15 of Australia’s Deadliest Animals and Where to Find Them

Ever since Paul Hogan wrestled a croc on the big screen, the world has known Down Under to be home to the biggest, deadliest creatures in the world. With more than 5,000 unique species, Australia is overflowing with some of the world’s most magnificent and dangerous animals—and we’re proud of it. Here’s how to get up close and personal with 15 of Australia’s deadliest animals

Spot stonefish and lionfish at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium

Sydney, New South Wales

Don’t look now, but that might not be a rock you’re stepping on. Owing its name to its ability to seamlessly blend in with the seabed, stonefish lay motionless on the ocean floor before ambushing their prey. Their powerful neurotoxin is fatal to humans and earns them the distinction of being of the most venomous fish known to man. And then there’s the lionfish, which turns conspicuous shades of red, white, and black before poisoning its next meal with a toxic venom second only to the stonefish. Don’t say it didn’t warn you! If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney, you can see both of these underwater assassins in person—without the risk of losing your life—at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, where you’ll also meet penguins, sharks, and dugongs.

Confront saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove

Darwin, Northern Territory

Are you ready to “croc” and roll? Known for ambushing and drowning its prey—or simply swallowing it whole—the saltwater crocodile will attack any animal that enters its territory, including sharks. These killer lizards can grow up to 7 m in length and weigh up to 1,200 kg, and you don’t want to mess with them…unless you’re visiting Crocosaurus Cove. Located in the heart of Darwin, this popular attraction is home to the world’s largest array of Australian reptiles but it’s claim to fame is the “Cage of Death”. Come face to face with an 800 kg crocodile when you’re submerged inside a clear plastic cage into the crocodile enclosure. Although perfectly safe, this will be the scariest 15 minutes of your life. Too much? Try croc feeding, where juvenile crocs jump out of the water to snatch snacks off the end of your hook-less line. You can even get your photo taken holding a baby croc.

Check out cassowaries on Cassowary Tours

Kuranda, Queensland

Yes, the cassowary! This flightless bird might look pretty, with its beautiful plumage, but in the rainforests of northeastern QLD, it’s high on the food chain. Cassowaries chase, charge, and kick their opponents, delivering a serious punch with the second of their three toes, which wields a claw up to 12 cm long. Get up close (but not too close) with Cassowary Tours in Kuranda, QLD, which runs tours to the birds’ common haunts. These experienced guides—and the cassowary’s natural shyness—make sure that claw stays far away from you.

See stingrays swim at Busselton Jetty

Busselton, West Australia

Weighing in at up to 350 kg and measuring up to 4.3 m from tip to tail, the smooth ray is the largest stingray in the world and among the deadliest. You could call it a smooth operator! These strong and nimble swimmers are usually well behaved, but will hold their ground when threatened by curling their tails in a scorpion-like manner, complete with a venomous barb. If this sounds like your kind of sea creature, you can get up close but stay danger-free at the underwater observatory at Busselton Jetty. You (and of up to 47 of your closest friends) will descend 8 m beneath the water’s surface to the observatory for glimpses of rays and 300 other marine species swimming amid Australia’s biggest artificial reef.

Dive amid box jellyfish at Yongala Dive

The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Quick: What’s the world’s most venomous creature? If you’re thinking a snake or a spider, well, you’re wrong. The box jellyfish is nicknamed the “sucker punch of the sea” thanks to its transparent nature and nearly undetectable sting, and it delivers the most venomous attack known to man. This news should not deter you from enjoying their natural habitat! We recommend taking the plunge with the Yongala Dive, a professionally led exploration of Australia’s largest intact shipwreck, the historic S. S. Yongala, that departs from the Whitsunday Islands. Though jellyfish have been known to swim these waters, box jellyfish encounters are relatively rare.  If you do sneak a peek at one of these treacherous creatures while diving, you’ll be happy to be with experienced guides and wearing that stinger suit.

Encounter dingoes at the Australia Zoo

Beerwah, Queensland

Descended from partially domesticated Asian dogs reintroduced to the wild upon arrival in Oz, the dingo is largest terrestrial predator in the country. In the Queensland area, a safe way to see these canines is at the Australia Zoo. Synonymous with the late Steve Irwin and his family, this popular attraction features trained, affectionate, and playful dingoes who greet visitors at daily animal encounters. Australia Zoo is your best bet to safely learn about many of Australia’s most famous species and experience tons of unique animals.

Take a Tasmanian devil tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Brighton, Tasmania

If you haven’t seen a Tassie Devil, you’re missing out. The largest carnivorous marsupial on Earth is famous for its stocky size, foul stench, and ear-piercing screech. Plus, they have the most powerful bite relative to their body size, and some believe these speedy demons can—and will—eat humans if given the opportunity. Even if you won’t be putting them on the guest list for your next dinner party, you can see them in their natural habitat at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The largest 24-hour rescue service on the island has a unique breeding program that is helping to restore the population of this endangered species. Just be sure to leave your pitchfork and devil ears at home.

Get a peek of the platypus with Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours

Cairns, Queensland

We bet you didn’t know the cute-looking platypus was dangerous?! Male platypi are among the few mammals that produce venom, which they can inject into aggressors through spurs on their rear limbs. The semi-aquatic, egg-laying creature has enough poison to take out small animals. And although this semi-aquatic, egg-laying creature’s poison isn’t very potent, it can kill dogs and other small animals. They’re notoriously difficult to spot in the wild, so Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours near Cairns, which takes guests on one-of-a-kind wildlife treks—including night tours for the adventurous. These pros have been at it for more than 30 years, so if you’re eager to see the platypus in its natural habitat, there’s no one better to take you there.

Swim with sharks at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary

Manly, New South Wales

Sharks have a reputation for being among the deadliest animals on earth. You’ve seen the movie Jaws, right? The great white is the most dangerous of all, with no known natural predators other than the killer whale. The great white shark is the king of the sea—which is why there are none in captivity. They can be encountered in the wild, of course, but we don’t recommend seeking them out. Instead, we’d opt for their less deadly cousins, grey nurse sharks. At Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, you can donate to the cause of preservation and research with their Shark Dive Xtreme while swimming with a colony of sharks and other sea creatures.  You can also explore Shark Harbour, where sharks, sea turtles, and divers swim overhead, beyond the domed glass ceiling of their oceanarium.