Wildlife Holiday: 12 Things to take for a Wildlife-rich Break

Who doesn’t want to go on a wildlife holiday? One that’s  filled with nature and wildlife galore?

Bring along your keen eyes and the tools below and you’re bound to see more wildlife than you ever expected!

Tools to give you a better wildlife holiday

1. Camera

Most of us always take a camera on our holidays, but don’t forget to keep it on you at all times otherwise you might miss some wonderful wildlife photo opportunities. It’s also a nice idea to give your child have a camera too.

2. Binoculars

Binoculars Sometimes you may see a majestic sea eagle rising on the thermals but it’s only a dot in the sky.

If only you packed your binoculars so you could watch that bird swooping down into the ocean and catching its prey. See, don’t forget those binoculars! Your camera may even double as your binoculars too!

3. Magnifying glass

Just like point two, it’s the same for tiny animals. When you’re looking at something tiny, you just can’t see the minute features of the animal clearly. A magnifying glass is a great tool to help see it better.

4. Torch

In Australia, many of our animals are nocturnal. Spotlighting is something you should always do, every holiday (and yes, you can even find nocturnal wildlife in a city!). We love spotlighting so much that we do it at home even when we are not on a holiday!

5. Raincoat

If you’re unlucky and it rains your whole holiday (why does that always happen?), don’t let it stop you hunting for wildlife. Although we tend to stay in when it’s wet, most animals don’t have that luxury and are still out and about. Some animals even love the rain! It’s only water after all.

6. Bug Catcher/Bucket

It’s always a good idea to have a bucket with you for holding animals that may not be safe to touch. It’s easy to scoop up a bug, frog or crab and it gives you a bit more time to observe the creature before returning it to the wild.

7. Net

Sometimes you need to catch the bug to get it into the bucket or bug catcher. A net (butterfly or fishing net) is a great addition to your camping adventure or resort style wildlife holiday. Don’t forget to use it like fishing net in local creeks and streams too.

8. Protective clothing

Not all wildlife is friendly, so if you do go bush walking or swimming in the ocean, ensure you take protective measures to keep you safe. E.g. wear boots for bushwalking.

9. First aid kit

Again, it’s always good to be prepared.  Generally it’s not the animals giving you grief but the surrounding terrain. Remember the sunscreen if you’re near the beach. Another good idea is to educate your children on snake safety.

10. Towel

This may seem like an odd item to take on a holiday (especially if you’re not going to the beach) but it’s good idea to have a towel on you or in your car at all times.  If you come across a sick or injured animal, wrap the animal in a towel and transport it to a vet or wildlife hospital. If the animal may be dangerous animal, it’s best to call the experts!

11. Nature journal

A nature journal is not only a great way to remember the wonderful things you saw on your holiday but it’s a nice keepsake too. Parents can model journal writing for their littlies or your child can keep one of their own!

12. Goggles/snorkelling gear.

If you’re going to the beach, don’t forget the snorkelling gear, otherwise you might miss some spectacular underwater wildlife experiences.

We found this hard to do on our holiday because the twins are still very young but it will definitely be on our list when the girls get a little older.

Don’t forget to go to the zoo! Here’s some wonderful insider tips that will help improve your visit to the zoo!

Have I missed anything? What would you take on wildlife holiday?