal Russians fleeing the war with Ukraine. Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to dress respectfully, especially when entering a church.

Green Spain’s wild coastline, gastronomic delights, charming historic towns and unique cultural identity are incomparable. Nature and tradition have blessed these four provinces (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country) with something for everyone, from hardcore adventurers to laid-back beachgoers.

In fact, there’s so much this northern region of Spain offers – for so many different types of travelers – that the best way to start planning is to talk to a local, passionate and expert guide.

We spoke with Estefanía Gonzalez, an Official Tourist Guide of Galicia and a cultural mediator at Parque Arqueolóxico da Cultura Castrexa – an archaeological park and interpretive center. We also talked to David Iglesias Pérez of Mil Positivos, an adventure travel planning service that runs mountain tours throughout northern Spain. With suggestions from the two of them, here are our favorite highlights of gorgeous Green Spain, and some insight on how a guide can help you create a unique, personalized experience – no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for:

Galicia

Galicia is known for the incomparable atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela – the end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trails – as well as its stunning coastal landscape, and perhaps the most delicious seafood in Europe. Its unique brand of Celtic and Spanish culture, rich history and charming traditions make it an authentic destination for culture aficionados, nature lovers and gastronomy enthusiasts alike.

• Santiago de Compostela: This unique city is imbued with the aura of a millennium’s worth of journeys.

• Costa da Morte: This is the eerily beautiful ‘Coast of Death,’ the westernmost outpost of mainland Spain, where mysteries and legends abound.

• O Courel: Its mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, fortified villages and medieval remains make it a place of unparalleled beauty that leaves no one indifferent.

• Islas Cíes: These three spectacular islands are home to some of Galicia’s most splendid beaches. Camping there is a unique experience in a dreamlike and highly protected environment.

• Riás Altas: The wild, rugged coastline and southern Europe’s highest ocean cliffs are awe-inspiring from the Garita de Herbeira viewpoint.

• Fragas do Eume: This natural park is one of the best-preserved Atlantic forests in Europe and a peaceful retreat with waterfalls, swinging bridges and endless views.

• Seafood: The fruits of the ocean and coastline, from tender seabass, turbot or hake to octopus, squid, crabs, cockles, scallops, mussels and countless other crustaceans, are sublime. Try the pulpo á feira (octopus Galician style).

What the guides say: “A tour of the Ribeira Sacra is a perfect, complete experience that captures all the diversity and beauty of northern Spain. Here you can combine hiking trails, a riverboat ride in Sil Canyon, visits to wineries, Romanesque art at the monasteries, gastronomy and history – including archaeological sites and charming villages.” – Estefanía

Don’t miss: Percebes

Galicia is one of the finest spots on the planet to sample those tender, unusual crustaceans known as percebes. In a death-defying tradition, percebes (also known as goose barnacles), are harvested by skilled divers from the jagged cliffs on the Costa da Morte using methods passed down through generations. The barnacles cling strongly below the waterline, and the best come from the most dangerous places, where the waves crash hardest against the rocks: that’s where the muscle you’ll eventually eat is particularly strong and developed.

All that dangerous work is worth it. The flavor of percebes is justifiably celebrated – the juicy snap, creamy taste and faintly salty finish is like a kiss from the sea. They’re usually served with just a quick boil or steam in sea or salt water, but some places add a garlic-and-parsley sauce. The first person to try percebes sure was one adventurous individual, but we’re glad they did.

Asturias

Talk about something for everyone! Asturias is a land full of contrasts – colorful fishing ports and more than 200 beaches; soaring mountains and deep valleys; pre-Romanesque architecture and cultured cities; fizzy cider and pungent cheeses.

• Oviedo: A fun, sophisticated city with a stash of intriguing sights, some excellent restaurants and a lively population.Architecture fans will love the cathedral and pre-Romanesque buildings.

• Cider: Asturians have been pouring cider since as far back as the 8th century, and the province’s sidrerías (cider bars) – especially in Gijón – are always a lively scene

• Cueva de Tito Bustillo: This UNESCO-listed cave contains some of Spain’s finest cave art, including superb horse paintings probably done around 15,000 to 10,000 BCE.

• Senda del Oso: For a fun outing with kids, rent bikes for a leisurely ride down this former mine railway and see if you can spot the (enclosed) Cantabrian brown bears.

• Parque Natural de Somiedo and Saliencia Lakes: Need more bears? You can find them here too. Five verdant valleys descend from beautiful mountain country that few foreigners reach. The view of Lago del Valle and Salienca from Picos Albos is stunning.

• Cudillero: Pastel-painted fishing port houses cascade down to a tiny port on a narrow inlet. Is it the most picturesque fishing village in Spain? Who are we to argue?

What the guides say: The Natural Park of the Ubiñas and the Mesa is the perfect place to visit if you like trekking and mountaineering. You’ll climb the highest mountains of this Natural Park, Ubiña (Grande and Pequeña), Los Fontanes (North and South) and the Picu Fariñentu (Around 8,000 feet) and stay overnight at Refugio de la Vega del Meicín in the heart of the Ubiñas massif.– David Iglesias

The Picos de Europa

Limestone peaks, lush valleys and crystal-clear rivers make the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa a paradise for hikers, climbers and nature lovers. Among the breathtaking views and unique wildlife, there is a diverse range of outdoor activities.

• Fuente Dé: The ridiculously popular Teleférico de Fuente Dé cable car whisks people to the superb heights of the southeastern Picos.

• Ruta del Cares: A trail is carved high into and through the rugged walls of a magnificent and dramatic gorge, with limestone peaks soaring far above.

• Sunset from the Collado Jermoso: This mountain refuge in the central massif is located more than 3,280 feet above the Valdéon valley. It’s the perfect place to end a day of mountaineering.

• Lagos de Covadonga: These two beautiful little lakes are set between absurdly picturesque peaks. Some stunning walks follow marked and looped trails.

• Paddling the Río Sella: Several agencies in Arriondas, Cangas de Onis and other nearby towns rent canoes, kayaks, paddles and everything else you need for a rapids-run.

• Casadielles: A flaky Asturian pastry filled with walnuts and anise. It comes from traditional Sephardic cooking and is a delicious way to end a day of outdoor exertion.

What the guides say: “More and more visitors are choosing to spread their stay over several days and points of interest. This allows them to explore the area in depth and enjoy the experience in a more authentic way. (Green Spain) should be enjoyed leisurely, allowing ample time to appreciate its beauty from all possible perspectives.” – Estefanía

Cantabria

Sharing the Picos de Europa with Asturias, Cantabria draws in outdoor adventurers and nature lovers with its rugged coastline, mysterious ancient cave art, cliff-backed beaches and lush green valleys. Sturdy stone houses with red-tile roofs make road tripping here a joy, and the capital city Santander buzzes with energy and culinary experimentation.

• Altamira: Spain’s most renowned cave paintings date back thousands of years, showcasing intricate depictions of animals and human hands.

• Santander: The belle-époque elegance of El Sardinero’s sandy beach area, an array of bewitching pintxos (elaborate tapas) bars, and the splashy Centro Botin arts center give Santander its unique character.

• Santillana del Mar: This medieval jewel is in a perfect state of preservation, with its bright cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and huddle of tanned stone and brick buildings.

• Comillas: Check out the funky buildings in this small hilltop village. Its medieval center is built around cobbled plazas, and Modernista architects have found creative outlet in designing the surrounding houses.

• Sardines: A Cantabrian specialty pulled from the cold water, sardines here are typically grilled over open flames and seasoned with just a touch of salt. Delicious!.

What the guides say: Our favorite places in the Cantabrian Mountains are its forests, beautiful, green and full of life, and its magnificent mountains, which rise abruptly from the bottom of the valleys to almost touching the sky. Local culture and traditions here have endured since ancient times… The Sephardic lifestyle, harvesting, crafts, popular knowledge, the use of the environment and the adaptation to the environment. There are many stories to tell … legends included.– David Iglesias

Basque Country

Furthest east among Green Spain’s four provinces, the Basque Country demands exploration beyond the delightful and cosmopolitan main cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastián. Its renowned culinary scene, distinct language and traditions, and mix of mountain and coastal landscapes mean your travels here are always curious and frequently rewarded.

• Bilbao: The Guggenheim, one of Spain’s architectural treasures, is just the jewel in this city’s crown. You can find artistic inspiration down nearly every street of the Old Town.

• San Sebastián: Elegant art nouveau buildings look out over perfect La Concha Bay, green Mount Urgull rises from its edge, and fabulous pintxos are down every cobbled lane.

• The Basque Coast: The cultural and natural richness is on full display in coastal towns like Bermeo. At low tide, you can walk to a scenic island just off-shore from picture-perfect Lekeitio.

• Surfing Zarautz or Mundaka: Wave riding comes with the territory on these pretty – if chilly – waterfront spots. Mundaka’s break is particularly legendary.

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: This jaw-dropping clifftop hermitage has only grown in popularity since it was used to represent Dragonstone in the HBO shows Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

What the guides say: “(Using a local guide) to incorporate local culture, traditions and hidden gems as much as possible is the key to a visit you’ll always remember. Passing through magical places full of secrets or curiosities, experiencing traditions firsthand and allowing yourself to feel, experience and see it with your own eyes will ensure your experience remains in your mind and heart.” – Estefanía

Undoubtedly one of Australia’s biggest draws is its wildlife, which you’re almost guaranteed to see amidst the nation’s incredible landscapes (or in an animal sanctuary if you’re short on time). And despite the horror stories you may have heard, it’s not all deadly spiders, sharks and snakes (although you may see all three if you stay long enough). The roll call of unique animals – from super cute mammals to colorful birds and fish plus lizards and geckos you won’t see anywhere else – is long.

Australia offers many different wildlife-spotting experiences, depending on where you visit. However, some of even its most famous species are critically endangered, which means sightings are rare and conservation efforts are vital.

We’ve created the ultimate beginner’s guide that gives you the best chance of getting up close (but not so close that you put these wild creatures at risk) with Australia’s unique native animals.

Where are the best places for wildlife watching in Australia?

Your best chance of spying some Australian fauna will be in one of the 500+ national parks scattered across the country.

Some national parks are better set up for overseas visitors, with accommodation nearby and guides available for a wildlife-spotting tour. In the north, head to The Daintree (Queensland), Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory) or Cape Range National Park (Western Australia). In the southern states, put the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Victoria and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania on your must-visit list.

Many rural accommodations in Australia are embedded in nature, which means you may have emus, echidnas or wallabies wandering past your room.

But even a city-based trip Down Under offers opportunities for close-up wildlife encounters. Kangaroos inhabit the capital city of Canberra, koalas live in the Adelaide Hills, and the one-of-a-kind quokka is found on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island near Perth – and where do we begin with the birdlife in Sydney? If you want to see unique animals, you’ve come to the right place.

Where are the best places in Australia to see koalas, kangaroos and other iconic species?

Koalas

Koalas need no introduction. The poster child for “super cute Australian animals,” koalas spend around 20 hours a day fast asleep. If you’re going to see a koala on the move, clumsily crabbing along the ground from one tree to the next, it’s most likely at night. Otherwise, they’re usually perched in the crook of a tree munching on eucalyptus leaves alone or with a joey clinging on. You can spot these adorable tufty-eared marsupials in forests close to the coast in southeastern Australia. However, human encroachment has put koalas on the endangered list in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

Where to find them: Stands of trees along the Great Ocean Road (Victoria), on Magnetic Island and Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah (Queensland), and on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) are known by locals to house koalas – you’ll have to ask around. Some wildlife parks allow visitors to take a photo with a koala, but cuddling one is a controversial practice that’s illegal in most states because it causes stress to the animals.

Tips for spotting them: Koalas are noise-sensitive – a quiet approach through the forest is required. If you look carefully at higher branches (binoculars may help), you may spot one attached to a tree limb. You’ll find it easier to spot one if they’re munching or moving around so try early in the morning or at dusk when it’s cooler.

Kangaroos and wallabies

First, how do you know which is which? Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials that belong to a small group of animals called macropods (yes, that’s Latin for “big feet”). Kangaroos are larger; they’re usually one color; they use their tails like a fifth foot (which also means they jump further); and are often bounding through open grasslands. Wallabies, on the other hand, are smaller (25kg compared to a 90kg kangaroo) and their color can vary, like the black-footed rock wallaby, which helps them camouflage in forests or on rocky escarpments where they typically live.

Where to find them: Kangaroos live in many parts of Australia, they’re even been spotted on suburban streets and golf courses at dusk. One of the most iconic places to see kangaroos is on the white-sand beaches of Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park (Western Australia). Wallabies can be shier and they stick to smaller groups, but different species are found in national parks such as Narawntapu National Park (Tasmania) and Cape Hillsborough National Park (Queensland).

Tips for spotting them: Dawn and dusk are the best times to see kangaroos and wallabies. Don’t make any sudden moves, as they spook easily. And if you do get close, definitely don’t feed them.

Wombats

Perhaps not as well known outside Australia, wombats are beloved by locals. They feature in Aboriginal Dreaming stories, as well as classic Australian children’s literature. The word “wombat” is believed to come from the Dharug language of the Aboriginal people, the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney area (as does koala and wallaby). These gentle furry marsupials are around as big as a medium-sized dog – but with smaller legs and a stout body – and they hide out in burrows by day, foraging for food by night. A classic piece of pub quiz trivia is the fact wombat poo is cube-shaped. If you see some, you know one is close.

Where to find them: The best places to spot wombats include the Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and Flinders or Maria islands (Tasmania); Wilsons Promontory National Park (Victoria) and the Blue Mountains (NSW). Unfortunately, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered – only a small population of around 300 remains in a protected area of Queensland.

Tips for spotting them: Dawn and dusk are your best times to spot wombats, as they hibernate during the heat of the day, but if you’re camping at a national park you may see (or hear) them out overnight.

Echidnas

You’ll bump into these short-beaked spiny creatures in national parks but even in bushland areas close to the city. Those sharp-looking spines, which protect echidnas from predators like birds of prey and larger mammals, are actually hairs with extra keratin. When frightened, an echidna will tuck its snout and legs under and curl into a spiky ball. Even though they look similar, echidnas have more in common with the platypus (another egg-laying mammal in Australia, read on!) than the common hedgehog. And here’s another cute fact: a baby echidna is called a “puggle”.

Where to find them: You’ve got a good chance of seeing an echidna in southern states like Victoria, NSW, South Australia, ACT, Tasmania and southwest WA, where there’s plenty of forests, shrubland and insects for them to live on.

Tips for spotting them: In summer echidnas are out foraging around dawn and dusk, but in cooler seasons you may spot one in the day. They’re shy, slow-moving creatures so keep still if one waddles into your path – it will change course if it hears you. Small holes in the ground are often a sign an echidna has been foraging for ants and termites nearby.

Crocodiles

Two types of crocodiles live in tropical Australia: saltwater and freshwater crocs. “Salties,” as Australians call them, are found in estuaries and rivers by the coast as well as in the sea. Male saltwater crocodiles can grow to 6-7 meters (20ft to 23ft) although most are closer to 4 meters (13ft). “Freshies” are smaller (2m/6.5ft) and less aggressive, but if they’re feeling threatened, their bite is dangerous.

Crocodiles were hunted in Australia until the 1970s when they became a protected species. A direct encounter with a crocodile will likely kill you, so follow all instructions from your guide. Never – ever – enter a body of water in northern Australia unless you are absolutely sure it is crocodile-free, and read up on staying safe in crocodile regions.

Where to find them: Crocodiles live in the northern parts of Australia. To see saltwater crocodiles in the wild head to Adelaide River and Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory) and the Daintree River (Queensland). Freshwater crocodiles can be seen at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and Litchfield national parks (Northern Territory), plus Lake Argyle and Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park in Western Australia.

Tips for spotting them: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to see crocs as they’ll be concentrated near water sources or basking in the sun on a river bank. They can be hard to spot in water as they usually float with only their eyes and snout breaching the surface. Look for slide marks on river banks or a distinctive V-shaped wake in water.

Emus

These large flightless birds (second only to the ostrich) live in various spots across Australia except in Tasmania. They are often running along wide open plains in search of food and water, and avoiding predators (they can reach speeds of 50kph/30mph). For many Aboriginal Australians, the emu has an important role in mythologies and is a key creator spirit. Look up and you will see the Emu in the Sky, a constellation made of the dark areas of the Milky Way.

Where to find them: You’ll find emus on grassy plains in Kosciuszko National Park (NSW), on open savanna in Murray Sunset National Park (Victoria) and in many outback regions. As they are not aggressive animals, they also often inhabit city-based wildlife parks.

Tips for spotting them: Emus can be seen in groups if there’s a water source nearby, but you may spot one on its own. In areas where there are lots of tourists they may have been hand-fed which can make them more aggressive, particularly about getting food – always keep your distance. As a child, this animal lover was nipped by one at Healesville Sanctuary (which was more of a shock than anything else).

Tasmanian Devils

You know the Looney Tunes cartoon character Taz, the Tasmanian Devil? Well, these cute carnivorous marsupials are also endangered, due to the fatal and transmissible Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) that has killed 80% of the population. A disease-free colony has been established on Maria Island (off the Tasmanian mainland) and scientists have been testing a vaccine inspired by the way the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine works.

Where to find them: Tasmanian Devils have been spotted at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Narawntapu National Park and Mount William National Park, but you’re more likely to see one in a wildlife park in a special nocturnal exhibit where you will also learn more about Tasmania’s conservation efforts.

Tips for spotting them: Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal scavengers (they will munch through carrion from the side of a road, with a bite as strong as a hyena) so be careful driving after dark. Going on a guided nighttime tour will increase your chances of seeing one in the wild.

Platypus

Their reputation for the unexpected precedes them. In the 19th century, naturalists back in England thought a platypus specimen must be a hoax with its duck-like bill, otter-like body, beaver-like tail, webbed feet, sharp claws and venomous spurs. This egg-laying mammal is unique to Australia, and while seeing one in the wild will take patience and luck, they are real. Apart from admiring their representation on Australia’s 20c coin, many zoos and wildlife parks have nocturnal platypus enclosures where you can view them burrowing and swimming underwater.

Where to find them: The Atherton Tablelands is the most iconic spot for platypus sightings – ask at a local tourist office for recommended spots. In Eungella National Park, special viewing platforms have been integrated into the forest around Broken River, one of this elusive monotreme’s favorite habitats.

Tips for spotting them: Patience is the key – set yourself up quietly and comfortably and look for telltale trails of bubbles on the water’s surface. Chances are the bubbles will be followed by a surfacing platypus. Don’t startle them – platypuses are notoriously shy and will dive back underwater in the twinkling of an eye and take refuge in a riverside burrow if they sense danger.

Quokkas

These marsupials are so photogenic that the “quokka selfie” became an online trend – until animal welfare experts spoke up. These small wallaby-like marsupials may look like they’re happy but that smile is really a quirk of the quokka’s facial structure, not permission to put a camera in their face. Quokkas are non-aggressive – docile even – which adds to the anthropomorphizing by humans. They also climb trees, hop like rabbits and sleep in the daytime. Quokkas are listed as “vulnerable” due to habitat loss as well as the arrival of predators (humans shamefully were on that list).

Where to find them: Quokkas are found on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Western Australia, a 30-minute ferry journey from Fremantle south of Perth.

Tips for spotting them: Quokkas are nocturnal, although in the winter months, they can be active during daylight hours. Get away from other tourists by foot or bike to increase your opportunity for a chance encounter, or book a guided walking tour. The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association runs a “Meet the Quokkas” walking tour daily, where visitors are asked to observe from a respectful distance.

For visitors short on time, consider visiting a wildlife sanctuary

Sightings are never guaranteed when you’re dealing with wildlife, so if your trip Down Under won’t be complete without a koala, there are myriad wildlife reserves and zoos in Australia where native (and non-native) animals are in residence.

Yes, there’s a strong animal welfare case for never visiting animals in captivity, but many in Australia do adhere to strict animal welfare protocols and contribute to education and conservation efforts (do your research and you can be the judge).