Western Australia wildlife tours showcase quokkas, whale sharks and camels

Western Australia offers iconic wildlife encounters for tourists. On Rottnest Island, 19 km off Perth, the world’s largest wild quokka population of about 10‑12 thousand is protected; the island is car‑free and visitors must keep a safe distance and avoid feeding the marsupials. Along the 260‑km Ningaloo Reef, UNESCO‑listed waters host 300‑500 whale sharks each season between March and July, with guided tours that limit numbers and distance from the animals. In Shark Bay’s Monkey Mia, wild dolphins routinely approach the shore, their interactions managed by rangers to maintain safe viewing distances. On Cable Beach near Broome, camel caravans—descended from animals imported in the 19th century—are used for sunset tours, while a feral camel population of 300‑500 thousand now roams the state. Across all sites, tourism operators follow strict regulations to protect the fauna and ensure sustainable visitor experiences.