Penguin Island Conservation Park

There are a ton of ways to enjoy this island. Swim, snorkel, dive, canoe, and fish. You can even catch a wave on your surfboard. This is home to a colony of little penguins. The small 12.5 hectare island is less than 700m offshore from Mersey Point. Boardwalks, paths and two lookouts help you discover the island’s plants, animals and beaches.

There is no charge to visit Penguin Island but there is a fee to visit the Penguin Island Discovery Centre. 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 October to 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 after the long weekend in June to October to protect the penguins from human disturbance during their breeding season. The island may be closed at any time of year if weather conditions make the water crossing from the mainland hazardous.

Temporary summer closures - the island will be closed if the temperature exceeds 35 degrees. Closure of the island on forecast hot weather days, will help ensure that penguins are able to cool off along the shorelines of Penguin Island without being disturbed. Check Park Alerts or contact the local office before you go. 

Are you planning to tie the knot any time soon? Think of the fun of saying ‘I do’ with lots of penguin onlookers. Perth Wild Encounters are licensed to arrange weddings on the island. Ladies don’t mistake your new husband for a penguin in his wedding penguin suit attire!

Please help care for the penguins by taking your rubbish back to the mainland. Rubbish bins are not provided. The Penguin Discovery Centre on the Island has rubbish bags that visitors from private vessels can use to dispose of their rubbish.