Dolphin Discovery Centre

Dolphin Discovery Centre A proud environmental community charity focused on conservation, education, research, and eco tourism
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As a proud environmental community charity all profits help fund our Conservation, Education, and Research Projects.

14/06/2026

There’s never a dull moment in Koombana Bay.

We were treated to quite the display this week, watching the RAC WA rescue helicopter training off our coastline alongside the rescue boat.

They’ve been operating in Bunbury for over 10 years now, and we had a record turn out when they held a VR event at the Dolphin Discovery Centre earlier this year.

In this stormier weather, we can also provide our own rescue missions. When the weather gets wild it’s common for turtles to wash ashore. It is important to NOT put them back in the water (it’s far too cold, and they are off course).

Become a and if you find a turtle, gently put it into a container on a damp towel. Contact the DDC and we will admit the little patient into our rehabilitation centre.

When it comes to loggerhead hatchlings, only 1 out of every 1000 reaches sexual maturity - so every single turtle rescued makes a difference to the future of this species.

Yes, this is Squirdle. No, this is not his standard enclosure.Both Squirdle and Treasure were measured up today for thei...
12/06/2026

Yes, this is Squirdle. No, this is not his standard enclosure.

Both Squirdle and Treasure were measured up today for their temporary travel boxes because - NEXT WEDNESDAY - they will be flying back up to the Ningaloo Reef 🐒.

When it comes to fitting turtles in boxes, it’s very much a goldilocks situation: the box has to fit juuust right. They need to be comfortable, but also secure. Now that we found the perfect size for them both, we’ll make sure to fill the boxes with some comfy, damp padding for the big trip ✈️.

These two loggerheads have been rehabilitating with us for 2 years and their release is bittersweet - we’ve all grown quite attached to them.

Come by this weekend for your last chance to farewell these gorgeous creatures before they are popped back into the Leeuwin Current.

We’re open 9am to 3pm and have all out standard talks and feeding sessions, as well as our 14 gorgeous tanks and our interactive displays.

We’re looking forward to seeing you.

🐒 Only 1 Week Left to Visit Squirdle & Treasure! 🐒After nearly two years in our care, beloved loggerhead turtles Squirdl...
10/06/2026

🐒 Only 1 Week Left to Visit Squirdle & Treasure! 🐒

After nearly two years in our care, beloved loggerhead turtles Squirdle and Treasure are preparing for the next chapter of their journey.

Next Wednesday, these incredible turtles will leave the Marine Discovery Centre and begin their trip north to Ningaloo, where they will be released back into the wild.

For many of our visitors, Squirdle and Treasure have become favourite residents of the aquarium, inspiring thousands of people to learn more about sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation.

If you've been meaning to visit, now is the perfect time. Come and meet these remarkable turtles, hear their rescue stories, and help us celebrate the success of their rehabilitation before they return to the ocean where they belong.

πŸ“ Marine Discovery Centre, Dolphin Discovery Centre
πŸ“… Last chance to visit before their departure next Wednesday

Let's give Squirdle and Treasure the send-off they deserve. πŸ’™πŸŒŠ

πŸ“£ July School Holidays are coming! πŸ“£Everybody: Meet Sammy. Or – as Jasmine the black-headed python calls her – Sssssssss...
08/06/2026

πŸ“£ July School Holidays are coming! πŸ“£

Everybody: Meet Sammy. Or – as Jasmine the black-headed python calls her – Sssssssssssammy. 🐍

We're excited to introduce Sammy, our new Education & Program Coordinator! πŸŽ‰

Sunshine Sammy started as a volunteer but – after we learned of her experience and expertise - quickly joined the team to help deliver bigger, better programs that will inspire the next generation of ocean explorers. While this will include curriculum programs, right now we’re dreaming about the holidays! πŸ’­

We're putting the finishing touches on our upcoming school holiday program and can't wait to share it with you later this week. Expect animal encounters, interactive activities, arts, crafts, and plenty of opportunities for curious minds to learn, discover and have fun.

And yes... by popular demand, the reptiles are coming back! 🦎🐍 And so are some creepy-crawly friends πŸͺ²πŸ•·οΈ

Want to be the first to know when bookings open?

πŸ‘‰ Join our School Holiday Program mailing list today and get early access to the full program announcement.

https://ems.gs/3Tib0hMhaOB

Please give Sammy a warm welcome in the comments below! πŸ‘‹

πŸŽ‰Make this weekend a winner! 🐬The Bunbury Big Weekender is here, bringing AFL excitement, visitors, and a fantastic atmo...
04/06/2026

πŸŽ‰Make this weekend a winner! 🐬

The Bunbury Big Weekender is here, bringing AFL excitement, visitors, and a fantastic atmosphere to our city as the Fremantle Dockers take on North Melbourne this weekend.

To help celebrate, we're offering 10% OFF across the Dolphin Discovery Centre from Friday to Monday!

Enjoy 10% off:
🐬 Dolphin Eco Cruises (remember these have a dolphin guarantee)
βš“ Port Cruises
πŸ›οΈ Gift Shop purchases
🌊 Marine Discovery Centre entry

Whether you're visiting Bunbury for the footy or you're a local looking for a great long-weekend activity, it's the perfect opportunity to get out on the water, learn about our incredible marine environment, and support local tourism.

Come for the footy, stay for the dolphins, and celebrate everything that makes Bunbury such a special coastal destination.

Make sure you don't miss out and use the following code when you book online: 10%FootyWE

https://dolphindiscovery.com.au/book-online/

02/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME: After spending the day with 7NEWS Regional WA we decided it was only fair that they announce the name of the newest Dolphin Discovery Centre baby.

Bunbury, introducing the cutest little loggerhead in all the land *drum roll please* and their name is….

🐒 HELP US NAME OUR NEWEST PATIENT! 🐒After last night's wild storm, this tiny loggerhead turtle was found washed ashore a...
01/06/2026

🐒 HELP US NAME OUR NEWEST PATIENT! 🐒

After last night's wild storm, this tiny loggerhead turtle was found washed ashore at Peppermint Beach and has become the very first patient admitted to the Dolphin Discovery Centre's Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

While our team gets to work providing the care it needs, we'd love your help choosing a name!

We're looking for names that celebrate:
🌊 Turtles and marine conservation
πŸ“ Our South West region
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australian culture and heritage
🌦️ This turtles story (e.g. the stormy conditions that may have brought this little traveller ashore)

πŸ’¬ Drop your name suggestions in the comments below. We'll shortlist our favourites and invite the community to help choose the winner! Get your kids involved. If their name is chosen we'll send them their own special certificate!

This little turtle's journey is also an important reminder that storms often result in stranded marine wildlife. Over the coming days, we encourage everyone visiting our beaches to keep an eye out for turtles that may have washed ashore.

If you find a stranded turtle:

βœ… Gently pick up the turtle by placing one hand on either side of the shell
βœ… Place it on a damp towel in an open box or container
❌ Do NOT place it in water
❌ Do NOT cover it with towels or blankets
πŸ“ž Contact us immediately - (08) 9791 3088

Today marks an exciting milestone for turtle conservation in Bunbury, and we're thrilled to have our community join us on this journey.

Welcome, little one. Now all you need is a name! πŸ’πŸ’™

🐒 TURTLE WATCH - WE NEED YOUR HELP! 🐒Last night's wild weather may have brought more than just rough seas to our coastli...
01/06/2026

🐒 TURTLE WATCH - WE NEED YOUR HELP! 🐒

Last night's wild weather may have brought more than just rough seas to our coastline.

This morning, our Marine Turtle Rehabilitation Team responded to the first stranded turtle of the season at Peppermint Beach. While we're thrilled this turtle was found and is now receiving care, experience tells us there may be more turtles along South West beaches following the storm.

We're asking our community to keep an eye out while walking the coastline over the coming days.

⚠️ If you find a stranded marine turtle, please DO NOT put it back in the water ⚠️

Turtles that wash ashore are often suffering from cold shock, dehydration, malnutrition, injury, or illness and require urgent assessment and care.
If you find a turtle:

βœ… Ensure you are not putting yourself or others in danger
βœ… Gently pick up the turtle by placing one hand on either side of the shell
βœ… Place it on a damp towel in an open box or container
❌ Do NOT place it in water
❌ Do NOT cover it with towels or blankets
πŸ“ž Contact help immediately

The Dolphin Discovery Centre is the only approved marine turtle rehabilitation facility in the South West.
πŸ“ž Dolphin Discovery Centre (8am–3pm daily): (08) 9791 3088
πŸ“ž DBCA Wildcare Helpline: (08) 9474 9055

Even if you're not heading to the beach specifically to look for turtles, please keep your eyes open. A quick phone call could make all the difference for a turtle in need.

We’re so grateful to our partners JBS&G for providing the funding to set up our state-of-the-art Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Please share this post to help us spread the word throughout the South West. πŸ’šπŸ’

Address

Koombana Drive
Bunbury, WA
6230

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Thursday 8am - 3pm
Friday 8am - 3pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+61897913088

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