If you didn't know - now you do! Perth is a wildlife lover's dream - especially from May onwards when the region comes alive with animals of all shapes and sizes. From the smiley, IG-famous quokkas of Rottnest Island to the majestic whales migrating along the coast, these incredible wildlife encounters are an absolute must to add to your bucket list. Bookmark this guide - and discover some of Perth's coolest wildlife sightings!

1. WHALES

IImage credit: @capturesbyjordan on Instagram

Also known as one of the world's most majestic creatures, whales are the gentle giants of the sea that only make their grand entrance a few times a year. From May till December, make your way down to the South-West region to bear witness to Humpbacks, Southern Right, and Blue Whales performing their annual migration. Don't worry - you won't have to travel far to whale watch. Just hop on a train to Fremantle, which is about 40 minutes away, and sign up for the experience! More adventurous travellers can journey further down South to towns like Albany, Point Ann, Bremer Bay, and Augusta.

2. PENGUINS, SEA LIONS, AND DOLPHINS

Image credits: @ourwaparks on Instagram

Ever wanted to get up close with a sea lion in the wild? Or simply be surrounded by the incredible wildlife in WA? Take a 45-minute drive to Shoalwater Marine Park, and catch a glimpse of waddly penguins, floppy sea lions, and excited dolphins! For a closer look, take your pick between a glass bottom boat cruise, guided kayak tours or kayak rentals, or snorkelling (or all of them, honestly) - we promise, it's an experience you won't forget!

3. QUOKKAS

Image credits: @instaquokka on Instagram

Of course, it's simply criminal to not include the famous “smiling” quokkas - adorable marsupials that you can only find in Western Australia! You can see these beaming, grinning critters all year round at Rottnest Island - a traveller's hot spot when in Perth. While quokkas aren't particularly afraid of humans, visitors aren't allowed to handle them in any way or feed them - and do be wary when approaching the quokkas as they have their own feisty little nature! Just drop by for a visit, catch a cheeky once-in-a-lifetime selfie, and bask in their internet fame.

If you need more information on what else to expect from Rottnest Island and how to get there, we even have a handy blog post to guide you here!

4. AUSTRALIAN MARSUPIALS

Image credits: @cavershamwildlifepark on Instagram

Kangaroos may be the popular kid in Australia's marsupial community, but let's not forget its fellow pouch pals wombats, koalas, wallabies, and more! Did you know that ⅔ of the marsupial population is actually found in Australia? In Perth, the Caversham Wildlife Park is where you want to be to pay them a visit. The park features activities and attractions such as kangaroo feedings, wombat meet-and-greets, and koala photo ops!

Find out more via their website here.

5. BIRDS

Image credits: @kingsparkandbotanicgarden

From the land and sea, to the skies. Perth's national parks also welcome tourists and locals to birdwatch, and discover the many unique bird species of Western Australia. This includes the Sacred Kingfisher, New Holland Honeyeaters, and Straw-necked Ibis. Places where you can relax, hang out with your mates, and take your time birdwatching include Kings Park and the Araluen Botanic Park - the latter of which you can explore a wide variety of flora as well!

6. ZOO

Image credits: @perthzoo on Instagram

Okay - this may not be an animal, but it goes without saying that the Perth Zoo in South Perth is the place to be for wildlife and nature. Imagine animals from all over the world, to amazing creatures native to Perth, this is definitely the place you wanna hit up.

Find out more via their website here.

If animals aren't your thing, what about spending the day looking at plants (what we really mean is vineyard-hopping)? Take a day trip down to Swan Valley and explore the abundance of beautiful wineries - we have compiled just the list for you here. Start your adventure at Hostel G Perth and the rest is history!