Australia, with its huge coastline and rich marine biodiversity, offers numerous opportunities to see dolphins in their natural habitat. You may be asking the question, ‘where can I see dolphins in Australia?’ Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve found a few places to provide unforgettable experiences and the chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
A few years back I was lucky enough to be fishing from the shore in Western Port Bay as two dolphins swam by. It’s an experience you never forget. Do keep in mind that the 15 species of dolphin found in Australian waters are all protected. This means you are prohibited from killing, capturing, injuring or interfering with them.
Enjoy them from a distance, take plenty of photos and marvel at this playful, intelligent animal.
Our List of Places to see Dolphins in Australia
Koombana Bay, Bunbury, Western Australia
Location and Overview
Bunbury, situated about 175 kilometres south of Perth, is known for its vibrant marine life and stunning coastal scenery. The city is home to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, a hub for dolphin interactions.
What to Expect
The Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury offers various dolphin-related experiences, including boat tours, swim-with-dolphins programs, and educational exhibits. This not-for-profit centre focuses on conservation, eco-tourism, education, research and provides visitors with in-depth knowledge about dolphins and their habitat.
Rockingham, Western Australia
Location and Overview
Rockingham, located about 45 kilometres south of Perth, is a coastal city known for its marine encounters. The waters around Rockingham are home to a friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins.
What to Expect
Rockingham offers unique swim-with-dolphins tours, allowing you to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures in their natural environment. These tours provide an unforgettable experience as you swim and interact with wild dolphins under the guidance of expert tour operators.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Location and Overview
Hervey Bay, located about 290 kilometres north of Brisbane, is best known for its humpback whale-watching opportunities. However, it’s also a fantastic place to see dolphins.
What to Expect
In Hervey Bay, you can join dolphin-watching tours that explore the sheltered waters of the bay. These tours often combine dolphin sightings with other marine wildlife encounters. The area is also a gateway to Fraser Island, offering additional adventure opportunities.
Moreton Island, Queensland
Location and Overview
Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Known for its natural beauty and rich marine life, it’s one of the best places in Queensland to see dolphins.
What to Expect
The Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island is famous for its wild dolphin feeding program. Every evening, dolphins come to the shore, and guests can participate in feeding them under the guidance of trained staff. Apart from dolphin feeding, the island offers various water activities and breathtaking scenery.
Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Location and Overview
Jervis Bay, situated about 200 kilometres south of Sydney, is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The bay is a haven for marine life, including a large population of dolphins.
What to Expect
Jervis Bay is famous for its dolphin-watching cruises, which operate year-round. These tours offer close encounters with dolphins, often in the calm and sheltered waters of the bay. The region also boasts beautiful national parks and marine sanctuaries, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Location and Overview
Byron Bay, located on the northern coast of New South Wales, is a popular tourist destination known for its bohemian vibe, beautiful beaches, and abundant marine life.
What to Expect
Dolphin kayaking tours are a highlight in Byron Bay. These tours take you out into the bay, where you can paddle alongside dolphins in their natural environment. The experience offers a unique and close-up view of these playful creatures, often in the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
Sorrento, Victoria
Location and Overview
Sorrento is nestled on the Mornington Peninsula, a picturesque area that blends nature’s beauty with marine wonder. Located 110 kilometres from Melbourne, the perfect natural wildlife experience.
What to Expect
You can choose to swim with the dolphins, sightsee from the comfort of a boat or book a luxury private cruiser to enjoy with friends. You’re quite likely to see Australian Fur Seals also, as they are frequently found in this part of beautiful Port Phillip Bay.
Phillip Island, Victoria
Location and Overview
Phillip Island, located about 140 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, is a popular tourist destination known for its wildlife and natural beauty. The island is famous for its penguin parade, but it’s also a great place to see dolphins.
What to Expect
Boat tours around Phillip Island offer the opportunity to see dolphins, along with seals and other marine life. The island’s coastal waters are home to both bottlenose and common dolphins, providing a fantastic experience for marine life enthusiasts.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, South Australia
Location and Overview
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is conveniently located a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD. There is something for all ages to enjoy and with easy access to the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park.
What to Expect
This dolphin haven is home to around 300 resident bottlenose dolphins, and another 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times. You choose how to view the dolphins from self-guided land tours, boat tours or kayaking and paddleboard experiences.
The sanctuary shares most of its northern coastal habitat with the Adelaide International Bird sanctuary which provides a good opportunity for bird watching.
Home also to Australia’s largest ships’ graveyard, spend some time looking out for the 40 abandoned vessels.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Location and Overview
Kangaroo Island, located southwest of Adelaide, is a biodiversity hotspot. The island’s coastline and marine parks provide excellent opportunities to see dolphins and other wildlife.
What to Expect
Dolphin-watching tours on Kangaroo Island offer intimate encounters with these intelligent creatures. You can join boat tours that take you along the coastline, where dolphins are often spotted swimming in pods. The island’s unspoiled landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Wine Glass Bay/Coles Bay, Tasmania
Location and Overview
Beautiful Wine Glass Bay is located a 2.5 hour drive north of Hobart, and south from Launceston. Sitting in the Freycinet National Park, it is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
What to Expect
Dolphins are very common in this area, and although there is no dedicated ‘dolphin tour’, there are boat tours that give you an excellent opportunity to see dolphins in the wild. There are a number of kayaking and paddleboard tours, and other adventure activities such as quad biking and rock climbing. And if that all sounds too energetic, guided nature walks and local wine tasting may be a more appealing experience.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
Location and Overview
The magnificent Bruny Island is a must see for any east coast traveller in Tasmania. A 35 minute drive from Hobart, Kettering is where you catch the ferry to Bruny Island. The ferry takes around 20 minutes, and yes, you can take your car.
What to Expect
You may see dolphins from land at Bruny Island, particularly around Adventure Bay and Quarantine Bay, but a cruise will increase the chance of seeing dolphins and seals, migrating whales and sea birds.
This is a wind buffeted island, so dress warmly, pack your binoculars and be prepared to see some of the highest sea cliffs Australia has to offer.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Location and Overview
Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, is known for its tropical climate and vibrant marine life. The coastal waters around Darwin are home to various dolphin species.
What to Expect
Dolphin-watching tours in Darwin provide an opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The tours often explore the waters of Darwin Harbour and the surrounding areas, where dolphins are commonly spotted. The region’s diverse marine environment makes it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Further reading on Australian animals:
Don’t You Think Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are Sweet?