Penguin Island

by Miyan (subscribe)

If you have not visited Penguin Island, then you have not seen one of the best nature-based attractions in Western Australia. Yet.

Penguin Island is Perth's island nature reserve located across the beautiful Shoalwater Bay. It is about 45 minutes drive from Perth CBD and five minutes ferry ride from the mainland to the island.


The star attraction in Penguin Island is the Little Penguin or the Fairy Penguin, which is the smallest penguin species in the world. The island is home to about 1200 penguins. However, because they spend most daylight hours either feeding at sea or hidden in burrows, it is not very easy to encounter them within the island. The closest a visitor can get to the penguins is at the Discovery Centre within the island where rescued penguins reside until they are ready to go back to the wild.


There are many tours and cruises available to do in the island. We took the Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise, which includes unlimited ferry transfers, penguin feeding, and 45 minutes of glass bottom boat cruise. The cruise costs $36.50 per adult and $27.50 per child. If you just want to go for a swim or a walk around the island, the ferry fare costs $14 per adult or child.


There is a two kilometre trail on timber boardwalks across the island, which is voted as one of Western Australia's Top Nature Trails. The viewing platforms provide breathtaking vistas of the open water and marine park.


Penguin Island is also one of the largest breeding colonies of Pelicans in Western Australia.


Time for tea? There is an excellent picnic area under the trees. However, because the island is a nature reserve, there are no shops or café available so make sure you bring your own food and drinks. (Or you can also buy them in Pengos Café in the mainland beside the gift shop where you buy your tickets to the island).

There is a rubbish system in place which everyone must observe. There are no rubbish bins in the island, therefore all rubbish from the picnic must be brought back to the mainland for disposal.


Lastly, enjoy the shallow sheltered beach. It's a great way to end the day in Penguin Island. But don't forget that the last ferry back to the mainland leaves at 4:00pm.

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Why? Visit one of Australia's best nature reserve

When: September 15 - June 2

Phone: 08 9591 1333

Website: www.penguinisland.com.au

Where: corner of Arcadia Drive and Penguin Road, Shoalwater

Cost: $14 ferry fare

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