A short ferry ride, sea lions, dolphins and clear, calm water. Here's my guide to a family day at Penguin Island and the Rockingham foreshore.
An island adventure just south of Perth
Penguin Island sits just off the coast at Shoalwater, around 50km south of the Perth CBD. It’s home to the largest colony of little penguins in Western Australia, and it makes for a brilliant day out with kids.
The island is open from mid-October to early June, so summer is the perfect time to go. Here’s my guide to planning your visit.
“My kids absolutely loved the boat. They were so stoked about going on one”
Ryan J, Tripadvisor review
Getting to the island
A privately operated ferry runs hourly from Mersey Point, with tickets sold at the nearby visitor centre. The crossing is short, and for many kids, it’s the highlight of the day.
Whatever you do, don’t try to walk across the sandbar. Strong currents there have caused drownings.
“Take the ferry. It leaves on the hour from 9am till 2 or 3pm.”
Peter and Judy Bright, Tripadvisor review
Exploring Penguin Island
The island has a 1.5km boardwalk with two lookouts, beautiful beaches and clear, calm water for swimming and snorkelling. Keep an eye out for pelicans, gulls and other seabirds nesting on the island.
Little penguins spend their days out at sea or tucked away in burrows, so you’re unlikely to see one wandering around. The island’s Discovery Centre is currently closed, so check before you go if seeing penguins is the main goal.
For primary school kids, there’s a free Nature Play WA scavenger hunt you can do through the Play Trails app.
Wildlife cruises
For the best chance of seeing local wildlife, take a cruise around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Many visitors spot dolphins, sea lions and pelicans.
“Saw lots of dolphins, pelicans and sealions as well as various bird species.”
Alisha C, Tripadvisor review
What to know before you go
- Heat closures: from 1 December to 28 February, the island closes for the whole day when the forecast is 35 degrees or higher. Check Park Alerts the day before.
- Bring your own food and water: there are no food outlets on the island.
- Take your rubbish home: there are no bins.
- No pets: dogs and other pets aren’t allowed.
- Entry is free: you only pay for the ferry or cruise.
Find out more on the Parks and Wildlife website.
Back on the mainland: Rockingham foreshore
Once you’re back on shore, head to the Rockingham foreshore. The beaches here face Cockburn Sound, so the water is usually calm and shallow, which is ideal for younger children.
There’s plenty of grassy space and shade along the foreshore, plus cafes and fish and chip shops for an easy lunch.
A perfect summer day out
A boat ride, island beaches and wildlife spotting make Penguin Island one of the best family days out near Perth. Want more beach ideas? See our guides to Cottesloe with kids and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Featured image: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
A ferry runs hourly from Mersey Point in Shoalwater, with tickets sold at the nearby visitor centre. Never try to walk across the sandbar, as strong currents there have caused drownings.
