Animal Encounters
Let’s be honest. For international travellers, a visit to Australia’s isn’t complete without seeing our cuddly, cute and friendly creatures. There’s the obvious ones, such as kangaroos and quokkas for you to tick off the list, but there’s plenty of up-close experiences with farm animals too. After all, animal spotting isn’t just for kids!
QUOKKAS AT THE VALLEY OF THE GIANTS TREE TOP WALK
You’ve probably been told the only place to spot quokkas (AKA the happiest animals on the planet) is on Rottnest Island close to Perth. Historically, quokkas inhabited many areas within the south west. There is one little colony on the mainland still, and they live in the vegetation under the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole. We’re not sure if they’re as keen on #quokkaselfies as their northern cousins, but keep your eyes peeled for these cute creatures!
NATIVE AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE AT BUNBURY WILDLIFE PARK
You’ll be able to tick off a few of the must-see Australian native animals at the Bunbury Wildlife Park. There’s the opportunity to pat kangaroos and emus, chat with cockatoos and Australian birds, and spot wombats and other cuddly marsupials.
WILD YET FRIENDLY KANGAROOS AT KARRI VALLEY RESORT
In addition to myriad games and activities on offer at Karri Valley Resort, plus an evening parade from the resident kangaroos as they hop to nearby paddocks, there’s daily feeding at 3pm at the resort’s onsite animal farm. You’ll probably make friends with the local bird life which inhabit your chalet deck too.
WOW WILDERNESS CRUISES, WALPOLE
Gary Muir and the team at WOW Wilderness Cruises have been making visitors double over with laughter since they started running tours on the Walpole inlet decades ago. Learn about the region’s rare wildlife in a funny and informative guided tour aboard their eco cruise.
DISCOVERY BAY, ALBANY
Set on the site of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, Discovery Bay’s Australian Wildlife Park is home to over 100 animals, including many rare native Australian mammals. There’s rare white kangaroos, flying foxes, quolls, woylies and their resident koala, Frank.
Interact with animals
Where to stay
Inspiration
23 ways to spend the school holidays in the South West
Your guide to school holiday activities the kids will love, right here in the South West.
Plan Your Whale Watching Adventure
Plan your whale watching adventure in Australia’s South West during the Whale Watching season from May – December.
Marine Life
There’s plenty of possibilities for observing and interacting with the unique marine life living around Australia’s South West coast and waterways.
