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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spreading your feet out slightly— like a penguin— while walking on ice increases your stability. When we walk, our legs' ability to support our weight is split mid-stride. To walk on ice, keep your center of gravity over your front leg. Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
Facilities. There is a picnic area with seating and water taps, and waterless composting toilets on the island. Litter bins are not provided on the island and all visitors are required to take away their own rubbish.
A: Each day at dusk, just as the sun is setting, the little fairy penguins come ashore to feed their young. They waddle up the beach to their nests, where they spend the night.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.