The Wild Wild West

If you love animals, then there is no better place to be than Elizabeth Quay, where you can easily access all that Perth has to offer with a wide range of wildlife encounters. Whether you are looking for a natural habitat experience or something more curated, there are loads of options to begin your wildlife journey right from your front door at The Towers.

Rottnest

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island, to see the world’s largest population of Quokkas, the famously cute and cheerful marsupials that are only found natively in Western Australia. The ferry departs daily from Elizabeth Quay to the pristine island located 19 km off the Perth coast, where you can stay overnight, or return the same day later that afternoon. Sadly, these happy little wallabies were mistaken by the 17th-century Dutch explorers as large rats, bestowing the island with the name ‘Rottnest’, meaning ‘Rat’s Nest’. Today, there are more than 10,000 quirky quokkas living in paradise on Rottnest island, and it is well worth the trip to see them in their natural environment.

Kings Park and Botanical Garden

Explore one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, and cultural heritage sites, which is home to 96 different native bird species, 30 native reptile species, nine native mammal species and hundreds of different invertebrates. Wander through the beautiful bushland trails, immersing yourself in the wilderness and the peaceful serenity of this ecological reserve, escaping the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. You can catch the free CAT bus or take a segway tour, leaving directly from Quay, to embark on an adventure, just a short distance away from The Towers.

Wildlife Boat Charter

If you are looking for something more structured, take a guided charter tour of the Swan River, where you can commonly see black swans, dolphins, pelicans or the Eastern Ospreys. Alternatively, you can catch the train to Fremantle for a whale watching expedition, getting up close and personal with the titans of the sea. Feel your adrenaline rush as you witness the majestic Humpback whales put on an epic acrobatic show as they migrate south for the summer.

Heirisson Island

Take a river tour from Elizabeth Quay to Heirisson Island, situated between East Perth and Victoria Park, where you can see Western grey kangaroos in the wild. This area holds strong significance for the local Noongar people, who have lived, fished and hunted here since late the 1600s. The kangaroo sanctuary is located on the southern side of the island and is the ideal spot for nature lovers or history buffs to take in the best of Perth, just a quick trip from the Quay.

Perth Zoo

The ferry runs regularly from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth, where you can visit the Perth Zoo, home to more than 1300 exotic and native animals. Whether you prefer a self-guided stroll or an animal encounter, the zoo offers a special experience for everyone. It is also the only zoo in the world where you can see the Numbat, a unique marsupial species that is exclusive to Western Australia.

Caversham Wildlife Park

Just a 30-minute drive northeast of Perth, you will find Caversham Wildlife Park in Whiteman Park, which has the largest private collection of native fauna in Western Australia. Here you can hand-feed the kangaroos, join an interactive farm show, touch a possum or lizard, meet a wombat, watch the penguins being fed, or get a pic with a koala. There are a range of tour operators that depart from the city to the area, such as Aussie Perth Tours, Best of Perth Tours, and Happy Go Lucky Tours and Charters. You can couple your visit with a food and wine tour to indulge in all the delights of the Swan Valley, or alternatively, take a private tour with a customised itinerary to suit your own needs.