An online visitor's guide to Western Australia's parks, reserves and other recreation areas.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park 
Snorkelling near Penguin Island
Yellow sea star Photo - Ann Storrie
Little penguin
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park looking towards the coast from Penguin Island
Sea horse
Sunset at Shoalwater
Australian sea lion
Bridled Tern
Sea Anenome
Sealion at Penguin Island
Kayakers
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Introduction:
Picturesque submerged reefs and shipwrecks abound throughout the Rockingham area, less than an hours drive from Perth. Much of the underwater environment is protected in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. As its name suggests, the marine park encompasses not only an incredibly rich and diverse marine environment, but also surrounds a chain of unique limestone islands.
These island nature reserves are significant in the ecology of a number of bird species. The park covers an area of approximately 6545 hectares and contains the waters of Shoalwater Bay, Warnbro Sound and a part of Cockburn Sound off Cape Peron.
The islands of Shoalwater Bay abound with seabirds, many of which are seldom seen on the mainland. They are important seabird breeding sites. Sixteen species use the islands for courtship, nesting, feeding and roosting. Little penguins breed in burrows on Penguin Island. There are also breeding colonies within the marine park of silver gulls, fairy terns, bridled terns and Caspian terns. Crested terns are commonly seen, but don't usually breed on the islands.
The cavernous reefs surrounding the islands provide good snorkelling and diving. The reef areas support a variety of temperate and subtropical invertebrates including sea stars, urchins and molluscs as well as a number of fish species. Bottlenose dolphins are extremely common in the park's waters.
A colony of Australian sea lions haul out on Seal Island for most of the year and often fish and swim in nearby waters. The Australian sea lion is the rarest in the world and the species is given special protection under State legislation. Although they are one of our most attractive and interesting sea creatures, sea lions can deliver a nasty bite if aggravated. They are curious and may approach your boat. To avoid disturbing the animals, which are territorial, you are asked not to land on the island.
Extensive areas of the sea floor are dominated by seagrass. These areas are important in the life cycle of many fish, since they provide a nursery habitat for juveniles of an array of fish. The seagrass beds also help stabilise the sandy floor.
A full colour pocket-sized book, Discovering Penguin Island and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, is an excellent guide to the common plants and animals. and recreational activities in the park.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Management Plan 2007 - 2017
Analysis of Public Submissions to the Shoalwater Islands MP Draft Management Plan 794.54 Kb
Where is it?: 50 kilometres south of Perth.
Travelling time: The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is less than one hours drive from central Perth.
Access: Major public boat launching facilities are available at the Causeway, near Garden Island, and at two boat ramps on the foreshore of Safety Bay.
Best season: There is good diving throughout the year, depending on daily weather. In summer, morning dives are best, before the afternoon sea breeze arrives, while calm winter days can offer enjoyable diving conditions. Water temperatures are moderate year round. Penguin Island closes from early June to mid-September every year to protect the breeding penguins from disturbance.
What to see and do: Boating, fishing (outside sanctuary zones) and swimming are popular. The western edge of Penguin Island provides good surfing conditions. Windsurfing is popular throughout the whole park. Spearfishing is prohibited within certain zones and for divers using underwater breathing equipment. See Dive & Snorkel Sites in Western Australia for mud maps and further information on the dive sites below.
- Little Penguin Dive Site
This shallow area (2 to 5 metres) is packed with marine life and is one of the loveliest places to snorkel in the metropolitan area. It is an ideal place to explore interesting underwater ledges and overhangs, lumps, low broken reef and seagrass areas. - Cape Peron
A number of good snorkelling spots or shore dives can be done around Cape Peron, in three to seven metres of water. - Penguin Island
The Penguin Island information and walktrail guide has details about activities on the island.
Feature article(s): Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Facilities: Ferry tours operate from Mersey Point from mid-September to early June and feature a cruise around the waters and islands of Shoalwater Bay, with an opportunity to view the sea lions lazing on Seal Island, and the stroll around Penguin Island. There is the Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre, as well as picnic facilities and toilets on Penguin Island.
Extra facilities:
