The Wildlife of Margaret River, Australia

October 6, 2022

The Margaret River Region stretches from Busselton in the northwest to Augusta in the south, encompassing some of the finest vineyards and wineries in Australia. With over 700km of coastline along the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it offers visitors endless opportunities to experience nature and adventure. 

The region is known for its spectacular scenery; world-class wine and food; beautiful beaches; and unique wildlife. From the rugged granite peaks of the South West National Parks to the lush green valleys of the Great Southern Wine Trail, there are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the Margaret River Region.

The Margaret River region offers visitors an abundance of natural wonders to discover. Whether you want to go bushwalking, kayaking, surfing, fishing, whale watching, birdwatching, or horse riding, but, have you ever watched dolphins jumping through the waves as they chase salmon during the seasonal migration? 

Spotted kangaroos foraging for tender shoots to munch on in their verdant surroundings? Or witnessed emus grazing in the fields on a lazy, sun-drenched afternoon? In Margaret River, which is one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots, you’ll find the highest concentration of rare and endangered species in Australia. Prepare to see wildlife like nowhere else in the world.

Birds of Prey in Margaret River

Birds of Prey in Margaret River
Photo by Tobse Fritz on Unsplash

We all know that birds can be a lot of fun to watch, but did you also realize they play an important role in our ecosystem? Birds like eagles and falcons are known as raptors. They have keen eyesight with sharp talons for hunting live prey while other species such as owls eat only insects or crabs! In order to identify if someone’s bird is actually one of these types try looking at its wingtips when flying because most feathers will be divided into ‘fingers’ which makes them look similar enough compared to some regular-sized wings (without fingers).

Come to the Eagle Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre outside of Margaret River, WA, and find out all about these magnificent birds. Meet their 60+ raptors like bald eagles or peregrine falcons while learning how you can protect your backyard from them!

Here are some raptors that call the Margaret River in South Australia home.

Wedge-tailed eagle

Wedge-tailed eagles are the largest birds of prey in Australia, with an impressive wingspan that can measure up to 2 meters. The females tend to be larger than males and both genders start off as light reddish brown before darkening over time into almost black forms recognizable by their distinctive tails which flare out wide just prior to tapering at the point where the middle becomes sharp tip capable of raining blows on prey while hunting for carrion items such likes dead animals left stranded along country roads after fatal collisions

Peregrine falcon

The peregrine falcon is known for its speed. When diving at more than 300 kilometers an hour, it can make the sound of a jet during flight and be seen by radar because their wings do not create any trail in return oxygen levels drop below ambient light level making them effectively invisible to humans! females are larger than males with bodies about the same size as ravens but have shorter legs so they rarely fly faster than 100 kmph while hunting birds over urban areas where their diet consists mainly of feral pigeons which have been introduced intentionally or otherwise

Barn Owl

Barn owls are easily identified by their heart-shaped faces and white bellies, with brown wings that they can use to hunt for small creatures in the dark. These nocturnal birds have been found all over South Australia but most notably around Adelaide where there is a large population living along city streets or within suburban areas like Hills areas which have led some people to complain about increased noise levels due to these pesky pests coming inside your house at night while you’re trying sleep because well…they just want something tasty!

But Margaret River isn’t just a haven for birds of prey. The area is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. So whether you’re looking to spot some rare birds or simply want to experience the beauty of Australia’s unique wildlife, Margaret River is the place to go!

Whales in Margaret River

Whales in Margaret River
Photo by Dmitry Osipenko on Unsplash

Humpback Whales are not only beautiful creatures to watch but also important for their conservation efforts. The seaside town of Augusta has one the best locations in Australia where you can view these mammals as they make themselves known by migrating north through Ngari Capes Marine Park, sometimes competing with other males or hormone showcasing during springtime behaviors such as breached breaches and tail slaps before going off on different diets depending what part about Antarctica is looking more appetizing at any given time

A true highlight while traveling around this parts will be seeing rare species like Southern Right Whale who come here specifically because it provides enough food sources until fall comes along again next year

Dunsborough is one of the state’s favorite holiday destinations, due to the tranquil waters and amazingly white sands. These waters provide a perfect backdrop to observe Humpback Whales and Blue Whales, as they escort calves born in Australia’s northwest back to Antarctica. It is common for these majestic creatures to travel close to shore, as they nurse and rest with their calves in the protected bay.

Busselton: Meet the Woylies

Busselton: Meet the Woylies
Photo taken from Viator Website

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s unique wildlife, look no further than Busselton. Just a short drive from Margaret River, Busselton is home to the Woylie, a small marsupial that looks like a cross between a kangaroo and a mouse. These friendly creatures are often seen waddling around town and are known to approach humans in search of food or a pat on the head.

While they may be small, Woylies play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing the seeds of the plants they eat. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and predation by feral cats, Woylies are now considered to be endangered. But thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Busselton Woylie Action Group, these little creatures are getting the help they need to survive and thrive in the wild.

Meet the Wallabies

Meet the Wallabies, wildlife of Margaret River
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Another animal you’re likely to see in Busselton is the wallaby. These marsupials are similar to kangaroos, but are smaller in size and have shorter tails. Wallabies are often seen hopping around town or grazing on the grassy banks of the Vasse River. While they may look cute and cuddly , wallabies can be aggressive, so it’s best to admire them from a distance.

Echidnas

Edchinas, wildlife of Margaret River
Photo by Emmanuel Higgins on Unsplash

If you’re lucky, you may also spot an echidna in Busselton. These unusual animals are covered in spines and have a long snout that they use to sniff out their favorite food – ants! While they  may look like they’re all prickles, echidnas are actually quite gentle creatures. If you see one, be sure to give it a wide berth, as they are easily startled and may lash out with their sharp spines.

See the Australian Kangaroos

See the Australian Kangaroos, Wildlife in Margaret River
Photo by Carles Rabada on Unsplash

Australian kangaroos are the largest marsupials in the world and can be found all across Australia. In Margaret River, you’re likely to see Western Grey Kangaroos, which are distinguished by their silver-grey fur. These gentle giants are often seen grazing on the grassy plains or taking a nap in the shade.

While kangaroos are usually shy around humans, they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. So, if you see one, be sure to give it plenty of space and admire it from a distance, and maybe even snap a photo!

Local communities are concerned about the impact of these pressures on the health of the river systems and the biodiversity within them. In response, the Nature Conservation Council of South West WA is developing a strategy called Wooditjup Bilya – Working Together To Protect The Margaret River. This plan aims to protect and enhance the river system and the ecological corridor it provides through regional landscapes.

Another way to help with the conservation efforts, we recommend choosing holiday accommodations and staying locally, over major hotel chains. By choosing holiday accommodations in Busselton, for instance, you get up close and personal with some of these creatures. You will be helping to ensure the future of our natural environment.

So whether you’re looking to spot some rare birds or simply want to experience the beauty of Australia’s unique wildlife, Margaret River is the place to go! With a variety of creatures to see and things to do and spectacular holiday accommodations, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Related Stories