Cover Wombats are among the most photogenic creatures travels can see in Australia (Photo: Michael Jerrard/Unsplash)
Wombats are among the most photogenic creatures travels can see in Australia (Photo: Michael Jerrard/Unsplash)
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Ethical wildlife encounters that actually live up to the hype—yes, including wombats, capybaras and macaques
Wild animals aren’t meant to be petted, fed or turned into Instagram props—but watching them in their natural habitat can be a reminder that awe and tenderness still exist. From Australia’s chunky wombats to Japan’s sociable snow monkeys, these creatures draw crowds for good reason. But not every wildlife encounter is worth the trip. These are the destinations where your chances of seeing the world’s most endearing animals—safely and ethically—are actually worth the planning, the permit and yes, even the hike.
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1. Yakushima, Japan: for wild macaques and mossy forests
The ancient cedar forests of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan’s southern Kagoshima Prefecture, are home to the Yakushima macaques—smaller and furrier than their mainland cousins. Watch them navigate misty treetops or nap on sun-warmed rocks. Unlike the famous hot-spring macaques of Nagano, these ones haven’t been habituated to humans, so sightings feel more like privilege than performance.
2. Maria Island, Tasmania: wombats on the beach
A short ferry ride from the Tasmanian mainland, Maria Island is a quiet, car-free reserve where wombats have the run of the place. You’ll spot them lumbering through grasslands, ambling across empty beaches or emerging at dusk for a graze. The island is also home to kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and wallabies, but it’s the curious, barrel-shaped and unbothered wombats that draw the most affection from those who make the trip.
3. Pantanal, Brazil: Capybaras and the animals that eat them
For animal watching in Brazil, the Pantanal is far more accessible and wildlife-dense. Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, can be seen lounging in muddy riverbanks, often surrounded by caiman and giant storks. The social creatures live in groups and barely flinch at human presence, making them easy to observe. Just don’t mistake their stillness for slowness—they’re excellent swimmers and are surprisingly agile.
4. Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand: the rare takahe
This predator-free island sanctuary off the coast of Auckland is a haven for some of New Zealand’s rarest birds. While not traditionally “cute,” the takahe—a large, flightless bird once thought extinct—has an undeniable charm, with its oversized beak and iridescent feathers. The island also offers a rare chance to walk among wild animals that show no fear, thanks to the absence of invasive mammals.
5. Noosa National Park, Queensland: koalas in the canopy
Most tourists chase koalas in sanctuaries, but wild sightings are still possible if you know where to look. Noosa National Park, along Australia’s Sunshine Coast, offers coastal trails where koalas can be spotted napping high in eucalyptus trees. Bring binoculars and patience—these marsupials sleep up to 20 hours a day—but the reward is a glimpse of one of Australia’s most emblematic animals in its rightful setting.
6. Iriomote Island, Japan: elusive cats and coral-side jungle
For those willing to trade cute for elusive, Iriomote’s namesake wildcat is a rare thrill. The island’s subtropical jungle, part of Okinawa Prefecture, also hosts flying foxes and colourful birdlife. While you’re unlikely to see the wildcat itself (fewer than 100 are believed to exist), knowing it’s out there lends a particular tension to every rustle in the undergrowth.
7. Phillip Island, Australia: penguins on parade
Just under two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of the most accessible places to see little penguins—the world’s smallest penguin species—returning to shore after a day at sea. The nightly ‘penguin parade’ is tightly regulated to protect the colony, and boardwalks keep spectators at a respectful distance. For a quieter experience, time your visit during off-peak seasons and avoid the tour-bus crush.
Seeing animals in the wild requires effort, timing and sometimes luck. But the payoff—wombats trundling across a foggy trail or capybaras wading past a jaguar's shadow—can reset your sense of wonder. Just don’t forget: you're on their turf. Watch quietly, respect the boundaries and leave no trace.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
