CANBERRA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Tourists, locals and environmental officers tried to save up to 25 false killer whales stranded in a group of 80 dolphins and whales on Western Australia's south coast, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported on Monday.

    "When we will be assisting them back to sea depends on ocean conditions and the strength of the animals. At present ocean conditions are quite dangerous with rough seas and large waves," Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) incident controller Greg Mair said in a statement.

    The creatures were found by early morning walkers on Monday at the picturesque community, caravan park worker Liz Carlon said.

    False killer whales are medium-sized with long bodies, tapered heads and rounded snouts.

    They are often found in pods of more than 100 and it is not uncommon for them to strand.

    Hamelin Bay is a popular tourist destination north of Augusta, 320 km from Perth in Australia.