For the first time ever in Australia, a wild dolphin has been caught live on camera giving birth. This amazing and inspiring footage was captured in April 2018 in Mandurah, Western Australia and is further proof that Mandurah and the Peel Region has some of the heathiest and most vibrant wetlands in the world.
Just one hour south of Western Australia's capital city, Perth, nature loving visitors to Mandurah and the Peel Region can find an abundance of things to do to indulge their wildlife and ecological passions.
The Peel-Yalgorup Wetland System was declared of International Importance in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention. It covers over 26,000 hectares and includes Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and multiple lakes, rivers and conservation reserves.
A vast array of animals and birds inhabit the wetlands which includes the Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and surrounding rivers and lakes. It's a breeding ground and nursery for dolphins, crabs, fish, native animals and birds, including a colony of quendas (bandicoots). Over 20,000 birds travel up to 26,000 km a year to feed and shelter in the wetlands from spring until autumn.
The estuary, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, is the largest and most diverse estuarine complex and the most important area for migratory and resident waterbirds in south west Australia. It supports unique and critically endangered communities, including the thrombolites at Lake Clifton. Scientists believe thrombolites are the earliest form of life on earth, dating back about 3,500 million years. They are mostly extinct and living examples can only be found growing in just a handful of places in the world.
The wetlands have special significance for the Noongar people, the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the region, as they are important sources of food, used for ceremonial purposes and are part of the dreaming and their natural beliefs.
With new tourism experiences complementing its superb natural assets, significant redevelopment and recently being recognised as Western Australia's 2017 Top Tourism Town, Mandurah has come of age, offering award-winning waterfront dining, aquatic adventures, world-class golf courses and plenty of places to shop.
It is also the perfect base to take day trips to explore the wider Peel Region. In an easy half hour drive you'll find beautiful wineries, winding waterways, rolling green hills and tiny timber towns nestled in the forest.
There are hiking, horse riding and mountain bike trails throughout the region and a number of options to explore the waterways including guided cruises and boat and kayak hire.
With extensive wilderness and waterways to enjoy, native animals can easily be spotted as you explore by water or land.
More often than not you'll see dolphins in Mandjar Bay, right in the heart of Mandurah.
Kangaroos graze every afternoon at Melros Beach Reserve in Dawesville and emus are often spotted walking along the shores of Lake Clifton.
To get even closer to Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, even holding and feeding them, visit the Peel Zoo in Pinjarra and Cohunu Koala Park in Byford. Peel Zoo also has Tasmanian devils.
Bring your binoculars and grab the 'Birdwatching Walking Trail Guide' at the Mandurah Visitor Centre or download from visitpeel.com.au and start exploring by land, boat or canoe.
