Life is all about travel. Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets. Adventure can remind you to explore new horizons, and step out of your comfort zone
Have you ever heard of Mandurah Dolphin cruises? Are you a dolphin lover? Do you love cruising? If yes, this will be the right spot for you. I am going to tell you about the top tourists attraction in Mandurah. Please feel free to follow me!
General introduction of Mandurah Dolphin cruises
Mandurah Cruises is located less than an hour from south of Perth Western Australia, in the stunning dolphin city of Mandurah. Their multi-award-winning cruises make them be one of the top Perth and Mandurah attractions for local and visiting tourists.
Mandurah Cruises has been operating for 10 years.
Mandurah Dolphin cruises is not about Dolphin only. It is also about to explore the Mandurah’s beautiful waterways, watch dolphins play or catch amazing seafood which is your thrilling adventure awaits!
There are so many things to do in Mandurah, but a trip to the coastal city isn’t complete without a cruise. You can experience the best of Western Australia’s natural environment on a 1 hour, half-day or full-day marine adventure on board the dolphin cruises. If you are looking to witness the cheeky and playful dolphins that the region is famous for, you cannot just go past one of their dolphin tours. My knowledgeable and professional guides will make your dolphin experience unforgettable. They do have the package tours for fishing, crabbing or crayfishing adventure which is very worth to do it and best experience in the region of Mandurah. Sometimes they have some function going on at the Mandurah Foreshore such as Mandurah Festival Day, markets day, Christmas lights cruise etc…..by that moment, they will offer very special prices of cruising which would be much cheaper than usual fare. But before visiting there, please make sure they are still running the dolphin cruises as usual because sometimes when there is a festival going on, the cruises will be not operate on that day so it is best to check online or call them before hand. For a magical festivals experience, book early for the most famous Christmas Lights Cruise if you are going before Christmas. Every year, thousands head go to Mandurah to witness the spectacular canal lights’ display. It is an event not to be missed!
There are 4 cruises available in Mandurah. They are Dolphin Scenic cruises, dolphin adventure cruises, seafood adventure cruises as well as the Christmas lights cruises.
Dolphin Scenic Cruise
Dolphin Scenic Cruise is on the riverside only. They won’t cruising on the ocean. This is a very slow motion cruise for you to explore around the river, the property, learning about the marine environment as well as the birdlife
Mandurah’s famous canals are the perfect backdrop for dolphin spotting, bird watching and learning more about their unique and precious marine environment.
Watch this beautiful waterways, there is private property as well as the private both which is pretty cool. These are very expensive to get so all we can do is enjoy watching them throughout the waterways, enjoying the dolphin while cruising around the river.
This is relaxing dolphin cruise through the calm waterways of the Mandurah Estuary which includes seeing Western Australia largest residential population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins; exploring the region vast wetlands and their abundant birdlife, exploring the beautiful property around the river, viewing the heritage protected pioneer and cultural sites, live commentary from some of the Mandurah most experienced dolphin cruise guides and many more. While exploring, they will give you 10% off in their souvenir shop. Please note that this tour is not guarantees that you can see dolphin. This is depending on the weather and your luck. However, if you didn’t see any dolphin while cruising, they will give you 20% off for your next cruise booking.
This is just a sample of the dolphin cruises daily schedule. Everyday timetable of the cruises are different so ensure you are check beforehand. It is better to depart for Mandurah by 8am from the CBD. It takes about 45 minutes by train from Perth city to the Mandurah train station then you will need to catch the bus to get to the Foreshore for the cruise tours.
This cruise tour would be cost approximately AUD$32 per adult and concession fare is cost AUD$25 per person. Children age between 5 and 12 years old is cost $18 per child. But if there is a festival going on, cost will be different. It is pretty good and worth to go for it. You should try it for once in a life time at least.
Dolphin Adventure Cruise
This adventure cruise is very fun. When i first experience this cruise, i was very surprising. It is a very high speed boat and bumpy but it was very cool with amazing experience. This is not unsuitable for kids as this cruise is adventure around the Ocean. It is an ocean cruise for adventure.
Before they welcome you onboard, they will let you read the cruising policies. When they about to reach the ocean side, they will ask you to remove your hat stuff before the boat start to increasing the speed. I love the high speed part. You will love it just i do.
Go on a wildlife adventure on their breathtaking Mandurah dolphin tour! Dolphin Adventure Cruise is a 1400hp safari vessel, the spirit of adventure is my home for this amazing 1.5 hour Mandurah dolphin tour with Dolphin Island Adventure. Mandurah is my other home to the largest residential population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in Western Australia, so it is guarantee that you’ll see the best world-famous friends or you can cruise again for free. On this adventurous Mandurah dolphin tour you will see the amazing dolphins up close as they show off their cheeky nature, playing and diving through the water around you.
You will learn everything you need to know about the Mandurah’s dolphins and the region with live commentary from their experienced and knowledgeable tour guides.
This bumpy boat is very costly but it is worth to go for a try once in awhile. To experience this, it cost $59 per adult as well as $25 per child age between 3-12 years old.
Seafood adventure cruise
I have never try this cruise tour and i would try in the future but all i know about their seafood adventure cruises is to catch and eat amazing seafood on their exhilarating seafood and fishing charters.
Mandurah is the seafood capital of Western Australia and Mandurah Cruises’ experienced guides know exactly where to find the finest delicacies of the region. You will enjoy one of their seafood and fishing charters to become part of the action.
By joining this tour group, you will catch your own world-famous Blue Swimmer Crab, pull up a crayfish and cast out for a Dhufish, Snapper, Samson or Baldchin Groper which is pretty cool. This tour is all about crab tours.
A seafood and fishing charter tour with Mandurah Cruises is adventurous, tasty and a unique experience to remember!
Have you heard of Mandurah Foreshore? Are you planning or thinking to explore around the Mandurah? Do you ever wandering what to do in Mandurah? You are in the right spot. I will describe about it.
General introduction of Mandurah Foreshore
Mandurah is one of the largest cities in Western Australia and it is part of Regional city. It is with a population of approximately 97,000, ahead of that of nearby Bunbury. With a relaxed holiday atmosphere, popular attractions and so much things to do. Mandurah is one a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. From the City of Perth to Mandurah is approximately 72 kilometres.
Mandurah is the perfect spot to spend the day and explore Peel and wider Western Australia. Staying in the heart of Mandurah has so much to offer couples and families. Mandurah has grown from what used to be a small seaside town to now a thriving city filled with restaurants, activities and adventure sports. Built-up around the Mandurah Foreshore, this waterside spot is the best and most central location to take in all Mandurah has to offer locals. It is the best place to adventure.
What to do in Mandurah Foreshore
1) DOLPHIN CRUISE THE CANAL
Cruising surround the foreshore to watch dolphin show. I will share more about this cruising experience on my next blog. Stay tune.
Boating and kayaking are the best in the foreshore to explore around the ocean and river as well as the beautiful houses on the water.
2) EXPERIENCE MANDURAH CUISINE
Waterfront cuisine is always the best 😃
The most popular cuisine in Mandurah definitely is seafood. Come to this place always get seafood cuisine.
The best cuisine
The best restaurant for seafood name called Cicerello. Most of the visitors purchase fish and chip in Cicerello restaurant. Cicerello’s Seafood Restaurant is the best place to enjoy fish and chips. It has done so for over 100 years and its restaurant is located in a great location. Besides, one can enjoy champagne, wine or beer while eating freshly caught seafood including crayfish, oysters, crabs and mussels at the water’s edge. The iconic Cicerello’s is known as Western Australia best seafood eatery offering a range of family friendly dining options on the water’s edge. With alfresco seating overlooking Mandurah’s Peel inlet, Cicerello’s succulent fish and chips are world renowned and not to be missed. Apart from that, you can choose from a wide array of treats from the cafe such as coffee, waffles, homemade gelato and cake.
3) CHRISTMAS IN MANDURAH
If you are planning a trip to Mandurah between December and January, make sure you book for a Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise earlier. You can even hire an electric boat to cruise the area to see the waterside homes that decorate their elevation every year. That’s how local people celebrate Christmas in town.
4) Heritage Walk
I was walking all the way from the foreshore through heritage. You will walk pass-by the fun fair
5) Art Gallery
This place is the best place to do some pose for snapshots and it is always located out front of the art gallery somewhere at the foreshore.
Are you thinking of traveling to Western Australia in the future? Do you wish to cuddle Koalas? Are you an animal lover? Do you love animals? Going to tell you about one of the best destination is called Cohunu Koala Park. This is the only one park where they allowed people to cuddle Koala. This attractions is not that famous in Perth Australia so not everybody know about this Park. If you are interested, please feel free to subscribe and follow me on my this sites and my twitters/instagram to stay tune for my upcoming journal. You are more than welcome to visit my sites.
Welcome to TravelQueen4ever site for the travel journal 😀
General introduction of Koala Park
Have you ever heard about Cohunu Koala Park? Cohunu Koala Park is located on 14 hectares of natural Australian bushland just 40 minutes drive from the City of Perth in Western Australia to Byford.
The Cohunu Koala Park koala colony was established in year 1982, when its first 4 koalas arrived from South Australia. It is now boasts more than 25 koalas in its colony, usually increasing by 4 baby joeys each year.
DEER
Kangaroos
When i visited Cohunu Koala Park, i have met deer, kangaroos and koalas. Some of them may be very shy but it is still manageable to feed them.
It is the best attractions to come and make friends with some of the unique Australian fauna living in the park. Hand feed with many of the free roaming animals. Have a chat with over 30 talking parrots, see dingoes, kangaroos, emus, deer and koalas, just to name a few of the animals that live at the park. By the way, please be aware of the Emus as it is dangerous. The emus in the park is walking around and sometimes they love to be very near people so make sure you are not touch them.
Observations train tracks
Take a ride on the Cohunu Park Railway which zig zags its way throughout the park most weekends and public holidays only. The subject may change according to the weather conditions.
There is an admission fees for a visit. It would be cost $15 per adult.
The beautiful Cohunu Park in WA
Exploring around the park and saw the crab on the ground
Best place to come and make friends with the animal kingdom, emus, wallabies, owls, dingos and deers are only a few of the other animals that can be fed at the park. The most popular of Cohunu is cuddle Koalas 😍
This Koala name is called Abby. She is very friendly and adorable. While cuddling her, she was very focusing on my camera during selfies time. Some of my friends were asking me about their nail and if it is kinda heavy to cuddle them. In my personal experience of cuddling koala, it is not heavy at all, it is just as same as cuddling children. It is not a big different. But, one thing i find about cuddling her was very fun and it is enjoyable until i want to bring her home. Regarding to Koalas nail, yes, it is very sharp and it is kinda painful while cuddling her because of the sharp nail but it is still very cute for me to cuddle.
Cohunu Koala Park is Western Australia’s the only wildlife park that allows you to pick up and cuddle one of their loveable, furry friends which is koalas. It will be just cost $30 per person to have a cuddle and a photo taken with the star of the park, the perfect souvenir to remember the perfect day of visit. It is quite costly but it is worth it. It is a very memorable and good experience to be spending for this.
While cuddling Abby, i was feeding her and she was very adorable. When i was feeding her, She seem like very hungry as she was eating very fast. But when i took a selfies with her, the staff took away her food because she kept eating without looking at my cameras.
Ensure to bring your own camera with you to take some snapshot, especially cuddling with koalas.
Most of the people going to the Cohunu Koala Park for cuddling koalas purposes. It is a very memorable moments. You will love it just like I do. Everybody love cuddling koalas 😀
Do you know who is this? It is humpty dumpty. I was surprising to see humpty dumpty around the park.
When you are exploring around the Cohunu Koala Park, you will see the Museums and the farm around the park. You could pose with lot of animals in the Park to have some snapshot and memorably time which is pretty cool.
This is how i had a pose for a snapshot with one of the dinosaurs 😂, it was a very beautiful moment and being a copycat. Dinosaurs are around the Museums in the park. Many people love to pose with them because it is very cool
Things to do in the Cohunu Koala Park are pretty much such as exploring the park, hand feed the friendly kangaroos, wallabies, the best cuddle a koala for a souvenir photo as well as to pose for a snapshot with one of the dinosaur replicas. #Dreams #Vacation
Do you love park? Are you interesting with garden? I am going to introduce you about the destination of the Kings Park. Kings park is based in Perth Australia where you can view the beautiful city of Perth and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Western Australia. It is the largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It is rich in Aboriginal and European history, contemporary culture and it offers innovative design, displays and services. Kings Park has an international reputation for scientific research, leading horticulture, conservation as well as the public education.
Kings Park is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora. Two thirds of the 400 hectare park is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological diversity.
Meeting of two rivers which is name called Swan rivers and Canning rivers 🙂
It is a place where you will enjoy sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers which is shown the picture above, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges to the east. Bushland walk trails, immaculate gardens and parklands and a variety of children’s discovery play areas can all be found in Kings Park. The Visitor Information Centre, free daily guided walks, Aspects of Kings Park gallery shop, cafes and public transport are easily accessible.
Botanic Garden
Western Australian Botanic Garden
Kings Park and Botanic Garden celebrates the unique and diverse plant life of Western Australia and it is part of the worldwide network of botanic gardens committed to plant conservation. The original vision for Perth Park, later Kings Park, was of a European style garden with lawns, shady trees and flower beds. Recognition of the climatic differences and the low nutrient soil changed this vision.
In October 1965, the 17 hectare Western Australian Botanic Garden was opened; an everchanging, living research centre that focuses on the conservation of Western Australia’s flora and displays some of the State’s most diverse and spectacular plant groups.
When you visit the kings park, there is a very beautiful Botanic Garden in the kings Park. If you are interested in learning the local aboriginal plants then you should walking around the botanic garden.
While walking around the botanic garden, you will see quite lot of this garden sign to tell you more details about the name of the garden such as the picture shown on the left side which is name garden called Dwellingup mallee. You will see the tallest tree which is called Boab tree as well. It is very interesting.
When I visited the botanic garden in the park, I find the boab tree is very interesting. One of the tour guide from the park, share us about the Boab tree. The story of the Giant Boab is called ‘Gija Jumulu’ captured world-wide media coverage during July 2008 as it journeyed over 3,200 kilometres, from Warmun in WA’s Kimberley region, to Kings Park in Perth.
Never before had a mature tree of this nature been transported across such a distance on the land. The iconic tree is estimated to be 750 years old, weighs 36 tonnes and stretches 14 metres high and eight metres wide (branch span). It is trunk measures 2.5 metres in diameter.
Glass bridge 😀
Take a walk in the treetops on the Glass Bridge which they name called Lotterywest Federation Walkway and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Swan River and Perth City.
Beautiful view from the glass bridge in the park
An impressive feat of engineering and architecture, the Glass Bridge is strong sculptural quality bonds with its landscape, with the rusted steel and powerful forms of the colossal pylons having an affinity with the large tree trunks surrounding them.
My perfect background 😂
As the land beneath the walkway starts to drop away into a valley and my journey leads me higher, I get a new perspective which enriches my appreciation of nature’s beauty.
From a bird’s eye view, I find myself marvelling a new at zamia cycads and balgas or grass trees, it is because I suddenly see the perfect pattern of their radial symmetry. Up in the forest canopy, I was at the one with the blossoms of marri, karri, tingle and jarrah, the intricate little cones of sheoak and dozens of native birds.
Just north of the Two Rivers Lookout near the Forrest roundabout, the Glass Bridge begins at ground level but I am soon swept aloft as I approach the apex – a spectacular arched bridge with a maximum height of 16 metres and glass walls which allow uninterrupted views to the forest floor. At the highest point, do take a moment to absorb the panorama of the Swan and Canning Rivers.
I still remember that i did jumping on the bridge and my friend was screaming because the bridge is very shaky as i was jumping. It is very good experience with walking on the bridge. The bridge is a walkway to get to the DNA towers.
The whole walkway is about 620 metres long, with the aerial section being 222 metres including the 52 metre bridge. It is accessible by wheelchair, although people with manual mobility devices may need assistance on the arch.
Artworks within the walkway include designs by the Nyoongar, the local Indigenous people. After spanning Mount Eliza Scarp the walkway descends to an amphitheatre where traditional performances are held during the Kings Park Festival. This performance area is named called Beedawong – the Nyoongar word for a celebration or meeting place.
Walking to the DNA Tower will pass by here
While walking pass through the glass bridge, you will walk pass this lane. It is a very beautiful plant surround there and you will see the water garden when you walk upto the DNA Towers.
DNA TOWERS
The beautiful of the DNA Towers
The DNA Tower is reffered from the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-helix molecule, which is found in all cells and control the development of life.
It is the highest viewing point in Kings Park with spectacular views throughout the climb. On a clear day you may even be able to see the Indian Ocean. DNA Towers is for you to have a view this beautiful City of Perth from the top. You could see the both rivers which is Swan and Canning rivers from the top. It is quite tiring to walk up but it is worth to do it because it is very beautiful view from the top of this towers.
The paving and wall surrounding the DNA Tower was constructed using stones from 11 towns and 80 shires within the Western Australia. The original design included a shallow reflecting pond at the base of the tower. It was replaced with Karratha stone paving in 2001 to enhance visitor safety.
The DNA Tower is located at the Forrest Drive end of the Broadwalk Vista. It is an easy 1.5 km walk from May Drive Parkland and the Western Australian Botanic Garden.
How beautiful is this viewing from the Kings Park
Apart from these things to do, what else is there to explore and discover in Kings Park? Most of the tourist visiting kings park for the DNA Towers, viewing the beautiful of the city, glass bridge, the botanic garden, Art Gallery as well as learning the local aboriginal cultures. Local people usually going to the Kings Park for BBQ with their family and friends, especially on the weekend. Kings park is also able to host for the couple to have a wedding activities such as wedding dinner. It is a very good background for the couples to have some nice photoshoot in the Kings Park.
Ultimately, Kings Park is very good for the education as well. Some school and the university always taking their student for a field trip to Kings Park to discover before giving them some activities to do which is pretty fun.
I do highly recommeded to go for a view if you are travelling to the Kings Park. It is one of the top destination in Perth Australia.
Stay tune on my next blog 🙂
If you have any concern and question, please don’t feel hesitate to contact me. I will help by giving you some travel advice. Make sure you are not traveling now due to the COVID-19 but for you to visit after this virus ended.
Cijin Island is a very small island in Kaohsiung Taiwan. Kaohsiung is belong to the Southern area in Taiwan. It is just 15 minutes ferry ride outside the famous Kaohsiung Harbour to the Cijin Island. Although it is a very small Island, this island has become a favorited destination for those people whoever had visiting the city. The island is famous not just only for historical and cultural sites, but also for the fresh seafood around the night market. It really is perfect for any type of travelers; no matter if you are visiting for a hiking trip, sightseeing, cycling, photography etc. Cijin Island has something special for everyone.
Cijin Island is one of those destinations that always has visitors and it is the best tourists attractions in Taiwan, it is because there is so much trip to do in the island. Those who love a good hike usually make their way to the famous Cijin Lighthouse that is located on top of the hills. The hike is not difficult and it is easy to navigate around the trails, so it is very suitable for many people. Cycling around the island is also a preferred activity in Cijin Island; some of the best places that can be explored include the Cijin Windpower Park and the Cijin Seashore Park. Exploring an island is not completely without a dip in the water, and because the water in Cijin is quite warm, many love to relax while soaking their feet or taking a swim by the beach. Lastly, it is also important to try some seafood in the port area of Cijin since it is known to be very fresh.
Which Month and what season of the year will be the best for visit
There is four seasons in Taiwan. They are Winter, Autumn, Spring and Summer. Taiwan season is totally opposite with Australia seasons. For example, When Australia is on Winter, Taiwan is on the Summer season. Many people are wondering that which season would be the best visit Cijin Island. In my personal experience, the best time to visit Cijin Island would be between September and February of the years. That would be when the summer about to end. It is because Summer is the season of raining which is not able to explore much on the island while raining so it is very best to visit between September and February which was Autumn, Winter and Spring season. I am not recommended to visit between June and August as the weather is too heat with raining. You may wondering that why Winter would be good to visit. Well, Kaohsiung won’t be freezing during the winter. It is totally different with Taipei City.
Please note that during the summer seasons, the ocean wave is pretty strong due to the weather
Introduction of the Cijin Lighthouse
Lighthouse
According to the photo taken above, it is taken from the Lighthouse in the Cijin Island. Aside from the scenery, Cijin is also famous for its historical sites, including the Cijin Lighthouse and the Cijin Fort. In 1883, British engineers built the Cijin Lighthouse, which was used for the military during their conflicts with France. The lighthouse went through several reconstructions during the Japanese colonisation, and it is now open to the public. The Cijin Fort is also a historical site in the island that must be on the itinerary. The fort was originally built in 1720 and has witnessed quite a lot during its time. Since it was destroyed in the war, the fort was reconstructed in 1991 and is now one of the most famous attractions in Cijin Island that offers a magnificent 360 view.
The History of Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell Monument in the Cijin
Basically James Laidlaw Maxwell Senior Chinese name called 馬雅各 and he was born on 18 March 1836 in Scotland. March 1921 was the first Presbyterian Missionary to Formosa (Qing-era Taiwan). He served with the English Presbyterian Mission.
Maxwell studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and completed his degree in year 1858 with a graduation thesis of The Chemistry and Physiology of the Spleen. He worked in London at Brompton Hospital and at the Birmingham General Hospital. He was an elder in the Broad Street Presbyterian Church before being sent to Taiwan by the Presbyterian Church of England (now within the United Reformed Church) in 1864. He donated a small printing press to the church which was later used to print the Taiwan Church News.
On 16 June 1865, at the urging of missionaries H.L. Mackenzie and Carstairs Douglas, he established the first Presbyterian church in Taiwan, this date now celebrated by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan as its anniversary. First of his mission centred in the then-capital Taiwan Fu (now Tainan city); in 1868 he moved near Cijin and now part of Kaohsiung where his work place, both medical and missionary, became more welcomed. In early 1872 he advised Canadian Presbyterian missionary pioneer George Leslie Mackay to start his work in northern Taiwan, near Tamsui.
He married with Mary Anne Goodall who died on January 1918 of Handsworth on 7 April 1868 in HongKong. They had two sons, John Preston and James Laidlaw Jnr, both of whom later also became medical missionaries. He retired in London in 1885 where he formed and became the first secretary of the Medical Missionary Association. He and his sons oversaw the construction of Sin-Lau Hospital in Tainan, the first western-style hospital in Taiwan. The younger J. L. Maxwell served in the Tainan hospital from 1900 to 1923, during Taiwan’s Japanese Era.
How to travel down to the Cijin Island
How to travel down to the Cijin Island? Well, this would be depending on where will you be coming down from. Firstly, getting to the Cijin Island from Kaohsiung City is very easy. Just take the MRT orange line and get off at Sizihwan MRT Station. From there, just head to the harbour and take Cijin Ferry; instructions from the MRT station to the harbour are available around the streets and it will take about 10 minutes to get there on foot. The cost to the Cijin Ferry is roughly NT$15 (approximately 0.50 USD) and the journey is around 15 minutes. Travelers can take a bike on the ferry so if you prefer to rent a bike in Sizihwan, so it wouldn’t be an issue.
But if you are drive, you wouldn’t need to worry about the ferry and you can explore much more surround the island by car.
For instances, when traveling to Kaohsiung, do saving a day for Cijin Island is a definitely a no-brainer. This island offers varieties of activities and sights for many types of travelers, starting from hiking, cycling, sightseeing, to eating. How can anyone say not to that? So, if you are planning to travel in Taiwan and looking for something to do in Kaohsiung, be sure to take a day trip to Cijin Island. You won’t feel regret to visit as it is worth of travelling. #vacation#dream#summer#Cijinisland
Hope you enjoy your vacation when you get there one day. Stay tuned for my next post 🙂
Dolphin discovery centre is located in Koombana Bay Bunbury WA and it is a top tourist attractions in Bunbury Western Australia. This attraction is for tourist to have premier wild dolphin experience. They have a good facilities such as cafe and restaurant. Their food are yummy and I do recommended for a taste. They do have 4 tours market. These tours are interaction zone, interpretive centre, Dolphin Eco Cruises and swim with the dolphins.
Interaction Zones
Firstly, interaction zone with so many dolphins living along the coast, Bunbury and Koombana Bay offer the perfect opportunity for dolphins and humans to meet and interact. The Interaction Zone has been designated as a special dolphin protection area for this very purpose. Under strict license conditions set out by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (BDCA), the Centre has been able to offer a unique interactive experience on the beach right in front of the Centre since 1989. Dolphin Volunteers have been trained to ensure the interaction guidelines are followed and they will always be present on the beach to answer your questions and manage the interaction should dolphins visit the Zone. Naturally, being a wild animal there is no set time, however, the most common visit times are in the mornings of the warmer months between 8 am – 12 noon! Therefore, there is no ticket or booking requires!
Interpretive Centre
Secondly, interpretive centre is the aquarium where will give the tourists to experience the local marine environment. Also, there is a feeding program. All age groups are welcome to participate with interpretive centre. However, there is $18 per person for the admission fees. There is an option of package with the dolphin eco cruises. Please take note that 3 years old and below are free of charge.
Dolphin Eco Cruises
Dolphin Surfing
Thirdly, the Dolphin Discovery Centre’s Dolphin Eco Cruise is for 90 minutes within Koombana Bay. Centre’s vessel provides an excellent viewing platform designed to get you as close as possible to the dolphins – without getting your feet wet! The team will introduce you to their local Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact in their natural environment. Many of the Dolphins seen on the cruise call Koombana Bay their home. They can be seen frolicking, playing, sleeping and feeding during the cruise. The informative commentary from the skipper will keep you updated throughout. This tour is running daily for 12pm noon scheduled! The cost fees will be $54 per person. I do highly recommended for you as a tourist to go for a tour and experience Dolphin eco cruises. $54 fares included for you to learn more about the Dolphin genders, surfing, food they eat etc…..The best day to go will be between October and May. Please try to avoid cold or raining season due to the horrible weather.
Swim with the Dolphins
Lastly, I do highly recommended for swim with the dolphins for an intimate swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment. This tour is the most popular and exhilarating experience. Visitors are given the opportunity to swim with the wild Bottlenose Dolphins in their own environment. Accompanied by my experienced guide and trained volunteers you will venture into the open waters of Koombana Bay. Depending on dolphin sightings you will be guided into the water where the dolphins may elect to initiate interaction with the swimmers. As they are wild dolphins, interaction cannot be guaranteed. This tour is only available between November – April. Always running at 8am sharps. Regarding to the prices, swimmers will be cost $165 per person, Observers cost $85 per person.
History of Dolphin Discovery Centre
During the mid 1960s, local resident Mrs Evelyn Smith began feeding the dolphins from a small jetty near her home on the Leschenault Inlet (directly south of the Discovery Centre). However, it wasn’t until 1989 that a dolphin specialist was hired by the newly established Bunbury Dolphin Trust to continue this tradition and begin feeding and studying the local dolphins of Koombana Bay.
From this work came the establishment of the Interaction Zone in 1990 and the Dolphin Discovery Centre in 1994 to allow tourists and members of the community to interact, understand and enjoy the group of five to six dolphins that regularly visit this Zone. We don’t clearly understand why the dolphins continue to visit the Zone today, however, research suggests that the small amount of food they receive as a reward for their visit is not the only attraction. There are many dolphins that visit the Zone regularly that do not receive any fish and many of them stay for extended periods of time for interaction with the human visitors. Sick and injured dolphins also treat the beach as a haven, with some repeatedly visiting during periods of illness or injury. A weekly dolphin visitation chart is maintained on site as a guide for people who visit the Centre. The Dolphin Discovery Centre will continue to grow and increase its resources to further make its mark on the tourism industry and to continue to care and conserve the Koombana Bay dolphins.
How to get to the Dolphin Discovery Centre?
South West Coachlines
Well, this is depend on where are you coming down from. If you are coming down from Perth airport, you will need to book for the South West Coachlines buses from airport to the Bunbury Bus Station. It will takes for about 3 hours to get to Bunbury. If you are coming down from Perth City, there is two public transportation go to Bunbury. They are Australind train line and the South West Coachline buses. The pickup point for the buses will be at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. It will takes for 4 hours to get there from Perth. After you arrive the Bunbury Bus Station, it will take you for a walk to Dolphin Discovery Centre for about 15 to 20 minutes walk. Buses is strongly recommended as the distance to the DDC is pretty closely. For the train line, it will takes for 2 hours to get to Bunbury which is very good and fast but there is a distance to the centre so you will need to take the bus to get to the centre from Bunbury train station if you catch train line down. Train line is much cheaper than buses. This will be up to your preference. Go for a visit and Enjoy yourself!!
Are you a hiking lover? Do you love hiking? Taiwan is the best country for hiking. Hiking is very good exercise in life. There is lot of best hiking attractions for tourists in Taiwan. One of them is called Hiking Elephants Mountain. It is the best destination for hiking. While hiking, you could see the beautiful viewing of the heart of Taipei from the top which is pretty cool. I am going to share this fun moment with human beings. Hope you will like it just i do.
Basically, I was taking the MRT red line from Da’ an MRT station to the XiangShan MRT Station. Hiking Elephants Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in Taipei Taiwan. It is 183m high and has a hiking trail about 1.5km long. The taipei 101 can be seen from the trail. The six Giant Rocks are a tourist attraction in XiangShan. There are so many people haven’t know about this attractions and I am going to give more fun of my experience now. It is scary but perfect view of the Taipei City which is great. it is free of charge so there is no fee needed.
Xiangshan Hiking Trail
XiangShan Hiking Trail is the most painful experience but it is worth to go have this kind of experience. It is very convenient to go for a visit by MRT train line. The best time to visit Hiking Trail Mountain is between March and November. When you encounter raining season or earthquake season, please do skip this attraction for safety purposes. Especially is raining season, it is very slip on the stairs so it is very dangerous to walk up the hills when there is raining. Therefore, I had heard that weekends get pretty packed so you should avoid visit this place on the weekends
Boulders platform
According to this photo shown above, I have taken from the mountain stones. It is the best place for viewing the whole Taipei. Weekdays always the best for hike.
I went there alone and it took me for 10 minute walk from the MRT station, also 30 minutes from the bottom to the top of the hills. Some people may feel tiring and need a break middle of hiking, the whole experience could take it for minimum 1.5 hours, this will depend on how busy will be on that day and how fast you hiking from the bottom to the top. Sometimes take very long when you are waiting on queue for the perfect photoshoot. Although night time is perfect for visit but it is not safe to hiking at night as it is very dark and hardly to see.
You may ask yourself about how hard is the hike? It is not too hard. Like what I have mentioned above, it take me for 30 minutes from the bottom to the top of the hill and I did have a quick break when I was on my way. I do recommended to bring your water bottle, a towel as well as your camera of course, other than that it’s pretty basic.
Viewing from the Hike Mountains
The first stop is a viewing platform after about 10 minutes, then there is a selection of boulders that people climb all over for epic pictures. Ultimately, 1 minutes beyond the boulders is the main viewing platform where all the pro-photographers lineup each day!
I heard people said hiking before sunset and watching the change is one awesome option if you have time to spare, other than that you could do the hike twice, once in a morning and once in an evening.
How to get to Elephant Mountain hiking trail?
This is the destination MRT where to get off at
When you hear about a ‘hike’ you assume it’ll take you all day. Getting there, hiking, finding the top etc, thats not the case with Elephant Mountain Taipei! If you’re staying elsewhere in the city, jump on the MRT subway system and head to Xiangshan, it is the last stop on the red line. Walk out exit 2, and follow your google map. It’s really easy to find so shouldn’t an issues.
All-in-all it’s an awesome activity, and even adds a little bit of exercise to your day. I have great memories of my time hiking the Elephant Mountain Taipei and I hope you guys ensure you get to experience in your time there too, you won’t regret the effort, even if it is a little hot and humid! And don’t worry, it’s honestly not too difficult. Even if you’re out of shape, you can take your time and still be rewarded with the best views of the city. Enjoy! #Vacation #Winter
TravelQueen4ever 旅遊的璐 