Penguin Island

Penguin Island near Rockingham just south of Perth. We decided to spend some time investigating local sites over the school holidays and Penguin Island was on the list for today.

We had a shocking drive to get there along the Kwinana Fwy due to major traffic delays caused by road works. It took 2 hours to travel what should be about 1. Anyway we arrived on a very busy Saturday of the Easter weekend however we had no problem parking in nearby in the documented overflow car park. We had great service from the office people who sold us the ferry and discovery centre tour tickets.

After the short ferry ride to the island, we made it out just after lunch and decided to make the walk around the Island as the first priority. We decided to do the penguin feed show at 2PM. So we headed off on this easy walk around the Island which was really fantastic with lots to see and do whilst dangling the toes in the ocean and casually strolling around the lookouts and information boards.

During the walk back to the discovery centre it was time for a short swim and relax in the sunshine before the feed. After a dry off we went to the discovery centre which was packed full of people however still enough room to get a good view and see the 10 little penguins. The commentary was interesting and informative and for about 20 mins we were memorised by these little penguins and their stories.

After our time with the penguins we again decided to hit the beach however during escape to the sand we found several things of interest in the display boxes just outside the discovery centre. They have some great fossils and skeletons of sea dragons & see horses. Just behind these displays we found one of the large skinks that inhabit the island and then to our surprise a large seal was basking in the sunshine on the beach.

As our time to leave drew closer it was decided that Michelle and our youngest would make the return trip via a walk across the sand bar which had about 1 metre of water at the deepest part whilst I am our eldest would take the bags and stuff back on the not as cold ferry.

The island closes at 4PM and our few hours were really great. It is not too expensive and is a really good day out and well work the effort (well maybe not the traffic - grrr).

David