A marine life-packed nature reserve

Noteworthy for: Australian sea lions, little penguins, snub fin dolphins, leafy seadragons and weedy seadragons are just a few marine park residents that are found only in Australia.

Just 30 minutes south of Perth city centre, off the coast of Rockingham, lie the crystal-clear waters of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. If you've ever fancied swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat, this is the place to do it. Tour operators charge a small fortune for a guaranteed introduction to the local pod, but if you're prepared to leave it up to chance, observing dolphins as you snorkel or dive among the park's cavernous caves and seagrass beds at your own leisure is a truly magical experience.

The marine park is also famous for Penguin Island, a nature reserve which boasts Western Australia's largest colony of little penguins, the smallest species in the world. It's worth taking the quick Rockingham Wild Encounters ferry here to check out the little guys, or combine your trip with a cruise around nearby Seal Island, home to a playful bunch of ultra-rare sea lions.