Carnac Island: The Australian island that is overrun by snakes

Just off the coast of Perth, tiny Carnac Island is home to hundreds of blind tiger snakes. Stick to the beach if you visit on a day trip…

To skip the description and book a Carnac Island day tour, head this way.

Otherwise, read on…

Where is Carnac Island?

Carnac Island is one of many islands off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Rottnest Island is the most famous of these – it’s a short ferry ride away from B Shed in Fremantle. But others include Penguin Island near Rockingham Beach in Rockingham.

Carnac Island is a little bit different from the others, however. It is absolutely teeming with snakes, and nobody is totally sure how they got there.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Tiger snakes on Carnac Island

Carnac Island covers around 19 hectares, and within that space are more than 400 tiger snakes. Tiger snakes are one of the deadliest snakes on earth, and on this Western Australian island there are more than three per every 25 square metres.

Given there is very little fresh water on Carnac Island, the abundance of tiger snakes on Carnac Island is something of a mystery.

How the tiger snakes got to Carnac Island

The most accepted explanation is that a travelling showman had a large collection of the snakes. In 1929 or 1930, one of these tiger snakes bit and killed his wife, so he decided to dump them. He supposedly chose Carnac Island as the best place to get rid of them.

There’s more than a whiff of shaggy dog story about this, but there aren’t many other plausible explanations.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

Why are the Carnac Island snakes blind?

Either way, Carnac Island has become something of a snake sanctuary. This means it’s not all that popular with visitors. Those that do come are greeted by signs warning of the snake population. Visitors are advised to stick to the beach and not approach the vegetation without wearing suitable footwear.

The other strange things about the Carnac Island snakes is that most of them are blind. They are, it seems, waging an eternal war against the seagulls. The snakes eat the seagull chicks, and the adult seagulls peck the snakes’ eyes out.

Carnac Island day tours

Despite the whole story being so grim, and the island being incredibly dangerous, it is possible to visit Carnac Island on a day tour.

These tours depart from Fremantle, and focus on kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding in the waters around the island. There’s also a chance to meet the island’s other residents – the Australian sea lions that hang out on the beach.