Aussie Animal Christmas Decorations: A Very Australian Tree

Aussie animal Christmas decorations swap the usual snowmen and reindeer for the animals you actually see on this side of the world. Our Aussie Animals set has an echidna, koala, kangaroo and kookaburra, handmade in Sydney from recycled plastic bottle top lids collected through the BRAD program. Each one is 7cm wide.

Updated October 2026. Written by the Banish team.

Why have native animals on a Christmas tree?

Christmas in Australia happens in summer. We have barbecues, beaches and long evenings, not snow. A lot of the traditional Christmas imagery comes from the other side of the world, and it can feel a bit borrowed. Putting a kookaburra or a koala on your tree brings the season back to where you actually live.

It also makes a good conversation starter. Each animal gives guests and kids something to point at and talk about.

Which animals are in the set?

There are four, and the 4-pack has one of each:

• Echidna. The spiky one.
• Koala. The cuddly one.
• Kangaroo. The classic.
• Kookaburra. The one that laughs.

Each is a bauble-shaped decoration with the animal as a cut-out. The 8-pack gives you two of each, which works well for a bigger tree or if you want to give a few away.

What are they made from?

Each decoration is made from recycled plastic bottle top lids, about 5 lids per decoration. The lids are collected through BRAD, the Banish Recycling and Diversion Program, then hand-sorted, cleaned, shredded and pressed into shape. Our lids story has the full process.

Lids are too small for most kerbside sorting machinery, so they often end up in landfill. Turning them into a koala is a better outcome. Because the colour comes from the lids, every decoration is one of a kind, even when two animals are the same.

Where are they made?

They are handmade at Central Station in Sydney by the Banish team. The lids come from Australian households through BRAD, and the finished animals go back out to Australian homes.

What colours can I choose?

You can pick from Lucky Dip, Bright & Colourful, Red or Gold. Lucky Dip is a surprise mix, which makes it a good choice if you are not sure. Bright & Colourful suits a traditional tree with plenty going on. Red and Gold are better if you like a calmer look.

How do they compare with our other decorations?

The animals are 7cm wide, the same width as the stars in the Star Pack. The Decoration Pack has a few other sizes: its star is 9cm, its tree is 10cm by 7.5cm, its candy cane is 10cm by 5cm and its bauble is 6cm. Mixing them on one tree gives you some variety in scale without trying too hard.

How many do I need?

For a small tabletop tree, one 4-pack is plenty. For a full-size tree, the 8-pack gives you two of each animal. If you want the animals to be the main feature, order two sets. If they are one part of a mixed tree, the 4-pack is enough.

How do I style a very Australian tree?

Keep it simple and let the animals do the work. A few ideas:

• Hang the animals at different heights, so they look like they are climbing through the branches.
• Add the Star Pack in similar colours, as a cross between a classic tree and an Aussie one.
• Use native greenery, such as eucalyptus clippings from your own garden, in a vase beside the tree.
• Keep the lights warm and plain, so the colours of the animals stand out.

If you want a full set, the Christmas decorations collection has everything in one place.

How do I look after them?

They are lightweight and durable, and made to last year after year. At the end of the season, take them off the tree, let them dry if they have been near a window, and store them somewhere cool and dry in a small box. Keep them away from direct heat, which can affect plastic.

Are they a good gift?

Yes, and a set of four is easy to wrap. They work well as:

• A gift for someone who has moved away from Australia and misses home.
• A present for a host or a new neighbour.
• A keepsake for kids who are learning about native animals.
• Something to post to relatives interstate. Order early so it arrives before Christmas.

Our sustainable Christmas gift guide has more ideas, and a single animal tucked into the wrapping also works as a gift tag.

Frequently asked questions

Which animals are in the Aussie Animals Christmas decorations?

An echidna, a koala, a kangaroo and a kookaburra. The 4-pack has one of each and the 8-pack has two of each.

How big are the decorations?

Each decoration is 7cm wide.

What are the Aussie animal decorations made from?

Recycled plastic bottle top lids collected through the BRAD program, about 5 lids per decoration. They are handmade in Sydney.

What colours are available?

Lucky Dip, Bright & Colourful, Red and Gold.