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Little Island Kayak Trail, Hillary’s Little Island Kayak Trail, Hillary’s

  • 1-3 hours
  • 5 km

An easy two kilometre paddle out to Little Island - a small sand and limestone island situated in a marine sanctuary just off the coast of Hillary’s in Perth’s northern suburbs.  Great swimming and snorkelling spot.

Little Island is...Little, and beaching of kayaks is not permitted.
Earn 1 Point Paddle
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There is a kayak launching platform near the boat ramps within the Hillarys Boat Harbour. Keep clear of other vessels - in particular the Rottnest Ferry. An alternative launch site is off the beach on the north side of the marina where there is free parking. 

Paddle north westerly - you can see Little Island in the distance about 2km away. You will pass two reef patches on the way. There is a small beach on the island however beaching of kayaks is not allowed and walking on the beach is discouraged. The island really is so small there is nothing to look at anyway, leave it for the birds and sea lions.

The waters around the island are designated a marine sanctuary, consequently there is always an excellent array of marine life in the area - including whales, dolphins, seals, and occasionally, wayward sea turtles.

Take a small anchor if you wish to snorkel as there is good snorkelling to the west and south of the island. It is quite sheltered between Little Island and the outer reef to the west.  Surf waves can often be found in the deeper channels on the outer reef, a further 200m west.

Western Australian (Perth City) Visitor Centre

(08) 9483 1111

Other Links

Be trail ready for Little Island Kayak Trail, Hillary’s

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow half a day

Length

5km loop

What To Pack

Group F - Paddling Trails (Paddling trails) required.

Trail Start

Off the beach, north side of Hillarys Boat Harbour, 23km (20 mins) north of Perth.

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Trail End

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Hazards & Warnings

Avoid ferry and power boat traffic near the marina entrance

Facilities

All the facilities are at Hillary's Boat Harbour - none on Little Island.
  • Cafe
  • Car Park
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop

Best time of year

September to April, mornings usually best.

Trail Access

Drive 2WD

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1 trail goers have rated Little Island Kayak Trail, Hillary’s as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

steve bennett

Reviewed 24 Aug 2015, 8:36am

This is a tremendous paddle that makes you feel like you are completely remote, even though you are only 2 kms from the metro area. Little Island is beyond the 400m zone and paddlers need to comply with the appropriate safety guidelines for paddle craftat sea from Dept of Transport.

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