Blessed with white sandy beaches and surrounded by crystal clear waters, Penguin Island is just 45 minutes south of Perth and lies a 5 minute ferry ride away in the heart of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The wildlife is the star attraction. Join a cruise to see wild dolphins and rare Australian sea lions before getting up close with the worlds smallest penguins! Island rangers present penguin feedings at 10.30am, 12.30 and 2.30pm daily. Getting here is easy with ferries departing hourly from 9am to 3pm. Spend as long or as little as you like to swim, snorkel, picnic and explore the nature trails and beaches before catching a return ferry at your leisure.
Penguin Island is open daily from September 15 to early June. The Island closes for the winter penguin nesting season the day after the WA public holiday. Limited access is still available during this time through local cruise operator Rockingham Wild Encounters who are licensed to take visitors on guided walks as part of their winter cruise program.
Location:
45 minute drive south of Perth.
5 minute ferry ride across Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
Rockingham Wild Encounters is located at:
153 Arcadia Drive (corner Penguin Rd),
Shoalwater WA
Public transport: Catch the train from Perth city to Rockingham Train Station and then a bus from Rockingham train station to Penguin Rd which is less than a 5 minute walk to Rockingham Wild Encounters. Visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au for public transport options.
Pricing Information
Penguin Island Ferry & Discovery Centre (5min Ferry ride):
Explore the island and meet the penguins at the daily penguin feeding.
Adults: $32, Conc: $29, Child: $25, Family: $89
Dolphin, Penguin & Sea Lion Cruise (60 min cruise):
Take a ride on the Glass bottom boat through Shoalwater Bay to see wild Dolphins, visit Sea Lions and meet the rescue Penguins at the Penguin feeding.
Adults: $65, Conc: $60, Child: $50
Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise (early June to Sept 14, 60 min):
Cruise around the islands of the marine park to spot dolphins, visit sea lions, view nesting sea birds and enjoy a 30 minute guided walk of Penguin Island
Adults: $50, Conc: $45, Child: $35, Family: $135
See www.penguinisland.com.au for sea kayak, stand up paddle and kiteboarding tours and lessons and coach tour options from Perth.
More Information
Penguin Island is open daily September 15 to early June (Western Australia Day Public Holiday), subject to weather. When the island is closed due to bad weather, an ‘Island Alert’ is displayed on the Welcome page of www.penguinisland.com.au. Please refresh the welcome page for the latest information.
Closed December 25th for Christmas and for the winter penguin nesting season (the day after the Western Australia Day Public Holiday to September 14).
During the winter closed season, our 60 minute Penguin Island Wildlife Cruise still operates daily subject to weather.
Tickets, Gift Shop & Reservations
8.30am- 4.30pm (when Penguin Island is open).
9.00am- 3.00pm (when Penguin Island is closed).
Ferry Departures
Depart hourly*: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
Return hourly*: 10.10am, 11.10am, 12.10pm, 1.10pm, 2.10pm, 3.10pm & 4pm.
*Extra ferries are scheduled every 20 minutes or half hour during busy times as required.
Penguin Island Discovery Centre
Open daily 10am- 3.30pm.
Penguin Feedings: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm.
Pengos Café
Open Daily 8am- 4.30pm.