The oldest rainforests on earth are situated in the Daintree National Park and also the Cape Tribulation National Park. The 2nd tallest trees on earth make up the Karri forests on Australia's south west coast. Australia is also home to many unigue animal species such as the platypus, which is an aquatic, furred mammal with a bill like that of a duck. The Platypus belongs to an animal group known as monotreme's. Another animal belonging to this group is the spiny anteater, or echidna.
Most native mammals are marsupials.
These include koalas, kangaroos, possums, flying foxes and the ferocious Tasmanian Devil. Australia also contains many varieties of crocodile, they are found in the tropical zone of Australia and they inhabit swamps, rivers and can also be found in the ocean near a river mouth. Lizards are very common, there are over 500 different species including Goannas, Geckos and Dragons. The Australian continent is also home to the most venomous snakes and spiders in the world, as well the deadly Box Jelly Fish. Australia is populated by many colourful bird species such as parrots, budgerigars, rosellas, gallahs, finches and cockatoos.