Top 10 Animal Lover Activities in Perth
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Lake Monger Reserve
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- Lake Monger Reserve, Western Australia
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Map
Description:
Lake Monger Reserve just north of the centre of Perth is the most famed Perth spot for seeing the state symbol: the black swan. This urban wetland reserve is home to almost 40 bird species and Lake Monger itself is surrounded by a well-used footpath for walking and cycling. Tourists stop here regularly to see the large population of black swans, which you'll otherwise see on the Western Australian state flag.
Author note:
Avoid the big tourist bus stops here (if you're lucky you won't see any, it just depends on the time of day) and don't feed the swans - they'll be interesting without giving them bread that does them harm rather than good. Best of all walk the full circuit of the lake, about a 40-minute trip or longer if you amble through the wetlands area.
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Karakamia Sanctuary Walk
Contact:
- +61 8 9572 3169
- visit website
Location:
- 4360 Lilydale Rd
Description:
Karakamia Sanctuary offers evening walking tours of their special sanctuary, a protected area owned by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy where local species are being rehabilitated in a natural setting. Many Australian marsupial animals are nocturnal, so taking a walk with a specially-trained guide just as it gets dark means you have the chance to see incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Author note:
In case you're asking locals about Karakamia: it's a bit off the beaten track and many mightn't know it. But get in contact with them and book in advance - usually a Saturday evening - for a really unique experience.
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Penguin Island
Contact:
- +61 8 9483 1111(Tourist Information)
- visit website
Location:
- Off Archadia Drive
- Rockingham,WA6169
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Map
Description:
Penguin Island, near Rockingham in Perth's south, can be reached by a short ferry ride. On the island you'll find a sanctuary for Little Penguins at the Discovery Centre, and a breeding ground for seagulls; take a boat ride to nearby Seal Island to watch sea lions lazing on the beach. Tour operators in the area also offer the chance to swim with dolphins and go whale-watching.
Author note:
Penguin Island is open seasonally so check the annual opening and closing dates before you plan your excursion; don't expect to necessarily see penguins out in the wild, but the Discovery Centre and the show they put on there is just gorgeous!
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Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
Contact:
- 0424 209 730
- visit website
Location:
- Jonlin Park, 128 John Street
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Map
Description:
A perfect day out with children who want to experience farm animals up close. They can feed a lamb, nurse a duckling or chick and meet two dozen different kinds of animals.
Author note:
Definitely for animal-loving kids, but truly lots of fun for them, even if they've seen all these kinds of animals before.
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Rockingham Wild Encounters
Contact:
- (08) 9591 1333
- visit website
Location:
- Arcadia Dr
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Map
Description:
Wild Encounters near Rockingham offers numerous ways for you to interact with the local wildlife, with by far the most exciting being the chance to swim with wild dolphins - a once in a lifetime experience. They also offer boat tours to watch dolphins and penguins and various other ways to enjoy the sealife of the area.
Author note:
Swimming with the dolphins is a dream come true for many people - if you can, don't worry that it's a little expensive and just go out and enjoy the experience thoroughly.
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Cohunu Koala Park
Contact:
- +61 8 9526 2966
- visit website
Location:
- Nettleton Road
- Lot 103 Nettleton Road, Byford. 500m off South West Highway
- Gosnells,WA6122
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Map
Description:
WA allows you to actually hold a koala, and this large park set in bushland is the only place to do so. You can also feed kangaroos, wallabies, and emus wandering in natural enclosures, see wombats and dingoes, walk through an aviary housing Aussie native birds, and see wild water birds on the ponds. The Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley has a bigger, more intriguing range of native species, but does not allow koala cuddling. It's hard to get here without a car.
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Caversham Wildlife Park
Contact:
- +61 8 9248 1984
- visit website
Location:
- Lord Street
- Whiteman Park
- Perth,WA6068
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Map
Description:
Caversham Wildlife Park is home to 2,000 species of Australian animals and birds, and it's no regular zoo - you can walk through most of the animal enclosures, feed the kangaroos, pat the koalas and hold a wombat, if you're strong enough! The farm show demonstrates life on an Aussie farm with chances to milk a cow, bottle feed a lamb or learn to crack a whip. Take a picnic to enjoy on the grass next to the kangaroo enclosure or use the barbecues in nearby Whiteman Park.
