"Keeweechic's Penguin Island" Penguin Island by keeweechic

Penguin Island Travel Guide: 33 reviews and 63 photos

Penguin Island is just 42 kms from Perth CBD and just south-west of Rockingham. The earliest known resident of the island was Canadian Seaforth McKenzie who settled here in 1917. His home was fashioned a home from the limestone caves which you will see around the north-eastern face of the Island. During McKenzie’s inhabitance, the island grew in popularity as a holiday destination. He had one of the caves as a library and a small store where visitors could help themselves to supplies and run their own accounts in doing so.

The first huts were built in the early 1950’s when part of the island was leased. More huts were built over the years and the jetty was upgraded for the additional inhabitants. A power system was also installed and a telephone cable and water pipe were laid from the mainland. The island was turned into a Conservation Park in 1987 when the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) acquired the lease and commenced the management and restoration of the island. Over the many decades, unrestrained access had damaged the dunes and vegetation.

Boardwalks and walking trails have been added around the island to enable visitors to the island to be able to explore without doing further harm. The old huts which existed near the jetty have now been pulled down and a new building housing the Penguin Experience, Island Discovery Centre and the WMC Research and Management Centre, now stand in their place. Penguin Island is only 12.5-hectare in size and is less than 700 metres off shore. A brief ferry ride from Mersey Point in Shoalwater Bay will take you there.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.
(c) keeweechic 2001 - 2008 (copyright)

Intro Updated Jan 26, 2008
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Reviews (33)

Kayaking Tours Sports & Outdoors (1)

Capricorn Kayak Tours for CALM (Conservation and Land Management) operate various kayaking tours by First Aid qualified... more travel advice

Boardwalks and Walk Trails - Penguin Island

Boardwalks and Walk Trails Things to Do (29)

There are new boardwalks which provide access between the jetty, The Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre, picnic... more travel advice

Shag Rock Things to Do (29)

One of the tiny islands between Penguin Island and Seal Island is Shag Rock... basically what it say, its more a rock.... more travel advice

Picnic Areas and Feeding - Penguin Island

Picnic Areas and Feeding Warnings and Dangers (1)

There are several options for cruises within the Shoalwater Island Bay Park. You can take a 45 min cruise to Seal Island... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
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Comments (4)

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pepples46 Dec 17, 2005 at 11:11 AM

outstanding page, the story about the spirit children very touching. yesterday I saw a large flock of Terns at NB Beach ^..^ thanx matey, I enjoyed my morning walk at Penguin Island
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Toyin Oct 12, 2005 at 10:07 PM

I love nature, and I agreed that this page is about nature at its best. Penguin Island is a beautiful compilation of nature and its beauty. Thanks for sharing.
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tpangelinan Oct 9, 2005 at 8:06 PM

Wow! Out-Standing coverage and information, loved the tribal story. Beautiful photos, wish I could shoot like that Tex! The water is so clear there, would love to be on a beach right now! Thanks again! :o)
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DaDrifter Sep 25, 2005 at 9:36 AM

Interesting to read about the Nyoongar tribals. Beautiful pictures of the peguins and birds. Thanks for sharing, KW.