2026 Wildlife of Australia Calendar

One of the most unique marsupial mammals in the world, the Koala is a symbolic Australian animal that captures the imagination and intrigue of people from around the world. 

The Koala is only one species but three sub-species found only throughout Australia. Previously, the Koala was hunted for its fur in mass numbers, causing population concern around the continent. 

This image was captured on Kangaroo Island, a population that was introduced to the island in the early 1920's as an insurance population, the population on the island has since exploded.

When photographing Koalas, try to use a telephoto lens and shoot at an angle that makes it appear the subject is at eye level. 

Always concentrate on the highlights and if possible, position yourself with the sun at your back to avoid "blowing out" the subject lighting. 

If eating all day, pooping solid cubes and hiding out in an underground burrow sounds appealing to you, maybe your spirit animal is a Wombat. 

While exploring Maria Island off the coast of Tasmania I saw a Wombat with the zooms, running around jumping, coming in and out of his burrow, feeding, etc. 

I wandered over slowly and positioned myself in a way that I could easily view and photograph the front of the burrow, waiting for the chance for this hyperactive mammal to emerge. 

A few seconds of waiting and this dude popped his head up with a cheeky look on his face. 

The key to this image is getting down as low as you can, create connection with a sharp eye and nice pupil reflection. 

Found lurking in the undergrowth of the Far North Queensland Rainforest, the Grey-headed Robin uses its call to make you concerned you have tinnitus. Single and long drawn out monotoned ringing sounds are this dude's call. 

Also regarded the biggest Robin species in Australia, the grey-headed robin can actually be a challenging one to photograph. Bounding along the undergrowth of the thick rainforest, you need a high ISO and a steady hand to capture its cute and confident pose. 

Rainforest photography can be extremely challenging however patience and good technical understanding of your camera is the key to capturing sharp rainforest wildlife shots. 

Now this is a bird that is hard to find, another master of camouflage.

Shuffling around the rainforest canopy, these tiny green munching machines look just like a lush fig tree leaf.

The Double-eyed Fig Parrot is also Australia's smallest parrot which adds to the challenge of capturing a decent image.

When the fig trees of Northern Queensland start fruiting you need to keep your eyes and ears open, looking for crumbs falling to the ground under the tree.

This is what I do regularly in search of these elusive feathers friends.

One day in Lake Each I saw a large fig tree which tiny pieces of fig falling from the branches, upon closer inspection I saw approximately 50 Double-eyed Fig Parrots feasting. 

After about 2hrs and a very fast shutter speed. I captured this epic shot, showcasing the nature beauty of this mighty bird.  

How do you find a Tree Kangaroo..

This is the question I am asked every time I post a Tree Roo photo online. These animals are ELUSIVE...

Well the secret for me is, buy a Rainforest property in the Atherton Tablelands and just stare at the tree for years on end, well it worked for me anyway. 

I captured this stunning Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo in the front yard of my property and from my front deck with the use of a telephoto lens, it was practically at eye level. 

I love this photo as it captures the impressive claws the Tree Roos possess, life in the trees requires a strong upper body and a long set of claws. 

Selective a single point focus is very helpful when capturing animals in the rainforest, sometimes without it, our focusing bounces off all the vegetation and not the subject we are looking to capture.