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Penguin Island is closed to visitors June to September. This is to allow for the penguin breeding.

Landing is not pemitted on Seal Island at any time.

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle

Paddle  in Perth & Surrounds

(+1)
Peel, Perth Metro

  • Half day
  • 8 km

Along the coast at Rockingham, less than 45 minutes drive south from Perth, you can kayak in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, wildlife including seals, dolphins and even penguins, birds, fish, swim, and (if you have the gear) you can dive on a shipwreck. This trail has it all.

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At Point Peron, park just before the end car park and launch off the sandy beach to your left. You will see a walk trail to the beach. From Point Peron the kayak trail tracks south via the islands and reefs.

The first one you can see is Bird Island. Explore the cove on the north side. The trail is marked to pass inshore of these islands but if the sea is calm take the opportunity to paddle further out and snorkel on the isolated reefs.

At Seal Island, sea lions will be asleep on the beach and possibly in the water near your kayak. Do not disturb them, and note that landing is not permitted on the beach here. A mooring is available to tie your kayak to but apart from the sea lions there is not much of interest in the water here.

Penguin Island is the turn-around point but you can picnic here or go on the walk trail. Take a $2 coin for the telescope on the island lookout. Landing and visiting the island is free. 

Most days paddling the trail in the direction suggested will make for a tail wind on the trip home.

Mandurah Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9303 7750

Rockingham Visitor Centre

(08) 9592 3464

National Parks

Other Links

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Expand your trip and enjoy great businesses nearby

Rivergods Kayak Adventures

Visit different WA waters in our kayaks! Get to the islands of Shoalwater Bay, Shark Bay and Canning and Swan rivers. These places are home to sea lions, dolphins, turtles, penguins, and many others.

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Be trail ready for Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle

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

Time / Duration

Half-day

Length

8km

Trail Start

End of Point Peron Road, Shoalwater

Get directions

Trail End

Additional information

Difficulty is dependent on weather, wind and wave conditions.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Beach at the Point Peron start point is all weather, however this is an exposed coastline with the potential for strong winds and breaking waves.

Safety

Please ensure you check weather conditions, tides and have all appropriate paddle safety gear before venturing out into the bay.

Facilities

There is a ferry service to Penguin Island. No shop on the island but a cafe and kiosk on Mersey Point. 

  • Public Toilet
  • View Platform
  • Car Park

Best time of year

Usually best in the morning. September to May. Penguin Island is closed for penguin breeding June to September.

Fees

Entry fees for the Discovery Centre on Penguin Island

Trail Access

Road or train to Rockingham

Prohibited Items

Pets are prohibited.

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5 trail goers have rated Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle as 4.6 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.

Melissa Read

Reviewed 14 Mar 2021, 11:55pm

This trail is amazing but make sure you have your Weet-Bix when the wind and waves are not on your side ,every Island has a different animals on each one can't say I've ever kayak past sealions before! A little bit daunting at first as their bigger than the kayak But what an experience
Fayley Arthur

Reviewed 15 Dec 2018, 12:57pm

Safe paddle that feels very adventurous! This is a lovely scenic paddle if you get done before the sea breeze comes in (usually around lunch time). You're protected behind the islands and you have a visual pathway to follow . The sea is beautifully clear. Great paddle for summer when the rivers and creeks are too dry to go out.
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Marco Zecca

Reviewed 29 Jan 2016, 7:25pm

Easy family paddle, amazing water colour and wildlife! Highly recommended.
steve bennett

Reviewed 24 Aug 2015, 8:15am

This is a unique trail for the metro area, lots of reef, islands and wildlife. Take care not to land on the islands that are protected, but you can watch the seals from just offshore. Penguin Island is wonderful lunch stop and worth an explore by foot or paddle.
E2E Leanne

Reviewed 16 Apr 2014, 8:47pm

12th April. A perfect paddle. We launched the kayaks on the Garden Island side of Point Peron - there is a car park which is only a short walk to the beach. Take care and be aware of the drop off; about a half meter drop down off the limestone ledge a couple of meters from the waterline. Paddling in calm, clear waters between the many islands - beautiful; ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling. We counted twelve seals enjoying the sun on the sandy beach at Seal Island and spotted plenty of bird life on the many surrounding limestone islands.

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