Brad Norman on what whale sharks reveal about the health of our oceans

For a snapshot in time, we asked eight people around the country to reflect on Australia Now. Here, Brad Norman a whale shark researcher for ECOCEAN in WA, shares his thoughts on what studying the endangered fish has taught him.

Keep reading our Australia Now series here.

A day in the life of a whale shark researcher

Brad Norman believes oceans are the new frontier. The 52-year-old whale shark researcher has based himself off the coast of Ningaloo Reef for two months most years for the past three decades. To help protect the ocean’s largest known fish, Norman, who is a Research Fellow at the Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, has developed an identification system based on its markings that borrows from a pattern-identification method used to map the night sky.

“When I started researching whale sharks, their conservation status as a species was unknown. Through my research, I was able to undertake a review that resulted in them being assessed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’. It drew a lot more attention to ensuring their conservation," says Norman, who lives in Perth when he’s not diving with these gentle giants off the deep blue waters around Ningaloo Reef.

“My interest in whale sharks has extended over half my life and I think that the whale shark is a flagship species for the health of the ocean and can help us draw attention to the need to protect it. These animals are the biggest fish of the sea and they eat tiny organisms including krill, small fish, and crab larvae. What’s imperative for their survival is that the whale sharks find productive areas of our ocean that are healthy," he says.

Brad Norman bases himself off the coast of Ningaloo Reef for two months of the year to research whale sharks.

Why whale sharks are so integral to our oceans

Brad says whale sharks can be a bellwether for the health of our oceans as their numbers have declined on our watch. “It’s important that we understand the negative short-term effect humans can have on an animal like this that has been around for millions of years."

Brad believes his monitoring program, initially set up through his conservation group, ECOCEAN, will help make a difference to preserve the species. The system relies on images taken by divers from more than 54 countries around the world who can take photos to help identify individual whale sharks in order to better understand the elusive fish, which can reach up to 18 metres in length.

Brad says whale sharks can be a bellwether for the health of our oceans.

“Each whale shark has a unique celestial-like pattern on its body. It is like a fingerprint and because they swim so close to the surface, it has given us an opportunity to identify individuals and monitor their movements. It’s been a very successful program as it gives people a sense of stewardship, which encourages them to think about what’s in their own backyard and gain ownership of the issue, which leads to good conservation practices."

Perched on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, the Wonil Hotel Perth pairs contemporary rooms and sweeping waterfront views with a sense of purpose that sets it apart.

In a rare model for the hospitality world, Wonil Hotel Perth operates as a not-for-profit hotel, directing 100% of its net revenue toward medical and scientific research across Western Australia’s five major universities. So while guests enjoy the calm of riverside living, their stay also quietly contributes to the future of science, innovation and health in Australia. And it’s a refreshing stand-out in Perth’s hotel scene.

Location

The peaceful riverside hotel is set on the banks of the Swan River.

Wonil Hotel Perth is located in the inner-city suburb of Crawley, a peaceful riverside locale about 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s positioned steps from Matilda Bay Reserve, where walking trails hug the shoreline and black swans glide along the water. From here, it’s a short drive or bike ride to Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the city’s arts and culture precincts. Though close to the action, the setting feels removed – quiet, leafy and surrounded by nature.

Style and character

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Matilda Bay.

Named after the Noongar word for peppermint tree, of which there are many shading the riverbanks outside, Wonil Hotel Perth is the first Australian property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The overall style is minimal without being sterile – warm wood finishes, tactile furnishings and clever lighting create a relaxed, understated space that melts into its natural surroundings.

The lobby is stunning, spacious and filled with inviting leather couches, well-stocked bookshelves and Indigenous art and sculpture work. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto a sheltered outdoor deck filled with tables and chairs overlooking the river. During the day this serves as the world’s most picturesque coworking space, but come 5pm, it’s where you’ll find most guests milling around, cocktails in hand.

Facilities

Spend time reading books in the cosy library nook.

Wonil Hotel Perth leans toward a pared-back offering, focusing on what guests actually need. While there’s no on-site fitness centre, hotel staff can provide access to the nearby University of WA gym and pool. But why would you, when the hotel is in prime location for an outdoor workout. Walk along the trails that meander through Matilda Bay Reserve, run along the riverfront to the iconic Kings Park, or even tackle the nearby Kokoda Trail – a steep 150-step ascent designed to simulate the exhaustion and effort of the original Kokoda Track soldiers in WWII.

The hotel includes West Kitchen & Bar, a small but well-curated restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secure paid parking. Limited parking is available on-site with an advanced booking.

Rooms

the premier king room with river view at Wonil Hotel Perth

Each room is sleek and spacious with views over the Swan River.

The hotel’s 66 rooms range from Standard to Executive and Premium, many with balconies and uninterrupted views over the Swan River, and some with interconnecting options for families or groups. My room was a Deluxe King with a balcony and river view.

Bathrooms are luxe and spacious.

The space somehow manages to be both modernly sleek and warmly inviting – textured grey walls illuminated by warm sconce lights, an exposed concrete ceiling offset by rich timber accents, and a black wrought iron balcony met with earthy-hued, upholstered leather furnishings. The spacious king bed, roomy shower with luxe Mr Smith toiletries, and complimentary coffee add a special touch.

Food and drink

the outdoor terrace at Wonil Hotel Perth

Gather for sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace.

West Kitchen & Bar offers a truly local experience. When it comes to the drinks, you won’t find anything – wine, beer, spirits – from outside WA. Even the soda water hails from the west. The wine list sees big WA makers like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager dance alongside smaller producers like Ironcloud, Singlefile and LS Merchants; with beers from local legends Gage Roads, Little Creatures, Beerfarm and Eagle Bay Brewing.

The dinner menu features seafood, steak and small plates designed for sharing, showcasing local producers. Standouts are the Rottnest kingfish with ruby grapefruit, the barramundi with Tuscan cabbage and the Harvey beef tri tip with smoked bone marrow butter and red wine jus. For dessert, a unique take on a classic – spiced red wine pannacotta, served with poached pear and fresh honeycomb.

Come morning, the hotel offers a curated selection of buffet breakfast options including seasonal fruits, homemade granola, pastries and sourdough. Plus, guests also get a choice of one item from the à la carte breakfast menu – the tomato bruschetta with balsamic, basil, feta and poached eggs on rye was exceptional.

Does Wonil Hotel Perth have access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible rooms to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

Is Wonil Hotel Perth it family-friendly?

Yes – the interconnecting rooms make family stays appealing, and the vast grassland and river foreshore of Matilda Bay Reserve are a beautiful spot for kids to run, splash and play in nature.

Best for: Couples, families, business travellers

Address: 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley