02/03/2026
The most magical experience ✨ how lucky are we to have it happening in our backyard?!
The bioluminescence in the Frankland River at Walpole can be difficult to capture on film, but Kieran Dearle managed it.
For locals like tour guide Emma Bennett it's an annual tradition to head for a night swim in the sparkling water in the summer months.
The bioluminescence is caused by a microscopic single celled organism called a dinoflagellate.
"The one that we get down here, in particular in the Walpole area, is called noctiluca scintillans," Ms Bennett said.
"The name of that dinoflagellate literally translates to night light sparkling."
Warmer water temperatures are required.
"The best time to come and see it is the new moon of the new year, and we come down for our dinoflagellate dip," she said.
"Your movement in the water sets off a chemical reaction."
For more local news, sign up to our newsletter https://www.abc.net.au/greatsouthern