African safaris might still be the gold standard when it comes to up-close animal experiences, but a quiet (and wildly exciting) wildlife-viewing boom is happening in Australia. We're talking new wildlife sanctuaries, conservation-led eco-lodges, and luxe tented camps that bring you face-to-face with kangaroos at sunrise and wombats waddling at dusk.

As more travelers seek meaningful, sustainable experiences, Australia's unique version of the wildlife safari is about to step into the spotlight.

Unlike their African counterparts, Australian safaris aren't about chasing the Big Five in an open-air four-wheel-drive. They're about slowing down, tuning in, and getting to know the native wildlife that makes the continent so unique — from tree-hugging koalas to elusive bilbies, Tasmanian devils to technicolor parrots. That said, many of these properties are within or next to zoos, meaning that guests are able to view a huge variety of wildlife from all over the world.

With sustainable travel becoming a global priority, Australia's new wildlife experiences resonate with travelers who want nature, comfort, and a good conscience all in one. The focus is on low-impact, regenerative travel, like solar-powered suites, local produce-driven menus, and behind-the-scenes looks at conservation efforts guests can support first-hand. The people who work in this space tend to be passionate about their purpose, and many of these experiences are on private land dedicated to conservation or within sprawling zoos that are redefining how wildlife is experienced and protected.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, New South Wales

Tucked within Taronga Zoo on the edge of Sydney Harbor, this is the only place in the world where you can sip Champagne on your balcony with views of both koalas and the Sydney Opera House.

The 62-room Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is more than just a hotel in a zoo — it's an eco-retreat that puts conservation front and center. The profits from a stay here go into Taronga's not-for-profit conservation work across Australia and the Pacific, which includes research at the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, as well as its commitment to the conservation of 10 critical species, known as their "Legacy Species."

Guests stay in chic, minimalist rooms featuring elegant custom furniture and sustainable amenities, as well as giant picture windows that have either bushland or harbor views. They also enjoy private access to the "Sanctuary," an Australian animal habitat that's off-limits to daytime visitors. Guests can tour wildlife on their own time, watching wallabies nibbling on grass mere feet away or echidnas ambling by, with keepers on hand to share stories of rescue, release, and regeneration. Dinner at the on-site restaurant Me-Gal is a highlight, with fresh, sustainably sourced and seasonal dishes such as Tasmanian salmon crudo and house-baked focaccia with native thyme paired with sweeping views of the city skyline.