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Some of the many birds species that have been sighted on the
island include: little penguins, silver gulls, bridled terns,
Australian pelicans, crested, fairy and Caspian terns. The rich
marine reef supports a variety of temperate and subtropical
invertebrates that include molluscs, sea stars, urchins and a number
of fish species. Bottlenose dolphins are very common in the
surrounding waters and if you take a cruise, you have the
opportunity to view sea lions lazing on nearby Seal Island.
The island has excellent snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing
conditions, picnic areas, lookouts, walkways, pristine beaches and
waters. Care must be taken as some of the limestone formations may
be unstable due to wave action and weathering. Overhangs, caves,
cliffs and weathered surfaces are prone to collapse, so for your own
safety keep on the walking trails and beaches.
Penguin Island has an interesting history. From about 1914 to
1926, Seaforth McKenzie, an eccentric Canadian, lived on the island.
He hollowed out several of the island’s caves, crudely furnished
them and had names like ‘The Palace’ and ‘The Library’. Seaforth
encouraged visitors and was crowned ‘King of the Island’ at a
grandiose ceremony. Some of the caves are still visible today.
Ferry tours operate from Mersey Point, Shoalwater from
mid-September to early June and leave for Penguin Island on the hour
throughout the day. Ferry cost including Island admission. Call Ph:
08 9592 3464 for more information. (The above information has been
extracted from information on www.naturebase.net and used with
permission from the Western Australian Department of Conservation
and Land Management.)
Penguin Island, 700 m from Rockingham Ph: 9592 5191
Access: the island is only open during the day, with
regular ferry tours operate from Mersey Point from mid-September to
early June and leave for Penguin Island on the hour throughout the
day. There are also tours and cruises around the waters and islands
of Shoalwater Bay. The island is closed for the rest of the year to
protect the breeding penguins from disturbance.
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