How do you walk to Penguin Island?

It may sound silly to mention walking to an island, but there is actually a tidal sandbar that connects the mainland to Penguin Island at low tide. It's not uncommon for people to walk across the sandbar to reach Penguin Island. However, it is discouraged to do so due to the safety risks and strong currents.



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If you would just like to experience the guided wildlife walk, then you can do this and be back at the mainland in just over an hour, however we recommend you allow a minimum of 2 hours so you can at least explore a little bit.

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Their advice is 'Do not walk or wade across the sandbar to Penguin Island. Strong rips and currents can occur, water depth and conditions change rapidly. People have drowned attempting this crossing. Use the ferry service at all times.

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For Penguin Island, wear comfortable footwear. Most visitors wear thongs or sandals. Hats, sunscreen and a long sleeve or UV resistant shirt are recommended for sun protection. Bring swimmers and towels if you are planning water activities.

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Make a weekend of your wildlife encounters with our overnight stay & play packages. Spend the day exploring the islands and spotting the wildlife on a guided sea kayak tour!

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The State Government's decision not to rebuild the facility on the island was based on climate change impacting the island's vulnerable penguin population and following strong feedback from the City of Rockingham, local tourism operators and university researchers.

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Most penguins return from the sea after dark. They can often be heard calling from out in the water and usually come ashore in small groups pausing briefly before heading off to individual burrows. Due to their movements on land penguins are often mistakenly thought of as nocturnal.

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It only takes an hour to visit the penguins but if you have more time, go swimming, snorkeling, explore the nature trails or just relax and enjoy this beautiful nature reserve.

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The distance between the mainland and Penguin island is approx. 850 metres so if you're considering doing the walk, consider whether or not you are capable of swimming this distance in a strong wind and seas. Report response as inappropriateThank you.

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Paddle straight across firstly to Penguin Island (approx. 20 minutes). Seal Island is the next island across (to the north), The paddle here can be slightly choppy in between the islands and be cautious of the few rocks in between (although very visible and easy to see).

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More than 30 species of birds have been observed on the island. These include seabirds such as the little penguin, bridled tern (Sterna anaethetus), silver gull (Larus novaehollandiae), pied cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) and the Australian pelican (Pelicanus conspicillatus).

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Duration: 10 Minutes (approx.)

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They are only active on land at night. They leave from the colony early in the morning before sun-rise, and return to the colony after dark. During the day, if the penguins decide not to go to sea, they will stay hidden inside their nests.

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