South West Life

There aren't many places in the world where you can interact with wild dolphins that show a genuine interest in you. The south west is one such place, through the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Koombana Bay in Bunbury.

The centre offers a unique experience that many would argue is not available anywhere else in the world. Because of the centre's strict ecological standards and it's focus on minimising disruption to the dolphin's natural environment, it has ensured that the wild dolphin experience at Bunbury is one of the most natural and rewarding you'll find anywhere.

One example of this is the centre's approach to feeding the dolphins. Responsible restrictions have been placed on feeding the dolphins, which has resulted in dolphins now showing up because they want to, unlike other places where they show up simply to get a feed. This contributes to a more interactive experience with the dolphins.

The start of your journey at the centre is a comprehensive Interpretive Centre, which boasts big screen video footage, displays, and other information that you won't find anywhere else. Here you can learn more about these wonderful creatures and their environment, plus a history of the centre.

For those of you who want to get out into the dolphin's environment in the bay, the centre offers two types of boat tours. The first type, where you stay onboard and view the dolphins from your dry seat, is available all year. For the more adventurous, the second type of boat tour takes 10 people out at a time to swim with the dolphins (wetsuits and snorkels provided). This is available from December to May.

And then there's the free Interaction Zone. This is a section of water in the bay where wild dolphins often come in close to shore to visit. If a dolphin is present you can enter the water for an experience you'll never forget. You aren't supposed to touch them, but you are allowed to float about while the dolphins swim around you. Goggles, snorkles, and cameras are welcome. If going for a swim isn't your preference, then simply standing in the water around waist deep will usually encourage the dolphins to come and check you out, sometimes swimming in tight circles around you to get a good look.

Although everyone at the centre is quick to point out that dolphin visits in the Interaction Zone can't be guaranteed, they do come on most days during the summer months. I got down to the zone myself one Saturday morning recently around 9:00am. I had barely sat down when I noticed people pointing out over the bay and volunteers moving into the water. Then, as if from nowhere, came the unmistakable sound and sight of a dolphin surfacing for air just meters from the shore.

I thought that all the people entering the water would scare the dolphin away, but instead he seemed very interested and proceeded to weave in and out of everyone, saying hello to adults and kids alike. Sometimes he got so close to the shore I thought he was going to beach himself.

One of the volunteers then told me this was Iruka, a dolphin who visits regularly. Sometimes he brings his girlfriend and baby, but not this morning.

Iruka proceeded to swim around all the people, seemingly enjoying all of the attention he was getting. He came very close to everyone, and soon sought me out. As his dorsal fin sliced through the water towards me, I swear I could almost hear "Jaws" music in my head, but then as he reached me he turned on his side to get a good look at me and glided past - with his cheeky dolphin "grin".

The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a non profit association, it's main goals being conservation, education, and research. It relies heavily on volunteers, whose duties range from working in the Interpretive Centre, assisting with the boat tours and Interaction Zone, and general maintenance and upkeep.

The centre itself also offers a cafe, souvenir shop, toilets, showers, and more. It's open every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

To find out more about the centre, or how you can support it, check out their web site at www.dolphindiscovery.com.au.