When you’re looking for a wildlife fix, Fremantle is a great launching pad. We’re an urban centre, but the ocean is on our doorstep and that comes with a lot of critters. Not all of them are water-dwelling, either.
Take the quokka. These furry, smiling marsupials are a must-see for visitors, and you have only to go as far as Rottnest Island to encounter them by the dozen. They’re not shy.
There are other nearby islands whose wildlife encounters are legendary. Penguin Island is a 40 minute drive south of Fremantle and a 5 minute ferry ride to the little island housing a colony of the world’s smallest penguins. You can take a cruise in the marine park to add dolphins, Australian sea lions, pelicans and osprey to the sighting tally.
Seal Island is in the same nature reserve, and if you want to see it from water level, a kayaking tour of both Penguin and Seal Islands is perfect. The islands are only around one kilometre from the shore.
Whale watching boats can get you within camera distance of breaching Humpback and Southern Right whales as they make their migration along the Western Australian coastline in winter and spring. Get lucky, and you might even spot one from the Rottnest Ferry. Dolphins, seals, rays and birdlife are commonly sighted on charter boats, catamarans and yachts sailing on Fremantle waters – a value add to the picturesque scenery you get on a sunset or daytime cruise.
Carnac Island is a marine gem, just 45 minutes cruise from Fremantle and boasting sheltered shallow bays that are great for diving, snorkelling and fishing. You can step off the boat in waist deep clear water. The A-class nature reserve is home to Australia Sea Lions and plenty of sea birds. Bottlenose dolphins also frequent the waters.