Australia's wetland areas not only have interesting animal life, there are some really beautiful scenic spots covered in water lilies. All sorts of creatures use the leaves to rest or move across the water, from dragonflies and other insects to frogs and birds. Aquatic creatures use them to hide under as well. 
The bird in this image is a Comb-crested Jacana and their long toes enable them to walk across the tops of the lilly leaves where they spend a good proportion of their lives. The comb is red normally but when they get excited the blood drains from it and it turns yellow. They are thought to eat mainly plants including the seeds and aquatic insects. These birds are also able to hide from predators by immersing themselves underwater and staying very still with only the nostrils on their beak exposed for up to half an hour. Although they are not found in Victoria they are found in the wetlands along the coast from nothern NSW around Qld and NT and into The Kimberley in WA.
In tropical parts of Australia crocodiles live in the wetlands. No matter how hot it is in some of these areas even putting your toes in the water in places can be extremely risky. The Estuarine Crocodile is a fearsome predator and unlike sharks, they do see us as potential food. This photo was taken in Kakadu NP, NT.
Keating's Lagoon, FNQ, Qld.
Keating's Lagoon, FNQ, Qld.
Normanton, FNQ, near the Gulf of Carpentaria, Qld
Normanton, Qld.
Normanton, Qld.
Kakadu NP, NT.
Kakadu NP, NT.
Fraser Island, Qld.
Geelong, Vic.
Port Douglas, FNQ, Qld.
Port Douglas, FNQ, Qld.
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