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Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

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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

In Australia’s South West there’s plenty of up-close experiences with our native creatures and lots of places you can interact with farm animals too.

Bunbury Wildlife Park

Interact with wildlife right in the heart of Bunbury! With over 260 varieties of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, marsupials and farm animals you’re sure to find a favorite animal friend.

Denmark Animal Farm & Pentland Alpaca Stud

Hands-on animal farm with alpacas, kangaroos, emus, and more!

Yongernow Australian Malleefowl Centre

A unique experience of the endangered Australian malleefowl in Ongerup

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station

Visit the only complete whaling station tourism attraction in the world.

Where to stay

From farm stays to forest retreats surrounded by wildlife, here’s our top accommodation picks for animal lovers.

RAC Karri Valley Resort

Positioned on the edge of Lake Beedelup in Pemberton, relax and unwind in nature.

Donnelly River Village

Heritage listed cottages surrounded by native animals and trails.

BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park

Enjoy a farm stay experience in this relaxing, rural holiday park.

William Bay Cottages

Unique, hand crafted accommodation to explore Denmark and surrounds.

Kalgan Retreat

Comfortable family-friendly chalet with the Kalgan River nearby and a short drive to Albany.

Loose Goose Chalets & Shuttles

Individual self-contained chalets surrounded by natural bush in Nannup.

Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration? Read up on these experiences for the holiday of your dreams.

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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.

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