Penguin Island

Penguin Island is a 12.5 ha island off the coast near Perth, Western Australia, approximately 660 m from Shoalwater. It is home to a colony of approximately 1200 little penguins, the largest population of the birds in Western Australia. The waters surrounding the island make up the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Transport

Regular ferries carry tourists to and from the island and other marine-park sights, the journey taking 5 minutes from Mersey point. The island can also be reached by private boat, kayaking, swimming, or walking across a tidal sandbar, which is often exposed above sea level at low tide for a large portion of its 700 m (766 yd) length, however at high tide, most of the sandbar is under varying depths of water. The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) advises against the sandbar walk as weather conditions can change quickly, making the crossing dangerous, which has resulted in several drownings.

Facilities

There is a picnic area with seating and water taps, and waterless composting toilets on the island. Visitors should take their own supply of food and drink with them, since none can be purchased there.

Litter bins are not provided on the island and all visitors are required to take away their own rubbish. This is to remove potential food sources for destructive animals such as black rats, which have previously led to a reduction in the penguin population. In 2013 a successful baiting program was conducted to eliminate a rat population that had become established on the island.