Spotting Australia’s unique wildlife in the wild can sometimes be tricky, but these ethical and family-friendly animal parks and experiences will have you making new furry friends in no time.
Feature by Carolyn Beasley
Wildlife lovers visiting Western Australia are spoilt for choice in every region, with kangaroos, quokkas and oodles of birdlife, if you know where to look. But for those seeking guaranteed animal sightings, Western Australian zoos and animal parks can show you a plethora of fluffy and scaly Aussies. Interpretive keeper talks and up-close activities make these experiences unforgettable, and best of all, many parks contribute to conservation.
Here are five favourite animal encounters.
1. Perth Zoo
From Elizabeth Quay in Perth / Boorloo, the ferry takes about five minutes to chug across the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan. The ferry lands at South Perth, just as it has since 1898 when it first opened to serve the new Perth Zoo, a much loved icon that has connected families to animals and lush gardens for generations. There are many close-up opportunities for families, like the Best of Australia experience. Before the zoo opens, join keeps for a private wander through the Australian wildlife section and offer breakfast to kangaroos, wallabies, and some of our best loved fluffies. Perth Zoo has a proud conservation legacy, and since 1992, has bred over 4,000 threatened animals for release into the wild, such as the numbat, and the adorable dibbler, both of which are unique to this state.
Koala and her joey, Perth Zoo
2. Caversham Wildlife Park
Just a 30-minute drive from Perth in the delicious wine and food region of the Swan Valley on Whadjuk country, you’ll find another local favourite, Caversham Wildlife Park. Set in shady bushland, the park showcases some of Australia’s best loved wildlife, plus cute and cuddly farm animals that are found across our dream state. Feed a kangaroo, say g’day to an echidna, and enjoy a picnic. Don’t miss the Meet the Wombat and Friends show, where you’ll be introduced to around 20 types of Aussie animals. Another highlight is the Farm Show; the kids will be enthralled by a sheep-shearing demonstration.
Meeting a wombat, Caversham Wildlife Park
3. Bunbury Wildlife Park
Less than two hours south of Perth, the city of Bunbury is best known for its friendly wild dolphins. But furry animals are here too, and Bunbury Wildlife Park is a great place to meet them. Spy some of our unique tiny wallabies, like quokkas and woylies, feed birds from the palm of your hand, and have a conversation with a chatty cockatoo. Join the interactive keeper talks to learn more about dingoes or the resident barn owl. When you’re done, stroll the boardwalk on the adjacent Big Swamp Wetland, where you may spot the local wild black swans.
Dingo, Bunbury Wildlife Park
4. Country Life Farm
Situated in Dunsborough, in the Margaret River wine, beach and forest region on Wardandi Noongar country, Country Life Farm is a family-friendly park, where the kids can pat a kangaroo, or feed carrots to a host of fluffy farm favourites like ponies, sheep, and alpacas. Don’t miss Stan, the highland steer, and if the kids still have energy, the jumping castle, pedal boats and indoor playground will keep them happy for hours.
Alpacas, Country Life Farm
5. Esperance Farm Experience
If you’re heading to Esperance / Kepa Kurl, a 1.5-hour flight southeast of Perth, you’ve probably heard of the sunbathing kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park / Mandoowernup. While these wild kangaroos are busy relaxing, some animals here are working, and if you head over to the Esperance Farm Experience, you can meet them, too. At this mixed farming business, you’ll get hands on feeding calves and lambs, learning about the wool and crop industries, and marvelling at the amazing sheep dogs that move the animals around the farm. If you’re lucky, you may spot some wild kangaroos or emus that live here too.
Published April 2023.