Unless your abode is bush based, you’re unlikely to ever come across some of Australia’s most iconic animals in your suburban backyard. However, the free podcast Nocturnal Worlds is making it easier than ever to get up close and personal with some of our cutest national critters from the comfort of your home.
Launched on 12 September 2024, the second series of Nocturnal Worlds, a collaboration between the Australian Museum and Audiocraft, invites listeners to explore the soothing and intriguing sounds of three iconic Australian animals: the green sea turtle, the mountain pygmy possum and the bare-nosed wombat. This award-winning podcast, designed for sleep and relaxation, combines field recordings with melodic nature sounds and storytelling to create a unique audio experience.
Discovering the soundtrack of Australian wildlife
In the bustling everyday life of city living, it can be easy to forget the rich natural soundtrack that fills Australia’s diverse ecosystems. Nocturnal Worlds offers a refreshing escape by bringing the wilderness to your earbuds. The latest series extends the podcast’s exploration of Australia’s nocturnal wildlife, a follow-up to the highly acclaimed first season.
The podcast takes listeners on an auditory journey through varied environments, from the deep ocean to the mountainous bush. For instance, the segment on the green sea turtle transports you to the coral reefs of Lizard Island, capturing the gentle hums and splashes of these marine giants during their spawning season. The sea turtle’s segment reveals the often-hidden underwater symphony that these creatures contribute to, showcasing a different facet of their existence that is rarely heard by human ears.
The nightlife of pygmy possums and wombats
On the terrestrial front, the podcast delves into the lives of the mountain pygmy possum and the bare-nosed wombat. These segments are rich with the sounds of the Australian bush. Listeners will hear the nocturnal activities of the pygmy possum, a tiny marsupial that thrives in the Snowy Mountains. Its delicate, almost imperceptible sounds provide a stark contrast to the rugged landscapes it inhabits.
Meanwhile, the wombat segment takes you to the heart of the Snowy Mountains, where the distinctive grunts and snuffles of these burrowing marsupials are captured under the cover of night. These recordings offer a rare glimpse into the private lives of these creatures, highlighting their behaviours and interactions with their environment.
A symphony of sound, science and sleep
What sets Nocturnal Worlds apart is its blend of scientific insight with relaxing audio experiences. The podcast isn’t just a treat for the ears; it also serves an educational purpose. For example, the Australian Museum’s scientists have played a crucial role in selecting the animals and ensuring the accuracy of the information shared. This collaboration ensures that the podcast is not only a soothing listen but also an informative one.
Kate Montague, CEO of Audiocraft, notes that creating the second season was an enriching experience. The podcast team ventured from the Snowy Mountains to the Great Barrier Reef, capturing sounds that reveal the fascinating nocturnal behaviours of these animals. Megan Lawrence, Head of Digital at the Australian Museum, emphasises that the series explores themes of biodiversity and environmental sustainability, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Australia’s natural wonders.
With over 36,000 downloads of its first season, Nocturnal Worlds has proven to be a hit among listeners who appreciate a serene escape into nature. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or simply curious about the sounds of Australia’s unique wildlife, this podcast offers a captivating and immersive experience.
You can follow Nocturnal Worlds on your favourite podcast app or visit the Australian Museum’s website to start your auditory adventure.