Penguin Island Travel Guide

 keeweechic Says:  One of the tiny islands between Penguin Island and Seal Island is Shag Rock... basically what it say, its more a rock. The Pied Cormorant can be seen pearched on the craggy outface. 

 keeweechic Says:  There are cavernous reefs which surround both Penguin Island the nearby smaller islands. These reefs support a variety of subtropical and temperate invertebrates which include sea starts, molluscs and urchins as well as numerous fish species. Good snorkelling and diving can... 

 keeweechic Says:  Mersey Point is the departure point for the Penguin Island ferry. Ferry tours operate from mid-September through to early June and leave on an hourly basis. There is a small store and café at the point where you can buy your ferry tickets and also any light snacks to take... 

 keeweechic Says:  After the ‘courtship walk’ where the female can lead a group of up to 8 males, and after the dominant male has one out, the female selects a nesting site and forms a shallow depression in the ground where she will lay her eggs. Both the male and female will aid in the... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Australian pelican is Australia's largest flying bird and a colony of these birds have nested on the north end of the island since late 1998. The nesting period varies according to the availability of food and Water but normally between August and November. 

 keeweechic Says:  Penguin Island is home to one of only nine breeding colonies of Australian Pelican known along the West Australian coast. You are requested not to get to near the pelicans and stay on the walk trails and boardwalks as they can be sensitive to disturbance and move to even... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Pied Cormorants numbers have tripled on the islands over the past 10 years. These birds are masters at diving from the surface and pursuing their prey at depth. Their white underside makes them less conspicuous to the fish and enhances their hunting method. Large amounts... 

 keeweechic Says:  On Seal Island in particular you can see masses of Pied Cormorant. The striking black and white bird at times resembles the pelican but it has a striking white face and yellow or orange facial skin. They prefer the rocky outcrops or just sitting around on piers and buoys.... 

 keeweechic Says:  These Sea Lions are the only pinniped (fin-foot) that is found only in Australia and aside from Seal Island, lives along parts of the western and southern coastline. Males weigh about 3 times more than females at roughly 300kgs. They have dark brown fur with pale necks while... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Australian Sea Lions spend most of the year on Seal Island. The Australian variety is the rarest in the world and has been given protection under State Legislation. No one is permitted to land on Seal Island while these mammals seem harmless and sleepy enough, they can... 

 keeweechic Says:  Seal Island lies north of Penguin Island and is sanctioned by National Park laws prohibiting anyone to go ashore there. The island is home to a colony of Australian sea lions which can be seen from the water, lazing around in the sun on the small beach area. 

 keeweechic Says:  As you cruise around the islands you will see vast colouration differences in the ocean. The pale turquoise colour is depicted when there is a sandy bottom and the darker green colour where there is extensive areas of seagrass. These vegetation areas are important in the... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Silver Gull has become a successful scavenger and will hang around the main picnic area of the island waiting for handouts. When the tourists are not around however, they will search out worms, fish, insects and crustaceans. While native to the area, the increasing... 

 keeweechic Says:  The silver Gulls are in great abundance on the island and will bombard you the moment you step off the ferry… reminiscent of Hitchcock’s movie ‘The Birds’. They make more noise than anything else especially at breeding time or when you get near their young – which most times... 

 keeweechic Says:  Terns are seldom found on inland waterways and prefer islands, beaches, lakes and inlets around the coastal areas of Australia. They are usually about 49 cms in length with a pale yellow bill and white neck and underparts. Their back and wings are grey and they have this... 

 keeweechic Says:  Penguin Island is around 50kms south of Perth and will take you around 40 mins to drive there. Take the Kiwinana Freeway to Thomas Rd Exit, through Rockingham Rd, Patterson Rd, Parkin St, Safety Bay Road to Shoalwater Road