Australia is famous (or perhaps infamous) worldwide for its abundance of unique animals, many of whom call the ocean their home. For many people, sea creatures are an endless source of fascination, from the cuddly to the dangerous. Luckily for animal enthusiasts, a wide array of experiences gives you the opportunity to come face-to-face with these ocean-dwellers.
Here are some of the best marine animal encounters you can experience across Australia.
Sea Lions – Eyre Peninsula, SA
Nicknamed the ‘puppies of the sea’, sea lions are some of the friendliest and most inquisitive aquatic animals around. Go snorkelling with these gentle creatures in the beautiful Eyre Peninsula, at either Boston Bay or Baird Bay.
The latter is a hidden gem situated on the west coast of the peninsula, where couple Alan and Patricia Payne have been guiding visits since 1992. Over the years, the pair have developed a close friendship with the sea lions who inhabit this serene slice of paradise.
Trek out to the mouth of the bay by boat, then slip into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside these playful mammals as they flip, somersault and chase you around. You might even be joined by a passing dolphin pod.
Great White Sharks – Neptune Islands, SA
Confront your fears as you get up close and personal with these fearsome predators of the deep. This award-winning experience is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Start your adventure in Port Lincoln, where local operators Adventure Bay Charters will transport you by boat to the Neptune Islands, the only place in Australia where cage diving with sharks is permitted. The pristine waters off these rocky islands are swarming with over 1000 sharks.
In full diving gear, you’ll enter the cage and be lowered into the icy water for a heart-racing encounter like no other. The great whites are lured over by an unusual method of attraction: heavy metal music. As the low-frequency vibrations of AC/DC play, curious sharks will appear and investigate rubber toys dropped into the water.
You’ll be able to enjoy this incredible view of great whites in the wild, close enough to touch. More timid visitors or those wanting to stay dry can forgo the cage and opt to observe the action from the safety of the Aqua Sub, an enclosed glass viewing area submerged below the water.
Sea Turtles – Great Barrier Reef, QLD
The largest coral reef in the world is a truly magical place, and its turtle inhabitants are one of the most popular attractions for visitors. Only seven species of marine turtle exist in the world and six of these reside in the Great Barrier Reef, making it the perfect spot to glimpse these rare reptiles.
For a marine life encounter like no other, take the plunge and go scuba diving or snorkelling amongst the colourful expanses of coral. Turtle-watching hotspots include Fitzroy Island, Opal Reef, Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island.
During the warmer months when breeding season is in full swing, you’ll be able to catch scores of these slow-moving animals gliding around the northern and southern ends of the reef. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a nest of newly-hatched baby turtles scrambling for the water.
Manta Rays – Ningaloo Reef, WA
Lesser-known Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef and home to a teeming population of manta rays. These large animals do not have the infamous barb of the stingray and are completely harmless, making them gentle companions for an afternoon swim.
Several tour operators offer snorkelling encounters with the rays, using spotter aircraft to search for large groups. You can also catch this incredible sight from the comfort of a boat, an opportunity not to be missed.
By Jennifer Luu