Eight must-see water creatures and where to find them

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Eight must-see water creatures and where to find them

Travelling up and down the coast of WA has exposed me to some unique creatures. I believe every place has something hidden that must be experienced. You can choose how you become part of the action — *****, wakeboard, surf, swim or snorkel — it doesn’t matter, they are all fantastic.

SURFERSYallingup

During my adolescence, “surf’s up” brought such joy to the forever haunting nightmare I called winter!

Once adulthood hit, the realisation that surfing was a common sport set in. But, between my horrendous balance and lack of co-ordination, that dream quickly *****.

Yallingup sparked my interest with its beautiful high winter waves and talented musicians of the sea who would glide through the cold blue waters with such grace and beauty.

The grommets hit the waves in the summer months, their blonde sun-bleached hair and shell necklaces making them stand out amongst the crowd. So, welcome to the spectator sport, where the only form of protection you need is sunscreen. As the surfers take on the waves, the atmosphere becomes electric with anticipation, and the occasional shouts of encouragement (or sympathy). When attending, the art of commentary is almost as hard as the sport itself — so, prepare yourself for exceptional inventive adjectives, sprinkled with an extremely exaggerated accent “Crickey! did you see the size of that wave?” just won’t cut it!

Camera IconSurf’s up. Credit: Elena Morgan/SuppliedRED LIP MORWONGOmeo Wreck

Have you ever wanted to meet the characters of Finding Nemo? Well . . . Omeo’s wreck holds some of their close(ish) relatives. The red lip morwong, known for its novelty, is an inhabitant of this wreck and is one to make itself known to all snorkellers and swimmers. This curious little critter loves to look at his own reflection — pouting his large lips as if to give you a kiss, or even just glare at his reflection in your snorkelling mask.

Omeo Wreck also provides many other wonders. Flapping like an over-enthusiastic penguin will allow you to ***** under the water to navigate through the ******** of a shipwreck . . . just meters from the shore. If you’re feeling brave, head out to sea. Following the rock wall will take you out to a series of small man-made reefs . . . but I warn you — always keep one eye behind you, as you may just be getting followed by your new best friend — the morwong!

TURTLESSouth Lefroy

Artists of the “underwater tango” can be found at the gorgeous South Lefroy beach just north of Coral Bay on the Ningaloo Reef. Just metre from the water, you can set up camp and enjoy the most stunning sunsets over the water. But this isn’t all the beach has to offer. In the early months of January/February the baby jellies come out to play (don’t worry, they don’t *****!) This causes your best friends (the turtles) to come to shore — hungry and ready to snack on these underwater trampolines.

As you enter the water to get a peek you, had better be quiet. Approaching to have a closer look, you will expect them to greet you with a *****-back “Sup, dude?,” but instead a full-blown turtle sprint starts, and sadly no matter how long your flippers are you will not be able to catch these speed racers. So take your time and glide through the water to become one with the underwater world. You may just be surprised how many friends you make down there — and “it so totally rocks . . . dude”.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconWakeboarding. Credit: Elena Morgan/SuppliedWAKEBOARDERSWaroona Dam

All right… Hold on to your hats! Where some believe gravity would hold you back, the Waroona Dam wakeboarders hold no boundaries.

But let’s not forget about the art of a wipe-out — the piece de resistance of any wakeboarding experience. If you dare tackle this outrageously thrilling sport on your visit, it will be complete with exaggerated splashes and flailing limbs while the professionals glide on by.

Don’t let this deter you, as yes — you may wake up feeling muscles you have never felt before, but the day will be filled with laughter and a very hungry stomach. If adrenaline isn’t your thing — don’t stress!

Watching can be equally fun. Just like having front row seats to the Olympics (with a little bit less talent) you will be on the edge of your seat (a very comfy camping seat at that! Or even an inflatable donut to get the perks of the nice cool water). So, pack up your car, grab your bathers and prepare for some fun.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconA dolphin. Credit: Elena Morgan/SuppliedDOLPHINSSwan River

There is absolutely no need to be a rookie when seeing dolphins — you might as well do it right! The Swan River, known for its dolphins (and swans!) is easily accessible from Perth, and the possibilities are endless.

Stand-up paddleboards can bring you right next to the action, and the early hours of the morning are a perfect time to jump into the water and go for a swim with these curious creatures. Normally travelling in pods, the Swan River dolphins love to play games. And as rock stars of the river they’ve got more charisma than a Hollywood heartthrob, with as many tricks up their sleeve as a circus magician. Friendly as ever, dolphins love to show off, and if you’re lucky you may even find them copying your every move like a tiresome toddler . . . but in a cute way!

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconSeals. Credit: Elena Morgan/SuppliedSEALSPenguin Island

“I’m going to see the penguins” is a phrase commonly uttered by those attending Penguin Island, but as highly anticipated as they are, they are unfortunately few and far between, and love to hide from all the attention.

Instead of moping around, there is another beautiful must-see creature that inhabits the warm rocks and sandy beaches on the island — the seals. These ones are just too lazy to hide! Like puppies of the deep blue, they love a bit of attention and playing a quick game before a long, well-deserved, afternoon nap. Pulling their blubbery coat off with such style and grace they have enough barks, grunts and honks to put any choir to shame … so maybe bring some earplugs! Although you may not be able to get too close, Penguin Island’s scenic walk trails and exceptional native flora are also worth the trip. Just a short ferry ride away or even a walk through the water during low tide makes this location a great day trip holiday.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconA crab. Credit: Elena Morgan/SuppliedCRABSWarroora Station

These elusive little beach bandits never give you a dull moment. With their sandcastle sabotage as their most notorious trait, these crustaceans are guaranteed to leave you in stitches. As dusk falls, they come out to play, crawling along the beach, running from your torch lights. Picture this: the biggest game of ******* In The Dark possible (and don’t worry, parents, this is a completely G-rated game!). So, grab your torches and play!

Follow the critters but do not touch … they do **** (Sorry!). If exploring as an ******, and games aren’t on the cards, these ****** hold more than just active entertainment — coming out to fill their stomachs, these ******’ eating habits are intriguing to watch. Burrowing down with their antennae eyes exposed, they wait for small waves to sweep over them to gather microscopic plankton and debris, done with such speed these critters travel up and down the beaches giving each other a polite **** as they pass their buddies.

BLUE STARFISHExmouth

There are many hidden gems in WA’s North West and many not-so-hidden ones. Exmouth, known for its incredible swims with the whale sharks, holds another wondrous animal that’s much more affordable to see! So — close those wallets, because this one’s completely free! The bright blue Exmouth starfish is a must-see, coming to shore in the early parts of the morning to say hello. This picturesque critter is not one to be tampered with, however, as their beauty comes along with being quite fragile. Painting the seabed with brilliant blue hues, they create a touch of magic on any underwater adventure, whether they’re gracefully gliding through the water or lounging on the sand like an absolute beach ****. They are a sight to behold for those both in and out of the water … so keep those eyes peeled!

+ Elena Morgan is a student on the travel writing course at the University of Notre Dame Australia. We met during a mentoring session.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconA blue starfish. Credit: Elena Morgan/Supplied

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