Five ultimate WA animal experiences

Swim with whale sharks

Numero uno on our list is swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef – it’s truly a once in a life time experience. These gentle giants of the ocean are placid enough that you can swim alongside them while they nom on krill around the reef. Both Ningaloo Discovery and Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkle offer YHA member’s discounts on whale shark swims, so pick the tour that suits you best and go! Check out the discounts here.

Where to stay:  Exmouth YHA

Get a quokka selfie on Rottnest Island

The happiest – and quite possibly the cutest – animal in the animal kingdom, the adorable quokka has made its home on Rottnest Island, just off the coast near Fremantle. The island is teeming with these friendly creatures who won’t run away if you approach them camera in hand, so get a quokka selfie and then see what else amazing Rottnest has to offer.

Where to stay:  Perth City YHA and Fremantle Prison YHA have special deals that involve tours to Rottnest Island. Alternatively, book yourself a bed at either property and book your Rottnest tour at reception!

Ride a camel in Broome

Riding a camel on Cable Beach at sunset is one of those things that you have to tick off your Broome and WA bucket list. It can be romantic – so perfect for couples – or it can be a right old laugh with your mates or family.

Where to stay: Broome YHA

Whale watching in the South West

From May until December, humpbacks, southern right whales and orcas will hug the coastline of the South West. It’s easiest to spot them on a whale watching tour (which leave primarily from Dunsborough and Albany, as well as a few other locations), but if luck is truly on your side, you may be able to spot them from the beach or lookout points with the naked eye.

Where to stay: Bunbury YHA, Dunsborough YHA, Margaret River YHA, Denmark YHA, Albany YHA, Esperance YHA

Relaxing with kangaroos at Lucky Bay

There are a couple of reasons to visit this beach – it’s rarely crowded, the sand is some of the whitest sand you’ll ever see, the blue is some of the bluest water you’ll ever see and the kangaroos in the area call this beach home. You’ll be the envy of all your mates - how often do you get to chill on a beach with a bunch of kangaroos?!

Where to stay: Esperance YHA

Photos: Shutterstock, Tourism WA, Tourism Australia