Important Visitor Rules
Check official access information before visiting. Penguin Island access may change because of season, weather or heat conditions. Do not walk across unsafe crossings where authorities warn against it.
Seasonal And Weather Closures
DBCA lists daylight-hours access from 15 October to the first week of June, subject to weather. The island is closed outside that season to protect breeding wildlife, and it also closes on forecast hot-weather days of 35°C or higher or when the water crossing is hazardous.
Never Cross The Sandbar
DBCA explicitly warns visitors not to walk across the sandbar. Conditions can be dangerous even when the crossing looks shallow. Use the authorised ferry or a licensed operator.
What You Will See
Boardwalks, paths and lookouts provide access to island vegetation, seabird habitat and coastal views. Little penguins live around the island, but a visit does not guarantee a penguin sighting.
Ferry And Booking
The privately operated ferry runs from Mersey Point during the visitor season. Check the operator and DBCA access status before driving from Perth.
Food And Facilities
There are no food outlets on Penguin Island, so bring food and water and take rubbish away. Visitor facilities include toilets, paths, boardwalks, seating, shelters and interpretation.
Discovery Centre Update
The former Penguin Island Discovery Centre closed permanently and was demolished in February 2024. The site was rehabilitated, with new information, seating and interpretive facilities installed. Do not plan around penguin feeding or the former captive-penguin centre.
Final Verdict
Choose Penguin Island for a seasonal conservation-park visit and marine setting, not for guaranteed penguin viewing. The trip only works after DBCA access and ferry availability are confirmed.
Keep planning
Nearby Attractions
Distances are approximate straight-line measurements between mapped attractions, not walking, driving or public transport distances.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park covers coastal water and islands off Rockingham. You can enjoy the view from shore, book a wildlife cruise or, when access is permitted, take a ferry to Penguin Island. These choices have different costs and conditions. The park is home to sensitive habitat as well as popular water activities, so decide where you are going before launching a boat or entering the water.
Marine park
View Shoalwater Islands Marine Park guideFAQ
When is Penguin Island open?
DBCA lists daylight-hours access from 15 October to the first week of June, subject to weather, heat and other park alerts.
Can I walk across the sandbar?
No. DBCA warns visitors not to cross the sandbar. Use the ferry or a licensed operator.
Is there food on Penguin Island?
No. Bring your own food and water and take rubbish away.
Is the Discovery Centre still open?
No. It closed permanently and was demolished in February 2024. New interpretation, information and seating facilities replaced it.
Will I definitely see penguins?
No. Penguin Island is habitat for little penguins, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.