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Penguin Island, situated only a few nautical miles from the western coast of Australia, can best be described as a natural wonder that enchants everyone with its exotic wildlife and even more beautiful landscapes. Such geography makes this tiny island a great place for every wildlife and nature photography enthusiast, as this island offers a little more than its spectacular coastline. It plays host to native penguins- the smallest breed of penguins in the family.
Location
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Penguin Island is part of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and is situated about 42 kilometers (26 miles) south of the city of Perth in Western Australia. This island of 12.5 hectares is famously known to have the largest population of Eudyptula minor or little penguins, on the western shores of the continent. The island is blessed with picturesque coastlines mainly consisting of sandy beaches and clear waters perfect for swimming and water-related activities like snorkeling.
How To Reach
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Common
Penguin Island located in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park can be reached via the following means:
By Car: It takes roughly 45 minutes by road to travel from Perth to Penguin Island. In this case, the first step would be to go south via the Kwinana Freeway and take the off-ramp towards Rockingham.
By Train And Bus: In Public transport, to visit Penguin Island, a train from Perth to Rockingham Station on the Mandurah Line is used. After that, take a bus from outside the station.
By Ferry Service: When you arrive at Mersey Point, hop onto the ferry that is operated by Rockingham Wild Encounters. which departs every hour from mid-September until the beginning of June.
Places To Visit Around Penguin Island
When visiting the Penguin Island, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
1. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is an enchanting waterscape tucked away off the Rockingham coast in Western Australia. It covers an area of over 6540 hectares including clean pristine islands and corals with rich marine life. The park is also famous for being home to many species such as bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions and colonies of seabirds. The waters are also ideal for snorkeling, diving and various other underwater sporting activities.
Location: Accessible from Rockingham, approximately 50 km south of Perth
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, and guided tours
2. Rockingham Foreshore
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Rockingham Foreshore is another appropriate western tourist coastal setting extending approximately four kilometers close to the waterfront. The foreshore contains swimmable and family-friendly calm safe beaches along with a range of water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling. Tourists are encouraged to participate in the vibrant boardwalk activities that are studded with cafes and restaurants as many residents enjoy having fish and chips at the beach. There are also large-scale parks such as Churchill Park with free areas for picnics and children’s activities.
Location: Rockingham, WA, approximately 45 minutes south of Perth
Activities: Swimming, dining, picnicking, and various water sports
3. Palm Beach
Photo: Uoaei1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Palm Beach is a beautiful beach, approximately 1.5 kilometers long and north-facing, situated in Rockingham, Western Australia. The calm white sandy beach is filled with soft white sand and calm waters perfect for swimming and basking in the sun. Visitors can take part in many other activities such as beach volleyball, fishing, or picnicking. Other facilities provided include tables, barbeque pots and toilet rooms to improve the beach experience.
Location: Palm Beach, Rockingham, WA
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and fishing
4. Point Peron
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Point Peron is another stunning place found at the southern end of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Rockingham, Western Australia. The lovely stretch is characterized by rugged cliffs, soft sandy beaches, and beautiful aqua-blue water that draws nature and adventure seekers to the region. The national park contains other features such as a trail looking at the coast with vegetation of coastal plants and directed to the immeasurable Indian Ocean’s beauty. Guests may swim, snorkel, or kayak safely in the waters or go to the island’s other side teeming with dynamic tropical creatures such as dolphins and sea lions.
Location: Point Peron, Rockingham, WA
Activities: Hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife observation
5. Churchill Park Wreck Trail
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Churchill Park is a famous park located at the shore of Rockingham, Western Australia. It was developed into a tourist attraction in the late 1980s. There are permanent dive flags on the shore near Churchill Park which allow the entry of divers regardless of their experience levels. This park is dog friendly and allows dogs and other pets to roam in the premises. The park has picnic tables and benches for people to relax.
Location: Off Churchill Park, Rockingham, WA
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine wildlife observation
Where To Stay
Photo: Hotel Shakti City Jakarta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visitors traveling to Penguin Island can find several accommodations in Rockingham which are conveniently located to access the Island and its other attractions. The Quest Rockingham boasts of contemporary serviced apartments with features such as free wireless Internet and air conditioning ideal for individuals vacationing with children or in groups. The Leisure Inn Hotel Rockingham is also a common alternative that offers classy rooms and proximity to dining places.
Where To Eat
Photo: Katherine Lim / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple places to eat near Penguin Island. At Mersey Point, Pengo’s Café is one of the most frequented places by tourists on the island for good reasons: mouthwatering coffee, gourmet burgers, fish and chips, and fresh salads are just a few of the tasty dishes the café serves. In Rockingham, Latitude 32 has an impressive restaurant with a full menu and seafood premium steaks served with a great view – dining on the water. Rustico Rockingham serves delicious Spanish tapas and cocktails which are ideal for anyone looking for a light dinner.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Gnangarra / Wikimedia Commons
The peak season to visit Penguin Island would be between mid-September and early June when the island is open to tourists. Travelers during this time are bound to enjoy the splendors of the island’s warming climate and other activities such as a session of penguin feeding at the Discovery Centre. The best seasons for a vacation would be within November and April, when warm temperatures are experienced.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Penguin Island
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost associated with a tour to Penguin Island will depend on many factors including but not limited to transport, accommodation, food, and the various activities.
All expenses considered, for a day trip to Penguin Island, each individual might spend an average of between AUD 200 and AUD 300 depending on how they choose their mode of transport, where they will stay, what meals to take and any activities planned.
Tips For Travellers
What To Bring: Don’t forget to take items like sunscreen, hats, water bottles and snacks with you. If swimming and snorkeling are on the itinerary, be sure to carry the appropriate fitted costumes. And binoculars for sighting animals in the distance are surely going to help.
Stay Updated: Rest assured to check for any closure due to bad weather, or occurrence of events that may affect your trip. If they are offered, do take them to couple the activity with a clear narrative of the island’s ecology and history.
Penguin Island is an enthralling location that incorporates wildlife, leisure activities, and breathtaking views of the natural landscape all at the same time. Plan your visit with TripXL to Penguin Island. Whether it is a day excursion or an extended visit to Western Australia, this incredible island guarantees that you will have wonderful experiences, especially with its lovely penguins and other ocean life. There are multiple places to visit in Penguin Island which offer a unique experience as a whole.
Cover Photo: Loïc Mermilliod / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
