Explore a stunning natural island and its penguin inhabitants just 700m offshore from Mersey Point in Rockingham.
Meet the penguins
Penguin Island has a diverse array of wildlife and breathtaking marine and coastal scenery. It is home to the largest colony of Little Penguins on the west coast and probably Western Australia. The small 12.5 hectare island is less than 700m offshore from Mersey Point.
Tread the boards
Boardwalks, paths and two lookouts help visitors discover the island’s plants, animals and beaches.
There is a shady, grassed picnic area just in front of the viewing and interpretation facility.
Planning your visit
There is no charge to visit Penguin Island but there is a fee to visit the Penguin Island Discovery Centre and it is highly recommended that you take the privately operated ferry to Penguin Island. You can purchase a combined ticket for the ferry and discovery centre or a ferry ticket only. Ferry tours operate from Mersey Point from mid-September to early June. You need to bring your food for the day with you as there are no food outlets on the island.
The island is closed from early June to mid-September to protect the penguins from human disturbance during their breeding season. The island may be closed to visitors at any time of year if weather conditions make the water crossing from the mainland hazardous.
Penguin Island Weddings
Rockingham Wild Encounters are licensed to arrange weddings on the island.
Penguin Island has been trialling a litter free program this season as part of biosecurity measures that were put in place after the rat baiting program in 2013. Visitors to the island are asked to take everything they bring across with them back to the mainland and deposit their rubbish in bins provided on the mainland. The initiative is part of the Keep Australia Beautiful Program. Taking rubbish off the island removes any food source that may attract rats back to the island.
The Penguin Discovery Centre on the Island has rubbish bags that visitors from private vessels can use to dispose of their rubbish.
Stay Safe
Do not walk across the sandbar to Penguin Island. Strong rips and currents can occur, water depth and conditions change rapidly. People have drowned attempting this crossing.
Getting there
Penguin Island is located in Shoalwater Marine Park, access to the island is via Mersey Point SW of Rockingham.
This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au