While Western Australia is famous for its incredible Indian Ocean sunsets and awe-inspiring landscapes, look a little closer and you’ll discover an abundance of native wildlife unlike anywhere else on the planet! Head south from WA’s capital Perth to the scenic southwest region and keep your eyes peeled for the area’s most interesting locals. From furry tree-top friends to tiny turtles, the fauna that call this region home need to be seen to be believed. Read on to discover five extraordinary native animals and where you can spot them on your travels.
Drive just 2.5 hours south of Perth to family-owned Mandalay Holiday Resort, a unique beach resort surrounded by shady Peppermint trees. With a fantastic range of self-contained chalets, cabins, luxury two storey villas, glamping tents and plenty of caravan and camp sites, this holiday park is, at first glance, an adventure haven, as guests enjoy the multiple swimming pools and playgrounds on offer. But take a walk through the park in the evening for the most unique experience of all. Calling the canopy of the Peppermint trees home is the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum. This beautiful possum species can only be found in the south-west of WA and guests at Mandalay Holiday Resort have a front row seat to observe this shy and cautious marsupial.
Where to stay: Mandalay Holiday Resort
The wetlands, lakes and rivers in the south west region house remarkable ecosystems. When travelling through the south west, take the time to look carefully both in and out of the water to see some of the many incredible species endemic to the region, such as the southwestern snake-necked turtle. This freshwater, semi-aquatic turtle, can be distinguished by a long neck that retracts sideways into its shell. The turtles have a lifespan of around 30-40 years in the wild, although the species is currently listed as ‘near threatened.’
Where to stay: Discovery Parks Margaret River
This amphibian, native to the karri forests of South-West WA, is actually a small frog and not a toad. Forest toadlets range in colour from purple to orange and yellow, and you can find them from Dunsborough through to Albany. Listen for a short and grating croak and watch your step – they’ll be hiding in the forest under rotten logs and rocks, and they run instead of hopping!
Where to stay: Southern Stars Holiday Park, Dunsborough or Big 4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park, Albany
Most people think you can only find these friendly marsupials at Rottnest Island, however there are a few mainland populations that reside in the southwest. Calling the southern forests between Nannup and Denmark home, your journey to spot the quokkas in their native environment becomes far more of an adventure here! Enjoy hiking through the trails of Stirling Range National Park or Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve (near Albany) and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of this region.
Where to stay: Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park
Bird lovers will marvel at the red-winged fairywren, which is the largest of the fairywren species and lives exclusively in the south west. Their preferred habitat of tall karri forest means you will find them south through to the Margaret River region and east to Albany. Breeding males can be recognized by their vibrant plumage, featuring a silvery-blue crown and upper back, along with red shoulders.
Where to stay: Margaret River Tourist Park
Discover these amazing creatures, and so many more, on your adventure to WA’s South West. Caravanning and camping is the best way to immerse yourself in nature and learn about our incredible environment. To protect our wildlife, please do not feed or touch any of the animals.
Find the best caravan and holiday parks in WA at www.caravanwa.com.au and start planning your journey now by downloading the FREE Caravan & Camping WA Guide.
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