Perth Animal Experiences & Encounters

Animal experiences in Perth run from a swim with wild dolphins off Rockingham to a night walk among native mammals in Dryandra Woodlands. Most happen on the water or in the bush outside the city, and AQWA at Hillarys is the one you can reach without leaving the metro area.

Swimming with and watching wild dolphins

The Shoalwater swim with dolphins cruise leaves the Val Street Jetty in Rockingham at 8am and returns between 11.30am and 2.30pm, depending on where the dolphins are. It's a 3 to 6-hour cruise with wetsuits, masks, snorkels and snorkelling lessons included, and guides on underwater scooters help you get close. A light lunch and refreshments are on board. The operator offers a repeat cruise at no charge if you don't end up swimming with dolphins.

If you'd rather stay dry, Mandurah has bottlenose dolphins living in its waterways. A 75-minute canal cruise leaves the Mandurah Cruises Jetty, in front of the Performing Arts Centre at Mandjar Square, at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. It passes the Mandurah Ocean Marina and wetlands with ospreys and other water birds, and kids can have a go at the Steering Centre. The 2-hour Giants and dolphin cruise adds Thomas Dambo's giant sculptures, made from recycled wood, along with live music from local musicians and a licensed bar. It runs in all weather as long as it's safe.

AQWA, the aquarium at Hillarys

AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia is at 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys, and it's a popular choice for families. A conveyor belt carries you through an underwater tunnel with sharks and stingrays overhead, and the Discovery Pool lets you touch a starfish. Ocean Guide talks and tours run through the day, there's a DANGERzone on the deadly side of marine life, and the jellyfish displays are worth a stop. Plan on a 3-hour visit at least.

Schools and families tend to visit in the morning, so the afternoon is quieter. AQWA is busiest in summer and during school holiday periods, and May, June and September have a more relaxed feel. Younger kids get a toddler playground, Storytime and picnic facilities at no extra charge.

Native wildlife after dark in Dryandra Woodlands

The Dryandra wildlife tour with dinner and stargazing is a 9-hour day with return Perth transfers. Pickups from Perth City run between 1pm and 2pm, depending on the time of year. Dryandra Woodlands is home to more than 850 plant species, more than 100 bird species and 24 mammal species, including the endangered numbat. The day covers a guided bushwalk, a sunset picnic dinner with wine and a soft drink, a guided night visit to the Barna Mia nocturnal wildlife sanctuary and a 15-minute stargazing session. The sanctuary's entry fee isn't part of the tour.

Choosing between a swim, a cruise, an aquarium and a night walk

Time is the quickest filter. The Mandurah canal cruise is the shortest outing, a 75-minute trip. AQWA fills a 3-hour block, the dolphin swim takes most of a morning, and the Dryandra tour takes the whole day and evening. Comfort in the water is the next one. The dolphin swim needs no snorkelling experience, but it does mean getting in open water, and the Mandurah cruises keep you on deck.

Weather and season matter too. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings depend on the day, and AQWA suits a day when the water isn't appealing. Dryandra rewards a clear night for the stargazing at the end.

More animal encounters around Perth

Quokkas, the resident wildlife of Rottnest Island, are a highlight of a round trip ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth. For more aquarium and zoo visits, see zoos and aquariums in Perth, and for whales on the water, see whale watching from Perth. The rest of the region's outdoor options are on the Perth activities page, and Experience Oz lists animal experiences across Australia for trips further afield.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim with dolphins in Perth?

Yes. The Shoalwater swim with dolphins cruise from Rockingham puts you in the water with wild dolphins. You don't need to be an expert swimmer and no previous snorkelling experience is necessary, because wetsuits, masks, snorkels and lessons are included.

Where do dolphin cruises leave from near Perth?

The Shoalwater swim with dolphins cruise leaves the Val Street Jetty in Rockingham at 8am. The Mandurah dolphin cruises leave the Mandurah Cruises Jetty, in front of the Performing Arts Centre.

Is the Perth dolphin swim suitable for children?

The Shoalwater swim with dolphins cruise is not suitable for children under 6. It also needs a minimum of 10 swimmers to run.

How long should I allow for AQWA?

Plan on a 3-hour visit at least. AQWA has Ocean Guide talks, an underwater tunnel and touch pools, and the afternoon is the quieter part of the day.

When is AQWA quietest?

AQWA is quietest in the afternoon, because schools and families tend to visit in the morning. It is busiest in summer and during school holiday periods, and May, June and September are more relaxed.

Can I see wild dolphins near Perth without swimming?

Yes. The Mandurah dolphin and canal cruises take you out on the water to watch bottlenose dolphins from the boat. The operator describes sightings on the 75-minute cruise as guaranteed, though the dolphins are wild and seen in their natural environment.

What wildlife can you see at Dryandra Woodlands?

Dryandra Woodlands has more than 100 bird species and 24 mammal species, including the endangered numbat. The Dryandra wildlife tour from Perth adds a guided night visit to the Barna Mia nocturnal wildlife sanctuary.

Where can I see quokkas near Perth?

Quokkas live on Rottnest Island, and spotting one is a highlight of the Rottnest Island ferry and day tours from Perth and Fremantle.

Check the departure times above, pick your day and book your Perth animal experience here.