In the heart of the Outback lives the largest marsupial on Earth, the red kangaroo. Living in such an inhospitable environment with drought, blistering heat and little food, requires bizarre survival strategies and from the energy-efficient honeypot ants to budgerigars, bright green mini-parrots, all life is expertly adapted.

The most mysterious area of Australia is perhaps the tropical north, a mostly concealed realm home to tree climbing kangaroos and swamp dwelling 'salties', some of the largest crocodiles on Earth. Deep in the jungles live curious birds of paradise such as the cassowary, a huge bird with a strong beak and clawed feet, reminiscent of prehistoric dinosaurs.

In the theatrical southern plains of Australia, the biggest challenge for all creatures is the environment, and the harshest season is summer. Here lives the wombat, a species with a curious survival strategy; conserve energy and cool down by sleeping. Their survival is threatened by an invading species of rabbits and toxic plants, as well as native bulldogs and marauding dingoes.

The eucalyptus forests of Eastern Australia are famously home to koalas, but there is more to the lush woodland than meets the eye. In the undergrowth, strange birds build elaborate nests and emulate each other's calls. From the egg-laying platypus to the spiny echidna, Australia's strangest creatures make the forest their home.