Western Australian beachgoers have been amazed to see penguins on beaches in the southern part of the state, with as many as eight different Rockhopper penguins spotted ashore since Christmas.

Five of the penguins have been rescued by wildlife carers after appearing on regional beaches between Jurien Bay, north of Perth, and Augusta in the state's south west.

Experts say it is unclear why so many penguins have travelled so far from home. ( Supplied: Carolyn Forte )

The birds head for land to moult once a year and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said while it was not unusual to see them in WA, there were more around this year.

Rockhopper penguins were not generally found in Australia and regional wildlife officer Pia Courtis said the animals were a long way from home.

"They're found on islands sort of south of Western Australia — half way between us and South Africa," she said.

"They have swum a long way to make it to our shores."

But Ms Courtis said it was unclear why the penguins had travelled so far.

Authorities are urging people not to approach or touch the penguins. ( ABC South West: Roxanne Taylor )

"There's not much research being done on them unfortunately to be able to determine whether they're actually moving closer to our shores," she said.

"We don't know for sure as to why they have come this far, but we will try our best to get them back home."

The penguins have been taken into care to protect them from unfamiliar predators such as dogs, foxes and even people.

Stop the penguin selfies

Although it might be exciting to see these exotic visitors on the beach, authorities were urging people to stay clear of the animals and call local wildlife officers if they spotted any.

The penguins need to stay on land during their moult and be left alone.

Margaret River wildlife carer Linda Moyle had taken two of the penguins into care, and she said there had already been some bad behaviour from onlookers.

Wildlife carers have taken the penguins into care to protect them from predators, including humans. ( Supplied: Doreen Jones )

"The one that washed up in Dunsborough, it ended up at a public New Years Eve party where people were actually taking selfies with it," she said.

"A person thinking they were doing the right thing then took it and put it back in the water, which is not ideal for them."

Ms Courtis said it was in the best interests of everyone to keep clear of the animals.

"If you do come across penguins on the beach, please don't pick them up. They do have sharp beaks and sharp claws and they can bite you," she said.

"The best thing to do is give the animal space and call our wildlife helpline."