Australia & New Zealand Webinars

From kangaroos and platypuses to quolls and sea turtles, Australia is home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth—and dedicated efforts to protect it. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson details some of the conservation projects led by WWF Australia: restoring koala habitat, installing nest boxes for glossy black cockatoos, and using cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife. Learn how these initiatives enhance Nat Hab's Australia adventures, giving travelers a firsthand look at conservation in action while helping protect Australia's wildlife and wild places.

Australia's famous kangaroos are just one branch of a diverse family of hopping mammals. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson introduces the fascinating world of macropods — from wallabies and wallaroos to tree kangaroos, bettongs and potoroos — revealing how these species have adapted to habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to rocky cliffs and arid deserts. Learn how to tell different species apart, where to find them on Nat Hab's Australia adventures and why many of these uniquely Australian mammals are conservation priorities.

Meet the kākāpō: the planet’s heaviest and only flightless parrot. Thirty years ago, fewer than 50 remained in the wild, but thanks to decades of conservation work, this endangered nocturnal bird is making a remarkable comeback. Expedition Leader Sam Kuperus shares the story of the kākāpō’s recovery, from predator-free island sanctuaries to innovative breeding efforts. A volunteer with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, Sam shares one of the world’s most inspiring species success stories and the challenges that still lie ahead for "the world's chonkiest parrot.”

Journey to the back of beyond on our new Northern Australia itinerary. Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella reveals this remarkable adventure, from watching the sun set over Uluru in the Red Center to boarding The Ghan train for a rail journey across the desert. In the tropical “Top End,” explore the wetlands of Kakadu alongside Aboriginal guides, where crocodiles and birdlife thrive, before continuing to the Kimberley’s otherworldly Bungle Bungle Range. Nikki also shares what to expect each day, along with practical tips to help you prepare for this far-reaching journey into Australia’s wild north.

In Part 2 of this photography series, Australia Photo Expedition Leader Matt Cornish moves beyond technical foundations to explore the creative and philosophical lessons that define meaningful conservation photography. Drawing on 14 years in the field, Matt shares five more nature photography lessons, focusing on animal behavior, advanced editing, visual storytelling and how to develop a personal photographic voice. Learn how intention, patience and perspective can transform strong images into powerful stories that connect people to the wild.

The oceans, seas and straits surrounding New Zealand shelter some of the world’s most distinctive marine wildlife. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson explores the lives of sea lions, dolphins, penguins and albatrosses, highlighting where to see them, why they’re under threat and how responsible ecotourism supports their protection. Learn what makes these species unique — and how you can meet them on our New Zealand Nature Explorer adventure while helping conservation efforts succeed.

Join Australia Photo Expedition Leader Matt Cornish for Part 1 of a two-part photography series tracing his journey from zookeeper to conservation photographer. Matt shares how a chance encounter with a local photographer and a DSLR camera sparked a 14-year pursuit to document and protect the natural world. In this session, he shares five foundational lessons that shaped his craft, covering technical basics, camera gear advice and essential editing skills learned through years in the field.

Spring in New Zealand brings a burst of wildlife activity and some of the best opportunities to encounter the country’s most charismatic species. Expedition Leader Sam Kuperus shares highlights from our 2025 New Zealand Nature Explorer adventure, from rare penguin sightings and newborn lamb and newly hatched kiwi encounters to Nat Hab Philanthropy projects and river conservation wins. Learn why spring is such a magical—and meaningful—time to experience Aotearoa’s wildlife and take part in the island’s conservation story.

Discover the scenic splendors of New Zealand’s South Island! Expedition Leader Sam Kuperus reveals the details of our New Zealand Nature Explorer, including where we stay—luxury ecolodges, boutique retreats and even a historic castle—and what activities to expect, from hiking and kayaking to night walks beneath some of the darkest skies on Earth. He also introduces some of the wildlife we may encounter, including brown kiwis, fur seals and one of the world’s rarest birds: the Fiordland crested penguin.

Australia is a land of extraordinary wildlife, where kangaroos, koalas and wallabies roam deserts, rainforests, reefs and remote islands. Nat Hab’s Ultimate Australia safari reveals the continent’s distinctive landscapes, from the red sands of the Outback and the tropical Top End to Tasmania’s wilds and the Great Barrier Reef. Expedition Leader Matt Cornish will share what travelers can expect, including wildlife encounters, the cultural significance of Uluru and the biodiversity across Australia’s habitats, along with practical tips on packing, weather and daily logistics to prepare you for a comprehensive journey Down Under.

Join Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson as he introduces our new Australia South nature journey and Southern Australia Photo Expedition itineraries! Find out what to pack, how we travel and where we stay on these immersive offerings that include Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair—home to wallabies, echidnas and wombats, quoll and Tasmanian devils. We also visit Kangaroo Island, explore the “Remarkable Rocks” of Flinders Chase National Park, travel the Great Ocean Road, venture into a glowworm-lit cave and photograph wild platypuses in the Derwent Valley.

Southern Australia is home to some of the planet's most charismatic creatures, from wombats and echidnas to koalas and sea lions. Photo Expedition Leader Matt Cornish shares his favorite images from the field and offers practical tips to capture stunning shots of the endemic wildlife of southern Oz. Learn how to work with natural light, master the exposure triangle and frame your subjects for maximum impact. You'll leave with hands-on photography tips you can bring straight into the field—whether in Australia or your own backyard.

New Zealand’s wildlife has suffered more extinctions from introduced predators than any other country, but innovative conservation projects are offering hope. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson takes us inside the country’s rewilding movement, from predator-free islands like Tiritiri Matangi to fenced sanctuaries such as Zealandia. Discover how these efforts are reviving endemic species like the tuatara and kaka, and learn why the kea—New Zealand’s clever alpine parrot—poses unique conservation challenges.

Orchids are among the most elegant plants on Earth, but how much do you know about them? Expedition Leader Melissa Silva unveils the hidden lives of orchids, from their astonishing diversity and adaptations to their vital ecological roles, rich cultural symbolism—even their culinary value. (Did you know orchids provide a key ingredient of the world's favorite ice cream flavor?) Discover how these fragile blooms have evolved to thrive around the world, including in Mexico, where Melissa guides our Kingdom of the Monarchs trips.

New Zealand’s isolation gave rise to some of the planet’s most unusual birds, many of them found nowhere else on Earth. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson explores the extraordinary evolutionary history and conservation challenges of New Zealand’s rarest birds. Meet flightless species like the kiwi, kakapo and takahe—some of which number fewer than 500 individuals today—and discover the scientific and community-driven efforts to save them from extinction. During the presentation, you’ll also find out about the birds we encounter on our New Zealand Nature Explorer adventure.

Northern Australia boasts some of the planet's most ancient landscapes and unique wildlife, from the vibrant wetlands of Kakadu National Park and its giant crocodiles to the beehive-shaped cones of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park, home to some of Australia's rarest wallabies. Join Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella to discover what awaits on our immersive 14-day Australia North: Kakadu, Kimberley & the Outback adventure. Take a scenic rail journey aboard The Ghan luxury train, cruise red-rock gorges, and explore Aboriginal rock art sites on this deep dive into Australia's untamed northern wilderness.

In celebration of World Rainforest Day, Expedition Leader Matt Cornish shares an in-depth look at Australia's Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland—the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth. Discover what makes this ancient ecosystem so unique, from towering strangler figs and rare cycads to elusive tree kangaroos, saltwater crocodiles and the striking southern cassowary. Matt offers insights into the Daintree’s hidden wonders, its evolutionary history, and the endemic species that have thrived here for hundreds of millions of years.

Dive into the vibrant world of coral with Expedition Leader and marine biologist Eric Ramirez. From their surprising origins and biology to their critical importance to fisheries and marine food webs, discover why corals are far more than just “underwater rocks.” Eric also explores reef biodiversity and coral’s symbiotic relationships with other submarine organisms, and he explains the growing threats corals face, from climate change to sunscreen pollution. You’ll also find out how you can help preserve these underwater cities.

You’ve heard of the Tasmanian devil (thanks, Looney Tunes!), but how about the Tasmanian tiger? This striped carnivore—which resembles a cross between a wolf, a fox and a large cat—was once the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world until it was hunted to extinction in the 1930s. Now, the Tasmanian devil holds that title. Expedition Leader Matt Cornish shares the similarities between these two Australian animals and how conservationists are using the lessons learned from the loss of the Tasmanian tiger to protect the Tasmanian devil.

Marsupials might be the main attraction on our Australian adventures, but Oz also offers plenty of opportunities for birders! Expedition Leader Jamie Smith-Morvell introduces some of the winged wonders we encounter Down Under, from emus and honeyeaters to kookaburras and cassowaries. Explore bird habitats across the continent, and find out why some Australian birds have such confusing names (like the magpie-lark that's neither a magpie nor a lark). Jamie also shares tips for photographing the birds of Australia.

Headed Down Under? Get tips from Expedition Leader Matt Cornish for photographing Australia’s unique rainforest wildlife, including Lumholtz tree kangaroos, forest dragons, green ringtail possums and southern cassowaries. Shooting in low light and through dense foliage can be challenging, but you'll learn the camera settings and editing techniques you need to produce wall-worthy photos of your adventures in Oz. You’ll also learn about our Ultimate Australia trip, which includes the Daintree Rainforest—one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.

You may know that Nat Hab is the world's first carbon-neutral travel company (humble brag), but our commitment to conservation goes beyond offsetting. Brooke Mitchell chats with Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan about our 2024 conservation successes and challenges, as well as our goals for 2025. Find out how sustainability and conservation travel go hand in hand, and learn more about our conservation programs, from philanthropy projects in the regions we visit to trip scholarships for inspiring eco-educators!

In honor of International Wombat Day (yes, an actual holiday), join Photo Expeditions Director Mike Hillman to learn how to capture awe-inspiring images of Australia’s weird and wonderful wildlife, including kangaroos, cassowaries, platypus, echidna, birds, wallabies and, of course, wombats. Find out what camera gear to pack, from lenses to accessories, and how to choose the right equipment and settings for the diverse landscapes and lighting conditions Down Under. Plus, get the inside scoop on our three immersive Australia itineraries.

Dive into the watery world of one of Australia’s most iconic animals: the crocodile. Expedition Leader Matt Cornish introduces us to the endemic freshwater crocodile and the largest species of crocodile in the world, the saltwater crocodile. Learn all about these often-misunderstood reptiles (even their names are misleading!), from their unique physical adaptations — including their toothy grins — to the history of human-croc conflict in Australia and how education is the key to conserving these ancient creatures. Plus, find out where to see them (safely) in the wild!

New Zealand's South Island is a land of topographic extremes, from seaside rainforests and sapphire lakes to active glaciers, glowworm-filled caves and frigid fjords. Expedition Leader Sam Kuperus walks us through Nat Hab’s immersive itinerary, sharing details about our accommodations (including two luxury ecolodges and a historic castle), essentials to pack and more. Learn about the activities included on the trip, such as hiking, kayaking, night walks, and encounters with Maori culture, as well as the wildlife we’ll be searching for, from flightless brown kiwis to fur seals and endangered penguins.

Southern Australia is full of dramatic landscapes, unique flora and quirky animals, from the familiar koala and wallaby to the lesser-known wombat and echidna. Expedition Leader Matt Cornish shares what to expect on our wildlife-rich tour of Southern Australia. Explore Kangaroo Island (home to one of Australia's largest sea lion colonies), the "Remarkable Rocks" of Flinders Chase National Park, the Great Ocean Road, and a cave filled with bioluminescent glowworms. You'll also learn more about where we stay, what to pack and how we travel.

Take a virtual trip Down Under on our three-week Ultimate Australia Safari. Join Expedition Leader Matt Meyer on a tour of eight national parks, seven wildlife reserves and four World Heritage Sites, from northern Australia's Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef to Tasmania and Kangaroo Island in southern Oz. Learn what clothing and gear to pack, where we stay (including luxury eco resorts and a tented safari camp), how we get around, and the unique wildlife we're likely to encounter, from kangaroos and koalas to sea turtles and platypus.

What do rocks have to tell us about the world around us? Plenty, it turns out! In this installment of her Nature's Decoders series, Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella shows us how to read rocks - illustrating what an area's geology can tell us about its history, and its potential future. Learn what makes jagged mountains different from rolling hills and seaside cliffs, find out how erosion shapes a landscape, discover the difference between glacier- and river-carved valleys, and get a crash course in how to recognize and age different rock shapes and types.

Have you ever noticed a patch of scaly material covering a rock? Or seen hair-like fibers hanging from a tree? You've likely had an encounter with lichen! These unique organisms—often mistaken for moss—are complex life forms created through a symbiotic partnership of fungi and algae. Biologist and Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella explains why there's so much to like about lichens and what they can tell us about our environment, from where the sun shines and how much rain falls to what animals live nearby and the age of the landscape they inhabit.

The vast Australian Outback covers more than a million square miles, much of it arid and semi-arid desert. But the driest continent on earth is far from barren. In the great Australian desert, coping strategies developed over millennia support a unique and thriving ecosystem. Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella offers insight into the immense biodiversity of Australia’s ancient desert landscape and its wildlife, from the country's largest terrestrial mammal, the red kangaroo, to frogs buried underground for years between rains, and so much more.

Head Down Under to discover where you have the best opportunities to see some of Australia’s most iconic animals: kangaroos! In part three of her series exploring the biomes of Australia, Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella takes us to the continent’s grasslands, prairies and plains -- vast stretches of land that support many of Australia’s larger animals -- including kangaroos and wallabies -- as well as colorful rosellas and cockatoos and ground-nesting birds like plovers and elusive plains-wanderers.

The Andes, the Alps and…Australia? It may not be the first place you think of when you picture snow-capped mountains, but the land down under is home to several alpine ecosystems. In part two of her series exploring the biomes of Australia, Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella takes us to new heights to explore the continent’s alpine environs, including the island of Tasmania, which boasts nearly half of Australia's alpine flora species. Along the way we’ll meet some elevation-loving animals, like the mountain pygmy possum, echidna and corroboree frog.

Take a virtual journey to the land down under as Aussie Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella gives us a sneak peek at our 2025 Australia South: Tasmania, Kangaroo Island & Beyond adventure. Explore the heights and valleys of our newest itinerary destination, the Grampians Ranges, home to both natural wonders and Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural history—including more ancient rock art sites than anywhere else in southern Australia! You’ll also encounter iconic wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, echidna, platypus and myriad bird species, from parrots and cockatoos to black swans and enormous emu.

Australia's rainforests are so old that some of the species they contain predate the dinosaurs! These ancient life forms also connect Australia to the supercontinent of Gondwana. In this new webinar series, Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella introduces us to the different biomes of Australia, beginning with rainforests. Explore the diversity of Australia's rainforests, from the famed Daintree Rainforest in the north to cool-climate rainforests in the south. Nikki also shares her tips for photography in rainforests, including advice for shooting in low light, and macro photography techniques.

Escaping your enemies by hiding away on a remote island seems like a good strategy, doesn’t it? It’s become a popular tool Australian conservationists use to protect threatened species— isolating them from predators and invasives in order to sustain them for the future. But do these animals end up as castaways or conservation success stories? Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson examines this practice of insular translocation—moving threatened species to islands to protect them. He reveals some of the victories and failures of this method of conserving animals like the Tasmanian devil, northern quoll, brush-tailed bettong and rufous hare-wallaby. You’ll also learn about the latest advances in conservation research and technology that make it easier to protect animals on the mainland.

From enormous humpback whales to aptly named "little” penguins, Australia's marine habitats are replete with wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Dive in with Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson as introduces some of the key species we encounter on our Australian adventures, including Australian sea lions, long-nosed fur seals, Australian pelicans, short-tailed shearwaters, shy albatross and southern right whales. He also details two WWF projects that aim to protect these aquatic creatures -- and how our presence in the region helps!

Who wants to be eaten for dinner? Not these Australian animals! Expedition Leader Nicola Sentinella explores some defensive behaviors and adaptations of Aussie animals, from the bright expanding collar of the frill-necked lizard to the armor-plated backside of the wombat. Dive into the ocean, where sea dragons blend in with kelp and blue-ringed octopus warn brightly of danger, and trek across the arid Outback, where shingleback lizards confuse predators with their two “heads” and bright blue tongues.

You may associate eucalyptus with koalas (their leaves are this marsupial’s only food source), but these flowering trees are fascinating in their own right. Expedition Leader Nicola Sentinella introduces us to a few of Australia’s more than 700 species of eucalypts, from the towering Tasmanian oak to the twisted river red gum. Explore how eucalyptus has shaped fire ecology in Australia and why it’s become a lucrative crop in Portugal and beyond. And, yes, we’ll also talk about koalas!

Tasmania, known as lutruwita in the Indigenous palawa kani language, is home to numerous endemic marsupials, birds and plants, including monotremes—mammals that lay eggs—like the duck-billed platypus and echidna. The island is also a stronghold for many threatened species, including some that are extinct on the mainland, such as the Tasmanian devil and the eastern quoll. Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella introduces us to this ancient and wild place filled with staggering landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich history reaching back to the supercontinent of Gondwana.

Discover Australia’s most unusual plants, from the alien-looking red kangaroo paw to the burrawang, which requires fire to start producing seed.