Penguin Island, Rockingham: Fairy penguins in Perth?

Penguin Island off the coast of Rockingham in the south of Perth is home to a large colony of little (or fairy) penguins. It’s the best place to see penguins in Perth, and Perth Wild Encounters runs Shoalwater Islands cruises that head out to see them.

There are several islands off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, with some more pleasant to visit than others. Rottnest Island is the classic day trip from Perth, famous for its quokkas. Carnac Island a little further south, however, is one of the scariest islands in Australia – it is teeming with tiger snakes.

For a dolphin, sea lion and penguin cruise from Perth, book here.

Travel further south to the town of Rockingham, effectively part of Perth’s mammoth sprawling suburbia, and you get access to the Shoalwater Islands. This is one of the few places where it is possible to swim with dolphins in Australia. Perth Wild Encounters offers dolphin swimming tours here.

However, also within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park are Seal, Bird and Penguin Islands. It doesn’t take a genius to work out which animals each of these islands is known for.

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.

Penguin Island from Rockingham

So if you want to see penguins in Perth, you need to head out to Penguin Island from Rockingham. A sizable colony of little penguins (the species is sometimes known as fairy penguins) lives there.

Perth Wild Encounters runs tours to Penguin Island, which start with a short ferry transfer. Once on Penguin Island, there’s an hour-long glass bottom boat cruise around the Shoalwater Islands. Dolphins are often spotted on this cruise, as are pelican rookeries, birds of prey and the ultra-rare Australian sea lions.

After the tour, there’s a penguin feeding session and free time to explore the island before the return transfer.

The cruise around the Shoalwater Islands may seem to be the best part of this day trip, but it often isn’t. The free time to explore Penguin Island tends to throw up better memories – and it’s not just about seeing penguins in Perth.

A little penguin on Penguin Island in the Shoalwater Islands near Rockingham, Western Australia. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

The penguins tend to be out at sea, fishing, during the day. Either that or they’re tucked away in well-hidden nesting boxes.

5 fantastic experiences to book in Rockingham

Go swimming with wild dolphins in Shoalwater Bay.
See dolphins, penguins and sea lions – on a Shoalwater Bay islands cruise.
Get closer to the wildlife – on a kayaking tour.
Try flying with a jetpack – or flyboarding.
Take a guided sunset hike to Point Peron – with a glass of sparkling wine as a reward.

Where to stay in Rockingham, WA

The best Rockingham accommodation options are:

For a quality apartment hotel: Quest Rockingham.
To be close to the wildlife cruise departure point: Island Villas Accommodation.
For beachside location: Spinnakers by Rockingham Apartments.
For a pool: Nautilus by Rockingham Apartments.

Penguin Island walking trail

A two kilometre walking trail, along boardwalks and beaches, leads visitors around part of Penguin Island. This passes the small hill which is a major pelican nesting site. Viewing it from the lookout, it looks like the ground is entirely made up of pelicans. There are hundreds of them – and it’s a fantastic sight.

Seal Island is also highly impressive. The fur seals loll around on the beach near the fossilised tree roots in the limestone rock. They’re big fellas, too. This is not a breeding colony – it’s just where the males go to hang out between breeding seasons.

The Perth Wild Encounters tour cost $65, although add another $40 if you want a transfer from central Perth. If driving from Perth CBD, the journey should take between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic. The Rockingham weather is at its best in summer, should you want a pretty much guaranteed absence of rain and time on Rockingham Beach.

The drive from Perth to Bunbury passes by Rockingham, should you wish to stop by on the way south.

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.