Current visitor information
Verified summary
- The island is generally open from 15 October to the first week of June and closes for the winter breeding season.
- DBCA closes the island on days forecast to reach 35°C or higher and may close it for dangerous weather.
- Never cross the sandbar; DBCA recommends ferry access.
- There are no food outlets on the island.
- The former Discovery Centre was demolished in February 2024 and has been replaced by information shelters, seating and interpretation.
May change: Daily island status, ferry availability, weather closures and marine conditions.
Official sources: DBCA Penguin Island Conservation Park , DBCA Penguin Island project update
Checked:
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 Heat Closures
The island is generally open from 15 October until the first week of June, then closes for the winter penguin breeding season. DBCA also closes it on forecast days of 35°C or higher and can close it for dangerous weather.
Check the DBCA park page on the day of travel. A ferry booking does not remove the need to confirm current island status.
Safe Access
Never walk across the sandbar. Water depth, currents and conditions can change, and DBCA recommends using the ferry.
Confirm the ferry or cruise departure, check-in point and return time with the operator before leaving Perth.
Facilities And The Former Discovery Centre
There are no food outlets on Penguin Island, so take drinking water and food or plan to eat on the mainland.
The former Discovery Centre is closed and was demolished in February 2024. DBCA has installed information shelters, seating and interpretation facilities instead.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Reason to visit
Penguin Island suits visitors interested in seasonal island visits, marine wildlife, day trips. It is in Shoalwater, Rockingham.
Reason to skip
Skip it on difficult weather days if shade, walking distance, toilets or access would make the outing uncomfortable.
Local and related options
How long to allow
Half day to full day depending on ferry and marine activities. Keep extra time for current access, queues, weather, breaks and nearby stops.
Keep planning
Local And Similar Options
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Close enough to consider in the same local plan; check the actual route and travel time.
Marine park
View Shoalwater Islands Marine Park guidePerth Zoo
Not nearby; shown only as a same-category alternative for a different outing.
Zoo
View Perth Zoo guideAQWA
Not nearby; shown only as a same-category alternative for a different outing.
Aquarium
View AQWA guideFAQ
When is Penguin Island open?
It is generally open from 15 October to the first week of June, but it can close for heat, dangerous weather or other safety reasons. Check DBCA before travelling.
Can I walk across the sandbar to Penguin Island?
No. Never cross the sandbar. DBCA recommends using the ferry.
Is the old Penguin Island Discovery Centre open?
No. It was demolished in February 2024 and has been replaced by information shelters, seating and interpretation.