Australia has an incredible variety of animals that is native to the country.

On the west coast of Australia, there are different areas of the state where you can see iconic wildlife in their natural habit in Western Australia.Monkey Mia, Western Australia | Photo by: jessjaparman

1. Quokkas in Rottnest Island

Known as the ‘Happiest Animal on Earth’, quokkas are part of the same family as kangaroos and wallabies. These cute creatures are native to Rottnest Island and are found all over the island, a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle.

With over 10,000 quokkas living on Rottnest Island, they have no fear and are often friendly and approachable toward humans. Get close and take a selfie with a quokka!Photo by: martintfng

2. Sea Lions in Jurien Bay

Australian Sea Lions have sweet faces and big ears and eyes, often being compared to Labradors. One of the best places to see them is Jurien Bay, approximately 2.5 hour's drive north of Perth.

For the adventurous, you can even go swimming with them! Sea Lions are curious, happy, and playful puppies of the sea who are not afraid to swim alongside you and interact with you.Photo by: sunnysideoflife88

3. Dolphins in Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is the only place in Australia that dolphins visit on a daily basis. Every morning, pods of wild bottlenose dolphins venture to the beach at Monkey Mia to be fed.

Park rangers supervise the feedings so the dolphins are provided with only a small amount of their daily diet (10%). This ensures they remain wild and are able to still hunt and interact with other dolphins.Photo by: jess_tsigros

4. Humpback Whales and Whale Sharks in Exmouth

Swimming with whales in Exmouth became available in 2016. Between August and October, there are tours provided by a small number of licensed companies where you can swim with Humpback Whales.

With the magnificent animals measuring up to 18m long and weighing up to 40 tonnes, it is a truly memorable experience! From late March until July, you can swim with the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark.Photo by: sara.barbieri

5. Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales in Albany

In Albany, the annual migration of Humpback and Southern Right Whales commences from June to October. Albany, which is Western Australia’s oldest town, is one of the very few places in Australia where you can see both species of whales at the same time.

The Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales share the same water space during the whale migration season though tend to stay in their own areas of the bay!Photo by: manlyoceanadventures

6. Kangaroos in Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park is less than an hour north of Perth and is home to a population of kangaroos and koalas. Spot the grey fur of the koalas sleeping high up in trees.

Watch out for Western Grey Kangaroos near the lake where you may be able to view them in the bushes, particularly during early mornings and late afternoons.Photo by: romy.on.tour

7. Turtles in Ningaloo Reef

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth is where you can see a few of the world’s seven marine turtle species - Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Flatback Sea Turtles.

Snorkel Ningaloo Reef and spot the turtles or watch them nest and hatch on a night tour.  Photo by: barefoot.wandering

8. Penguins on Penguin Island

Penguin Island is located 45 minutes south of Perth and is home to the biggest colony of little penguins on the west coast of Australia. With over 1200 little penguins, look out for them under boardwalks and staircases.

At the Discovery Centre, Island rangers hold regular penguin feedings of penguins that have been injured or orphaned. You can also see dolphins, sea lions and sea birds on Penguin Island as well.Photo by: Perth Wildlife Encounters

PS. cover photo by: jamesvodicka