Critters of Western Australia

Despite the plagues, there were plenty of beautiful white beaches and crystal clear water (mostly free of jellyfish), gorgeous sunsets and interesting wildlife to keep us occupied on the long stretches of steaming pavement on our way up the western coastline. We were even lucky enough to see a giant monitor lizard (goanna) crossing the road. We weren't fast enough with the camera, but these beasts are huge and incredible (and more than a little intimidating). There was also a long stretch of highway towards the Cape Range National Park that was dotted with dozens of termite mounds. But before we got that far north, we fed pelicans in Kalbarri (Did you know that they have a really pointy bit at the end of their beak??? I didn't either....until it tried to snatch a fish out of my hand.), stopped at the super touristy Monkey Mia to see the dolphins come to shore to get fed and in Coral Bay we snorkeled amongst some of the most gorgeous underwater scenery I've ever seen.

Monkey Mia dolphins waiting to get fed

We had day after day of hot sun, warm nights and swimming. We snorkeled in water so clear, you could see the rays, sharks and schools of tiny fish without even putting your face in the water. We marveled at the colossal underwater landscape of lavender, bright blue, pink and yellow corals that looked like giant cabbages and prickly cacti. I freaked out watching Michiel hover above a giant ray as it ate off the bottom of the ocean floor (we discovered later that it was the same type of ray that killed Steve Irwin....great, Michiel!) We snorkeled multiple times each day and tried not to get fried in the blazing sun. When it got too sticky or hot, we retreated to the air conditioned comfort of the Camperoo.

On land, we were delighted by the variety of wild parrots and the kookaburras, which sound like maniacal monkeys at sunrise and sunset (they go especially wild at the end of this sound clip). At one campground, we watched a kookaburra steal a piece of chicken from someone's BBQ and then attempt to make the piece of meat small enough eat by holding it in its bill and smacking it repeatedly against a tree branch while making frustrated growling noises. Very entertaining.

Kookaburra, a relative of the kingfisher. They look sweet but they are horrible scavengers.

Pelicans at Kalbarri

Wild emu