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Seals, Sea Lions and Penguins

Don't forget to say G'day to Western Australia's furry and feathered friends!

The Shoalwater Island Marine Park is a stunning series of limestone islands home to rare seabirds and little penguins - the largest colony on the West coast.

Australian Sea Lions, Carnac IslandFor seabirds Penguin Island is their love nest - up to 16 species use it for courtship, nesting, feeding and roosting.

You can spot them during a ferry tour to the island - most tours operate from September to July, so as to not disturb breeding patterns.

On Penguin Island, watch super-cute little penguins being fed at the Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre.

The penguins that live here have been rejected by their mothers as chicks, and were raised by wildlife carers.

Visitors can learn more about these magnificent birds through commentaries and displays.

There are also picnic areas, lookouts and pristine beaches on this picturesque 12.5 hectare island.

Look out for wild penguins nestled in the sand burrows and limestone caverns on the island.

Get up close and personal with cheeky seals, sea lions and dolphins at beautiful Jurien Bay - a wonderful water playground, protected by the islands and reefs which lie just a few kilometres from shore.

Here you can take a sea lion tour and go snorkelling or diving with these inquisitive creatures. From September to December see humpback whales migrate along the coast on a local whale watching tour.

The Archipelago of the Recherche in Esperance - otherwise known as the Bay of Isles - is home to flourishing New Zealand fur seal colonies and masses of seabirds.

Australian Sea Lion, Carnac IslandOn Woody Island in the area, you can camp overnight and delight in watching these aquatic clowns cavorting among the waves or honking loudly.

Seals are a common sight in Albany's Emu Point, larking around the boats in the marina.

An extremely rare southern elephant seal - a species usually found in the Antarctic - has even been spotted off Ningaloo Reef.

The largest of the seal family, southern elephant seals grow to more than four metres and weigh up to four tonnes.

suggested itineraries

Swim with Dolphins

Swim with Dolphins

2 Days

If you've ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, now's your chance to turn the dream into reality along the stretch of coastline between Perth and Bunbury. View More

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