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Locum tenens visiting the Western Australia city of Perth can get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life by taking a trip to Carnac Island, a scenic nature reserve that sits a few miles off the coast.
In the early days of European settlement in Australia, Carnac Island was used as a penal colony for members of aboriginal tribes from the Swan River area. Since then, however, it has been set aside as a sanctuary for a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Some of the most engaging species that live on or near the island are Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins, which often leap out of the water alongside boats making their way to Carnac's shores.
This destination has also been deemed an Important Bird Area by international ornithological groups thanks to its range of seabirds. In particular, Carnac is home to a significant colony of fairy terns, a vulnerable species endemic to the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
Visitors to the island may also be able to see tiger snakes. These reptiles are known for their tiger-like coloration, although travelers are advised to stay at a safe distance so they can avoid the snakes' dangerous venom.