Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wildlife Watching
Whales
Because so many southern right and humpback whales (upwards of 30,000) cruise along
the WA coast, it has become known as the Humpback Hwy. From June onwards their annu-
al pilgrimage begins from Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of the northwest coast,
and mothers with calves seek out the shallower bays and coves of King George Sound in
Albany from July to October. In whale-watching season, whales can be spotted from
coastal clifftops, and often from the beach as well.
NATIONAL PARK PASSES
Thirty of WA's 96 national parks charge vehicle entry fees (per car/motorcycle $11/5), which are valid for any park
visited that day. If you're camping within the park, the entry fee is only payable on the first day (camping fees are
additional). If you plan to visit more than three WA parks with entry fees - which is quite likely if you're travelling
outside Perth - get the four-week Holiday Pass ($40). All DEC offices sell them, and if you've already paid a day-
entry fee in the last week (and have the voucher to prove it), you can subtract it from the cost of the pass.
Dolphins
Dolphins can be seen up close at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, around Rock-
ingham, and at Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia also has 10% of the world's dugong population.
Birds
The Broome Bird Observatory attracts a staggering 800,000 birds each year, and the Yal-
gorup National Park near Mandurah is another important waterbird habitat. The Lesueur
National Park is home to the endangered Carnaby's cockatoo, and migratory shorebirds
flock to Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve in the Kimberley.
