[Guest Post] A Photo Essay of Australian Wildlife by Megan Claire

Congrats to my blogger pal and fellow globe drifter Megan Claire who was recently picked as one of the six "DTourists" for DoubleTree by Hilton! They're sending her to blog for them across Central and South America during May and June next year with $2,000 of spending money and staying in Hilton Hotels. Her itinerary has not yet been finalized, but she does know it includes Peru and Costa Rica. 

In honor of this cool achievement, here is a Guest Post by the blogger of the moment herself, all about her home country of Australia and the amazing wildlife there.

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Both the Kangaroo and Emu appear on the Australian Coat of Arms, and both are unofficial symbols of Australia. Fun fact about these two animals – neither of them can move backwards!

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Australia is known for having unusual wildlife, and Australian animals are unlike any found elsewhere in the world! From kangaroos and koalas, to platypi (platypus), Tasmanian devils and wombats – Australia has a huge range of wonderful wildlife and exotic species which provoke a sense of wonder and awe throughout the rest of the world.

Having lived in Australia for the last 25 years I have managed to collect a photo or two of some of the more intriguing animals which make our country so unique! All below photos were taken by my better half, Mike Jerrard!

The Kangaroo is an unofficial symbol of Australia. It appears on the Australian emblem, on our currency, and the image of a Kangaroo is used by some of Australia’s most well known companies like Qantas and the Royal Australian Air Force. 

This is NOT a Kangaroo, but a Wallaby!! The main difference between a Kangaroo and a Wallaby is size. Kangaroo’s are much larger than wallabies, and a Kangaroo’s legs, built for speed and open terrain, will appear out of proportion to their body, while the legs on a wallaby will be more compact.

An Australian Opossum 

The cuteness of this Koala will blow your mind! After the Kangaroo, Koala’s are probably the most famous Australian animal – not a bad life living in the tree tops, sleeping and eating all day!

Camels were imported to Australia from India during the 19th century as a form of transportation! Very few Camels remain wild in Australian today, however those who do live in Central Australia in the Outback and are referred to as “Australian feral camels”.  

The Dingo is one of Australia’s most famous predators and is viewed by many to be a cultural icon.

There are 75 bat species known to occur in Australia – these are “Grey Headed Flying Fox”.

Also known as spiny ant eaters, Echidna’s are one of only two species of mammals who lay eggs! The Platypus is the second.

Introducing the Wombat! Short-legged, muscular little guys with short, stubby tails wombats are STRONG, and surprisingly super fast!! Hitting one with a car is like running over a boulder – so even though these guys appear cute, watch out!

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure! Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Meg has recently launched “Where in the World is Megan Claire?!”, an up and coming travel blog which aims to give you the best tips and advice on travelling, volunteering, living, working and holidaying abroad. She hasn’t been everywhere, but it’s on her list!

You can follow her journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram also. 

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Check out for more interesting stuff on Australian wildlife:

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And now we ask you: - When you think of Australia, what kind of wildlife come to mind?

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