Burrunan Dolphin: Australia’s Rare Coastal Icon

Australia’s coastline is home to several kinds of bottlenose dolphin, but one small group has a particularly close connection to Victoria’s sheltered bays and lakes: the Burrunan dolphin.

Often called the Australian bottlenose dolphin, the Burrunan dolphin is known for its three-tone colouring, strong social bonds and small resident populations. It is also a useful reminder that the word “bottlenose” does not describe just one dolphin species in Australian waters.

What is a Burrunan dolphin?

The Burrunan dolphin is the name used in Victoria for coastal dolphins classified by the state as Tursiops australis. The Victorian Government’s Burrunan dolphin profile describes an animal about 2.5 metres long with a dark grey back, paler grey sides and a cream underside.

Its scientific classification is still being studied. Some Australian authorities recognise Tursiops australis as a distinct species, while international taxonomic reviews have treated its status as uncertain. That scientific debate does not make these dolphins any less important: the resident communities are small, localised and exposed to pressures in busy coastal environments. The Australian Government’s review of smaller whales and dolphins explains the continuing uncertainty around southern Australian bottlenose dolphin classification.

Burrunan, common or Indo-Pacific: what is the difference?

Australia has more than one type of bottlenose dolphin. Their ranges can overlap, and identification should be left to experienced researchers, but these names are useful when reading about Australian dolphins:

• Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): a widely distributed species found in temperate and tropical oceans, including around Australia.

• Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus): generally associated with warmer inshore waters in northern and western Australia, including parts of Queensland.

• Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis): the name used for distinctive bottlenose dolphins associated especially with coastal waters in Victoria and parts of southern Australia; its status as a separate species remains under scientific review.

For a broader introduction to the better-known common bottlenose dolphin, see the Australian Museum’s bottlenose dolphin guide. You can also read our overview of bottlenose dolphins in Australia.

Where do Burrunan dolphins live?

Victoria has two known resident populations: one in Port Phillip Bay and another in the Gippsland Lakes. The Victorian Government estimates approximately 120 individuals in Port Phillip Bay and about 63 in the Gippsland Lakes. These numbers are estimates rather than a national population count, but they show why each resident community matters.

Burrunan dolphins are most often seen in small social groups. Their use of bays, lakes and nearshore habitat places them close to cities, ports, recreational boats, fishing activity and catchments that carry pollution into the sea.

Moreton Bay in Queensland is also famous for bottlenose dolphins, but those animals are not the Victorian Burrunan population. Moreton Bay supports Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, including Muppet—the dolphin supported through our work with Dolphin Research Australia.

How can you recognise a Burrunan dolphin?

Researchers use a combination of body shape, colouring, genetics and long-term photo-identification. Features commonly described for Burrunan dolphins include:

• A dark grey upper body, paler grey sides and a cream-coloured underside

• A short, sturdy rostrum, or beak

• A rounded forehead

• A curved or falcate dorsal fin

• A body length of around 2.5 metres

• Social groups that commonly contain between two and 30 dolphins

Colour and shape alone are not enough for a reliable identification. Lighting, distance, age and individual variation can all change how a dolphin looks from shore or from a boat.

Family life, communication and intelligence

Like other bottlenose dolphins, Burrunan dolphins live in flexible social communities. Individuals form long-term relationships, mothers care for calves over several years, and dolphins cooperate while travelling, feeding and responding to danger.

Dolphins communicate with whistles, clicks, body movements and touch. They also use echolocation: a series of clicks that helps them build an acoustic picture of their surroundings and locate prey, even when visibility is poor.

Scientists can follow individuals over many years by photographing the nicks, notches and scars on each dorsal fin. This non-invasive photo-identification work helps researchers estimate abundance, understand relationships and track changes in habitat use.

Why are these coastal dolphins vulnerable?

A small resident population can be strongly affected by the loss of even a few animals. Because Burrunan dolphins live close to heavily used coastlines, threats can accumulate rather than occur in isolation.

• Pollution and poor water quality: chemicals, heavy metals, litter and runoff can enter bays and lakes through surrounding catchments.

• Marine debris and fishing gear: plastic, rope and fishing line can be swallowed or cause entanglement.

• Vessel disturbance: boats can interrupt feeding, resting, socialising and the care of calves.

• Underwater noise: persistent noise can interfere with communication and echolocation.

• Climate and environmental change: changes in temperature, salinity, prey and water quality can alter essential habitat.

How to watch dolphins responsibly

Seeing a dolphin in the wild can be unforgettable. The best encounter is one that allows the animal to choose its own direction and behaviour.

• Keep a respectful distance and never chase, encircle or block a dolphin’s path

• Slow down when dolphins are nearby and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction

• Never feed or touch a wild dolphin

• Give extra space to mothers with calves and to animals that are resting or feeding

• Choose wildlife operators that follow local viewing rules

• Take litter and fishing line home, and report injured or entangled wildlife to the relevant local authority

Rules can vary between states and marine parks, so check the current local guidance before approaching wildlife. The Australian Government’s overview of whales, dolphins and porpoises is a useful starting point.

Why Bottlenose Candles supports dolphin conservation

Our name reflects a genuine love of Australia’s dolphins and coastal environment. Bottlenose Candles supports Dolphin Research Australia, an organisation working in research, education and conservation. Dolphin Research Australia also lists Bottlenose Candles among its current sponsors.

Every purchase helps us continue that support. You can learn more about our dolphin conservation story and the coastal values behind our handmade candles.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Burrunan dolphin the same as every Australian bottlenose dolphin?

No. “Bottlenose dolphin” is a broad common name used for several closely related dolphins. Burrunan dolphins are associated mainly with southern Australian waters, especially Victoria, while common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins occur across much wider areas.

Are Burrunan dolphins found in Moreton Bay?

The resident bottlenose dolphins of Moreton Bay are generally described as Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, not the Victorian Burrunan population.

How many Burrunan dolphins are left?

The Victorian Government reports approximately 120 resident dolphins in Port Phillip Bay and about 63 in the Gippsland Lakes. These are estimates for the two known resident Victorian populations, not a complete count of every similar dolphin in southern Australia.

Are Burrunan dolphins endangered?

Their formal status depends on the classification and jurisdiction being used. What is clear is that the two resident Victorian populations are small and face multiple coastal threats, making continued research and protection important.

What is the best way to help?

Reduce plastic and fishing-line waste, keep waterways clean, observe dolphins responsibly, support reputable research organisations and share accurate information about local dolphin populations.

Protecting a rare coastal icon

The Burrunan dolphin’s story is both inspiring and unfinished. Scientists are still learning how these dolphins are related to other bottlenose populations, how they move through southern waters and how environmental change affects them.

Protecting clean water, quiet refuge areas and safe feeding habitat gives these dolphins the best chance to remain part of Australia’s coastal story. Small everyday choices matter—and so does supporting the researchers who turn sightings and fieldwork into lasting conservation.

Sources and further reading

• Victorian Government: Burrunan dolphin species profile

• Australian Museum: Bottlenose dolphin

• Australian Government DCCEEW: Whales, dolphins and porpoises

• Dolphin Research Australia: Research, conservation and ways to help