If human interactions are getting a bit much and you feel like making some friends of a furrier nature, then you’ve come to the right place. Perth has a wide selection of animal sanctuaries, rescues and wildlife parks with animals from Australia and the rest of the world. Here are some of the top picks you can check out to learn about the Australian animal kingdom, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
1. Shoalwater Island Marine Park
Spend some time exploring the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which is a protected area of the ocean that offers many opportunities to connect with nature. An easy way to get the best experience from this day-trip is to book a guided tour that will take you out on a boat to visit Penguin Island.
While cruising, make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, pelicans, sea lions and birds of prey. There is so much activity in the water, on the land and in the sky – you won’t know where to look!
2. AQWA: The Aquarium of Western Australia
This Aquarium is an underwater exploration showcasing native Western Australian marine life.
The AQWA boasts one of the world’s largest living coral reef exhibits, as well as sharks, stingrays, a glass-bottom boat, and giant sea turtles.
Throughout the 45 different exhibitions, you will learn to love and appreciate the ocean and gain a new respect for the incredible amount of life teeming underneath the waves.
3. Caversham Wildlife Park
CWP features about 200 species, and more than 2000 animals. This impressive collection makes CWP the largest privately owned collection of native wildlife in Western Australia.
Part of the park experience includes close-up encounters with some of the animals, so yes, you will get to pet them! Wildlife professionals will of course be at-hand and will ensure that all the interactions you have with the animals are safe for both parties. They are also there to provide answers to any of your animal-related questions, which makes the experience super informative.
If this sounds like something you’d be down for and are keen to make a day of it, then you might enjoy the Half-Day Swan Valley & Wildlife Park Tour. It include various tastings, a trip to the local Chocolate Company, a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park and Molly’s Farm.
4. Perth Zoo
Animals and plants from all over the world have been collected and put on display at Perth Zoo. You’ll need to dedicate a good amount of time if you want to see everything as the zoo houses over 1,200 animals from over 150 species. A few to look forward to are sun bears, tigers, elephants and giraffes.
The Perth zoo also acts as a breeding ground for endangered species to be put back into the wild, and when you visit the zoo you help to support these efforts.
5. Yanchep National Park
Yanchep park is known for its beautiful natural attractions, including the stunning rock formations and the beautiful coastal scenery. It is also a great place to see the animals in their natural habitat. The park’s native residents include kangaroos, koalas, black swans, egrets, kookaburras, local birds and other Aussie animals and birds. There are many guided tours that will take you from Perth to Yanchep and back, and will show you all the best spots within the park.
There are several walking trails in the park that will take you through the bushland and past many of the beautiful sights within the park. There are also numerous picnic areas available so that you can stop off for lunch or just enjoy a relaxing break during your visit. The park is conveniently located close to Perth and makes for a great day out.
6. Cohunu Koala Park
Just 40 minutes outside of Perth you will find the koala paradise that is Cohunu Park. The park is home to over 25 koalas as well as emus, wallabies, owls, dingos and deer.
Many of the animals at the park are free roaming and you can actually hand feed the friendly kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife. If you’re lucky, the park rangers might even let you give a koala a cuddle!