Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea)
There are presently only 3,000-5,000 Australian sea lions in existence and they are thought to be the rarest pinniped.
The Australian sea lion has a breeding range which extends from islands off Western Australia to islands east of Kangaroo Island (South Australia). The Australian sea lion once bred in Bass Strait but was eradicated by the sealing industry. Australian sea lions have been rarely recorded in Tasmania and are difficult to distinguish from other local seal species if you're not an experienced observer.
Sammy the Australian Sea Lion has become a popular attraction at at Esperance, WA
The largest populations are found on Kangaroo Island and Dangerous Reef (near Port Lincoln) in southern Australia. The smallest numbers are found on the west coast of southern Australia and in Western Australia.
Point Labatt viewing platform
Located at Point Labatt on the rugged coastline south of Streaky Bay, South Australia, is a clifftop viewing platform above a colony of Australia Sea Lions. The reefs here provide a resting place for the sea-lions, which have often spent several weeks at sea catching fish. Point Labatt has exposed headlands, sheltered bays and is known for bird life including the Osprey and the Whitebellied Sea-eagle.
Australian Sea Lions can be found in some zoos and in sealife sanctuaries, such as Seaworld on the Queensland gold coast.