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You can’t help but smile when you see a wombat. They’ve got those solid, round little bodies and that funny waddle that looks like they couldn’t care less about what’s going on around them. I don’t know why, but watching them always makes me slow down for a moment, there’s something oddly peaceful about it
Having spent years exploring Australia’s wilderness (and serving on the board of an animal welfare organisation that ran the largest animal hospital in the southern hemisphere, where half of the patients were wildlife), I’ve had the privilege of learning about these incredible creatures up close. They’re hardy, fascinating, and a joy to watch when you’re lucky enough to spot one grazing quietly in the wild.
In this post, I’ll share where to see wombats in Australia, from the windswept highlands of Tasmania to the bushy valleys of New South Wales. I’ll also cover the different types of wombats, when and where you’re most likely to see them, and how to do it ethically, because while they might look cuddly, wombats are still wild animals and deserve our respect.
So, if you’re planning to add a bit of wildlife spotting to your Australian travels, keep reading. These are some of the best places to see wombats in Australia, plus a few tips to make sure your experience is safe, ethical, and unforgettable.
Quick answer: where to see wombats in Australia
Easiest wild sightings: Maria Island (Tasmania)
Best mainland chance: Wilsons Promontory (Victoria)
Best time of day: dawn + dusk (and sometimes daytime in cooler months)
Why timing matters: Wombats are mainly crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal, so your odds jump dramatically if you plan your walk for early morning or late afternoon.
If you dream of seeing wombats in the wild, Cradle Mountain is one of the best places in Australia to make it happen. Nestled within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this area is a haven for wildlife, and wombats are among its most famous residents.
I’ve spent many hours exploring the park, and some of my favourite encounters with wombats have been right here. Despite being mostly nocturnal, the cooler Tasmanian weather means you’ll often find them grazing during the day. I’ve seen several ambling through the grass beside the boardwalk near Ronny Creek, completely unbothered by hikers admiring them.
Best time to visit: Wombats are most active in the late afternoon and early evening, but in the cooler months (especially between May and September), you can often see them out during the day.
Where to look: Start your search along the Ronny Creek boardwalk and the Dove Lake Circuit – both are popular wombat hangouts. They’re easy to access and provide excellent photo opportunities, especially if you’re patient and move quietly.
If you plan to explore beyond the boardwalks, it’s worth understanding what to expect from the local tracks: some are gentle, others more demanding. You can check out my complete guide to hiking Cradle Mountain in Tasmania for details. And if you’re new to Australian trails, knowing the Australian Walking Track Grading System will help you choose routes that suit your fitness and experience.
Ethical tip: The wombats around here don’t really mind people, but that doesn’t mean they want us in their space. Hang back a bit, move slow, and just watch. They’re wild, not tame, and that’s the best part. Seeing them out there, free and doing their thing, feels pretty special.
If there’s one place in Australia where you’re almost guaranteed to see a wombat, it’s Maria Island, a small, wildlife-rich island off Tasmania’s east coast. Often described as “Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark,” Maria Island is home to wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils, all living freely in their natural environment.
We loved visiting Maria Island as we got to see a number of wombats. You’ll find them grazing lazily on the open grassy areas near Darlington, wandering along the walking tracks, and even ambling through the old convict settlement ruins as if they own the place (which, honestly, they kind of do).
We spent quite some time quietly watching a mother wombat with her baby. The little one would fall behind every few steps, then scurry to catch up to its mum – a small ball of fur waddling at full speed. It was such a simple, heartwarming moment that perfectly captured the gentle nature of these animals.
What makes Maria Island special is how relaxed the wombats are around people. Because there are no cars and only a small number of daily visitors, the wildlife here has learned that humans pose no threat.
Getting there: Maria Island is accessible by ferry from Triabunna (about an hour’s drive from Hobart). It’s a day-trip destination for many, but staying overnight gives you a better chance to see wombats at dawn and dusk.
Best time to visit: Wombats are active year-round, though you’ll spot more during the cooler months when they graze in the open during daylight hours.
Ethical tip: Even though the wombats here are used to visitors, they’re still wild. Avoid getting too close or blocking their path, and definitely resist the urge to touch them.
For more on how to view animals responsibly while travelling, you might like my post on ethical animal tourism.
🎟️Find tours for Maria Island.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to see wombats on the Australian mainland, Wilsons Promontory National Park is hard to beat. Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, it’s a mix of rugged coastline, forested hills, and open grasslands, the perfect habitat for wombats.
You don’t need to wander far here to find them. Around dusk, wombats begin emerging from their burrows to graze, often right beside the walking tracks or even around the Tidal River campground.
Where to look: The most reliable spots are Tidal River, Norman Bay, and Lilly Pilly Gully. If you’re camping overnight, you’ll likely hear them rustling through the grass around your tent – just remember to keep food secured and give them space.
Best time to visit: Wombats are generally more visible during the cooler months and at dawn or dusk. Bring a torch or headlamp if you’re walking near camp after sunset and keep to the tracks to avoid disturbing burrows.
Wildlife bonus: Wilsons Promontory isn’t just about wombats. You’ll also see kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and echidnas roaming freely. It’s one of those rare places where Australia’s wildlife feels abundant and unspoiled.
If you’re combining a visit here with other wildlife spotting in Australia, Wilsons Promontory is the ideal mainland counterpart to Tasmania’s wombat hotspots – wilder, larger, and full of character.
Ethical tip: The wombats at Wilsons Promontory have grown accustomed to visitors, but human food can make them sick. Never feed them, even if they seem to be begging (and yes, some do). The best way to show your love for these amazing creatures is to simply let them be.
💩 Fun fact: wombats are the only known animal whose poop is cube-shaped 🟫! Their square droppings help mark territory and stop rolling away – a surprisingly clever adaptation for communication.
Don’t believe me 💩? Check out Australian Geographic!
Just a couple of hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are better known for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and bushwalks. Still, they’re also a surprisingly good spot for wildlife spotting in Australia, including wombats.
The Blue Mountains are perfect wombat country – cool, forested, and full of soft soil they can dig through with ease. You’ll need a bit of patience though; they’re not as easy to spot here as they are in Tasmania or down at Wilsons Promontory. Your best chances are around the Jenolan Caves, Kanangra-Boyd National Park, and, fittingly, the Wombeyan Caves – it really does live up to its name.
I’ve spent evenings here watching the bush come alive as the sun dipped behind the cliffs, wallabies bounding through the shadows, lyrebirds calling in the distance, and that unmistakable rustle that often turns out to be a wombat venturing out for its nightly feed. It’s a reminder that even close to a major city; Australia’s wild heart is never far away.
Best time to visit: You’ll have the most luck spotting wombats around dusk, particularly in the cooler months from April to September. If you’re staying overnight, drive cautiously – wombats are notorious for appearing on roads after dark.
Where to stay: There are plenty of charming B&Bs, cottages, and campgrounds throughout the Blue Mountains region. Staying overnight gives you the best chance to see wombats and experience the serenity of the bush at twilight.
Ethical tip: Bring a red-filtered torch if you’re night-spotting. Bright white light can startle wildlife, while red light allows you to observe them without causing stress.
The Blue Mountains are also a fantastic place to combine wombat watching with a bit of adventure: from short lookouts to challenging multi-day treks. If you’re planning to hit the trails, you might find my guide to the Australian Walking Track Grading System helpful before you go.
You don’t have to go far from Sydney to find a bit of country calm. Kangaroo Valley is one of those spots that sneaks up on you – quiet, green, and ridiculously pretty. There’s farmland and forest all around, and every now and then, a wombat wandering across a paddock like it’s got all the time in the world.
You’ll often spot wombats grazing along the roadside verges and open paddocks at dawn and dusk.
Where to look: The areas around Bendeela Recreation Area are particularly well known for their wombat population. It’s a popular camping and picnic spot where wombats often wander through at dusk, completely unfazed by people. If you’re camping overnight, expect a few furry visitors, but resist the temptation to approach them.
Best time to visit: Wombats are most active from late afternoon through the night. Plan your viewing around sunset for the best chance of sightings.
Travel tip: Kangaroo Valley makes an easy weekend trip from Sydney (around two hours’ drive), and it pairs beautifully with a visit to the Southern Highlands or the Shoalhaven coast if you’re exploring more of New South Wales.
Ethical tip: Drive slowly after dark; wombats often wander onto roads, and their solid build makes collisions dangerous for both the animal and your car. If you ever see a wombat (or any wildlife) injured on the roadside, contact local wildlife rescue immediately.
People call Narawntapu National Park the “Serengeti of Tasmania,” and it’s easy to see why. There’s wildlife everywhere you look. Wombats, wallabies, kangaroos – they all wander freely across the park’s open plains and along the coastal heath. It sits on Tasmania’s northern coast, just west of Launceston, and it’s one of those places that quietly takes your breath away.
It’s one of the few places in Australia where you’re almost guaranteed to see wombats. As the sun begins to set, dozens emerge from their burrows to graze, some so close to the walking tracks that you can hear the soft rustle of grass as they feed.
What I love most about Narawntapu is how peaceful it feels. The scenery shifts from wetlands and sand dunes to open grassland, with wombats dotting the horizon like small, moving boulders. It’s also a fantastic spot for photography; the low evening light and open fields make for beautiful, natural compositions without disturbing the animals.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening are the prime times for wombat sightings. Cooler months (April to September) are best, as you’ll often see them out earlier in the day.
Where to look: The Springlawn area is your best bet. A short walk from the visitor centre takes you to open plains where wombats, wallabies, and pademelons graze together, a true Tasmanian wildlife spectacle.
If you’re planning a wildlife trip to Tasmania, Narawntapu and Maria Island are the top two spots to see wombats. The main difference is the atmosphere: Maria Island offers dramatic scenery and a chance to explore historic ruins alongside your wildlife encounters, while Narawntapu is all about open landscapes and that feeling of being surrounded by nature. Both are unforgettable, and if you can, it’s worth visiting both.
Travel tip: If you’ve got a pair of binoculars, throw them in your bag. Most wombats wander surprisingly close, but you’ll spot plenty more out on the grasslands if you take a moment to scan the distance.
Ethical tip: Stick to the marked paths to avoid damaging wombat burrows, which can be up to 20 metres long and house several entrances. These burrow systems are crucial to their survival, especially during extreme heat or bushfires, so tread carefully and admire from afar.
While Kangaroo Island is best known for its namesake marsupials, it’s also one of the best places in Australia to see the southern hairy-nosed wombat in the wild. This species is a little smaller and more compact than its common (bare-nosed) cousin, with a broader nose and softer, lighter fur.
Kangaroo Island’s mix of open plains and low mallee scrub makes it ideal wombat country. Head to the island’s western side and you’ll almost certainly spot a few, especially around Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and in the nearby farmland. It’s the kind of place where you can just pull over, wait a moment, and suddenly notice a dozen little shapes moving through the grass.
Best time to visit: Wombats are most active at dawn and dusk, particularly during the cooler months. The island is also home to kangaroos, echidnas, and koalas, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife spotting in Australia.
Where to look: The areas near Cape du Couedic, West Bay, and Kelly Hill Caves are all reliable spots. You’ll also see burrow entrances along the roadsides, a good sign that wombats are nearby.
Conservation note: Kangaroo Island’s wildlife was heavily affected by the 2019–2020 bushfires, but many areas have since regenerated, and wombat numbers are recovering well. Visiting now helps support the local community and ongoing conservation efforts.
Ethical tip: Stick to slower speeds at dawn and dusk, as wombats are often near the roads. If you see one crossing, be patient; they’re not built for speed, but their determined little waddle is worth the wait.
Australia is home to three species of wombats, each with their own quirks and personalities. While they might look similar at first glance, their size, fur, and even where they live can be surprisingly different.
The common wombat, also known as the bare-nosed wombat, is the one most travellers encounter, especially in Tasmania, eastern Victoria, and New South Wales. It’s the largest of the three species, with coarse brown or grey fur and a broad, hairless nose.
This is the wombat you’ll see happily grazing around Cradle Mountain or Maria Island. They’re strong diggers, creating burrows up to 20 metres long, which they use for shelter and to regulate body temperature.
Found mainly in South Australia, particularly on Kangaroo Island and in parts of the Eyre Peninsula, this species is smaller than its common cousin. It has a broader, furry nose and softer, lighter-coloured fur that helps it cope with the drier conditions of the region.
Southern hairy-nosed wombats are social compared with other species, often sharing burrows in colonies. They’re well-adapted to arid environments, getting most of their moisture from plants and conserving water through an extremely slow metabolism.
The northern hairy-nosed wombat is the rarest and most endangered of the three species. Once widespread across Queensland, it’s now found only in a few protected areas, including Epping Forest National Park and Richard Underwood Nature Refuge.
Conservation programs have been crucial to this species’ survival. Thanks to ongoing habitat protection and predator control, numbers have grown from fewer than 100 individuals to over 300 in recent years, a small but important success story.
Why It Matters: Every species of wombat has its part to play in keeping Australia’s landscapes healthy. Their burrows don’t just give them shelter – they help air and water move through the soil and even create homes for smaller animals. When we protect wombats and the places they live, we’re really looking after the land itself.
If you’d like to read more about travelling responsibly and supporting wildlife conservation, check out my post on ethical animal tourism.
Seeing wombats in the wild is one of those experiences that stays with you, but how you approach it makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve seen both the good and the not-so-good side of wildlife tourism. During my time on the board of an animal welfare organisation that ran the largest animal hospital in the southern hemisphere, I learned just how much our choices as travellers can impact the well-being of native animals.
Here are a few simple ways to make sure your wombat encounters are kind, ethical, and memorable for all the right reasons.
1 – Keep a Respectful Distance
Wombats might look cuddly, but they’re still wild animals. Always observe from afar – use your camera’s zoom instead of moving closer. Approaching or touching them can cause stress and interfere with their natural behaviour.
2 – Never Feed Wildlife
Feeding wombats (or any wild animal) can make them sick and change their natural foraging habits. They’re perfectly capable of finding their own food, and human snacks do far more harm than good.
3 – Be Careful When Driving at Dawn and Dusk
Wombats are most active during low-light hours, and their solid build means collisions can be serious. Drive slowly, use your high beam when safe, and stay alert for movement along the roadside.
4 – Stick to Marked Paths and Tracks
Wombat burrows can extend several metres underground. Straying off paths risks collapsing their tunnels or damaging their habitat. Always walk on marked tracks, especially in national parks.
5 – Support Ethical Tourism and Conservation Efforts
Choose tours, guides, and parks that prioritise animal welfare and habitat protection. Every ticket, donation, or park entry fee helps fund ongoing conservation programs that keep wombat populations safe.
If you’d like to learn more about travelling responsibly with wildlife in mind, have a read of my post on ethical animal tourism.
Seeing wombats in the wild is one of those uniquely Australian experiences that never gets old. Whether it’s a chunky common wombat waddling across the track at Cradle Mountain, or a mother and baby grazing peacefully on Maria Island, every encounter feels special.
Wombats are more than just adorable photo subjects; they’re an important part of Australia’s ecosystem. Their burrows help shape the land, their presence tells us the environment is healthy, and their resilience is a reminder of the strength and beauty of our native wildlife.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, set aside time to visit one (or several) of these incredible places. With patience, respect, and a bit of luck, you’ll get to watch these amazing animals in their natural habitat, an experience that’s both grounding and unforgettable.
And before you go, it’s worth brushing up on what you can bring into Australia to make sure our beautiful flora and fauna stay protected for generations to come.
Q. Where is the best place to see wombats in Australia?
A. Tasmania is the best place overall, especially Cradle Mountain, Maria Island, and Narawntapu National Park. On the mainland, Wilsons Promontory and Kangaroo Valley in New South Wales are also great spots.
Q. Are wombats dangerous?
A. Wombats are generally not dangerous if left alone. They’re shy and prefer to avoid confrontation. However, they are strong animals with powerful claws, so never try to touch or corner one.
Q. Can you see wombats during the day?
A. Wombats are primarily nocturnal, but in cooler climates, such as Tasmania, they often graze during the day, especially early morning or late afternoon.
Q. What’s the best time of year to see wombats?
A. Wombats are active year-round, but cooler months (April to September) are ideal because they spend more time above ground during daylight hours. You can learn more about seasonal travel in my post on the best time to visit Australia.
Q. Why is wombat poop cube-shaped?
A. Wombats have uniquely shaped intestines that form their droppings into cubes. The shape helps the poop stay put when marking territory, an odd but effective bit of evolution!
Q. Can you pat or feed wombats?
A. No. As cute as they are, wombats are wild animals and should never be touched or fed. The best way to enjoy them is from a respectful distance, letting them behave naturally.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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