Animals of the Outback

Kangaroos are one of the most famous animals in Australia, and you can see them hopping around the Outback in groups called mobs. They have strong back legs that help them jump long distances and big feet that make landing easy. Kangaroos have pouches on their bellies where they carry their babies, called joeys. They eat grass and leaves and can go without water for long periods by getting moisture from the plants they eat.

Kangaroo

Dingoes are wild dogs that roam the Australian Outback. They look similar to domestic dogs but are usually leaner and have a more fox-like appearance with reddish-brown fur. Dingoes are very good hunters and often work together to catch their prey, which can include rabbits, birds, and even kangaroos. They are also very smart and can survive in the harsh conditions of the Outback by finding food and water where other animals might not.

Dingo

Koalas are cute, tree-dwelling animals native to Australia, known for their fluffy ears and round noses. They spend most of their time in eucalyptus trees, eating the leaves and sleeping for up to 18 hours a day. Koalas have strong claws for climbing and carry their babies, called joeys, in pouches until they are big enough to ride on their mothers' backs. Despite being called "koala bears," they are actually marsupials.

Koala

Frilled-neck Lizards are known for the large, frilled collar around their necks that they spread out when they feel threatened. This makes them look much bigger and scarier to predators. They are excellent climbers and often live in trees, but they can also run quickly on their hind legs. Frilled-neck Lizards eat insects, small mammals, and other small animals they can catch.

Frilled Lizard

Redback Spiders are small but very venomous spiders with a distinctive red stripe on their black bodies. They build messy, sticky webs in sheltered places like under rocks or inside sheds. Redback Spiders catch insects in their webs and use their venom to subdue their prey. It's important to be careful around them because their bite can be very painful and sometimes dangerous to humans.

Redback Spider