15 Things to Do in Penguin Island 2024: Updated list

Activities to Do in Penguin Island

Visit Penguin Discovery Centre, Take a glass-bottom boat ride, Dolphin Watch Cruise, Experience Sea Kayak Tour, Go for bird watching & many more.

There are a number of wonderful, adventurous and memorable things to do in Penguin Island that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, friends or family, you can travel to Penguin Island and have a wonderful time enjoying the many experiences this place has to offer.

It is home to over 1200 penguins including the smallest penguins in the world. Watching these penguins in their natural environment is one of the most wonderful Penguin Island things to do. For adventurous souls, activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving are recommended. Cruises that take you to some of the most stunning natural spots from where you can spot sea lions, seals, penguins and dolphins is a wonderful experience that you can’t miss when you are visiting Penguin Island. The place is also filled with cosy cafes and posh restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine that is known for its use of the freshest seafood.

Here's the list of best things to do in Penguin Island

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
Explore All (36)
01

Visit Penguin Discovery Centre

Send Enquiry
One of the most quintessential things to do in Penguin Island is to visit the Penguin Discovery Centre, which is a prolific museum showcasing the natural lives of these incredible animals. Penguin Discovery Centre in Perth is home to 10 penguins that you can feed and interact with during designated feeding hours.

You can learn about their natural behaviour, their sleeping patterns and even watch them interact with each other. It is the ideal experience for children and families.

Location:
Rockingham WA 6168, Perth, Australia

Price:
AUD $10

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Send Enquiry
02

Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Send Enquiry
An incredible way to discover the natural beauty of Perth and Penguin Island is to take a cruise from the mainland all the way to Penguin Island, which is also one of the most fascinating things to do in Penguin Island. The cruise has a section where the bottom is made of glass through which you can see the thriving and colourful marine life of the ocean.

You also get to explore Bird Island and Seal Island and watch the animals swim right up to your vessel and interact with you. However, it is important to note that summertime is penguin mating and nesting season, which is why to ensure minimal disturbance to the animals, tours and cruises are suspended during this time.

Location:
Shoalwater WA 6169, Australia

Price:
AUD $90 per person

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.) only from September to December
Send Enquiry
03

Dolphin Watching from Cruise

Send Enquiry
If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Penguin Island, then you must consider going on a Dolphin Cruise. The boats are designed in a way to let these magnificent marine animals get as close to your boat as possible.

You can even see mothers and their newborn shoals leap over the surface of the water and swim alongside your cruise. The clear waters of the ocean also give you a clear view of other animals such as stingrays, octopus, seals, pelicans, ospreys and much more.

Location:
Shoalwater WA 6169, Australia

Price:
AUD $60 per person

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (starting from 8:45 a.m.)
Send Enquiry
04

Experience Sea Kayak Tour

Send Enquiry
One of the most memorable things to do in Penguin Island is to take a 6-hour long sea kayak tour in the midst of the breathtaking tropical nature of Australia. Kayaking is a relatively easy activity and one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the local fauna including friendly animals such as pelicans, sea lions, seals and penguins.

You can also get an incredible view of the islands from a unique perspective. The tour also consists of short walks through natural trails and sea diving and snorkelling amongst colourful corals that elevate the experience.

Location:
153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater WA 6169, Australia

Price:
AUD $190

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (starting from 8:00 a.m.) from late September to late April
Send Enquiry
05

Go for Bird Watching

Send Enquiry
There is a thriving bird population in Penguin Island and observing these colourful birds in their natural habitat is one of the most peaceful and adventurous things to do in Penguin Island. Some of the birds you can observe as a part of the tour include the laughing dove, the rock pigeon, the buff-banded rail, pied oystercatchers, silver gulls, little penguins, whistling kites and of course, families of penguins and pelicans.

You can go bird-watching on a cruise or on a walking tour through the natural trails that have been created on Penguin Island for tourists.

Location:
Penguin Island, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $30 per person
Send Enquiry
06

Snorkelling

Send Enquiry
The coast surrounding Penguin Island has some of the most well-preserved coral reefs in the world, which makes snorkelling in these shallow, azure waters one of the most rewarding things to do in Penguin Island. You can hire professional snorkelling gear as part of the tour along with a guided lesson to make your experiences seamless and safe.

Apart from seeing the coral reefs, you can also interact with marine animals such as stingrays, sea lions, schools of fish and even dolphins.

Location:
153 Arcadia Dr, Rockingham WA 6168, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $120
Send Enquiry
07

Dine at Pengos Café

Send Enquiry
Located adjacent to Penguin Wildlife Encounters, Pengos Café is a beautiful place to dine, and when you are considering things to do in Penguin Island, a visit to this charming establishment is a must. The café is known for its famous fish and chips, burgers, fresh salads, cakes and coffee. There is also a picnic area and children’s playground outdoors from where you can observe the surrounding nature while relaxing.

Location:
153 Arcadia Dr, Shoalwater WA 6169, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $55 for two
Send Enquiry
08

Scuba Diving at Penguin Island

Send Enquiry
If you are in the mood for some life-changing adventure, then you must consider scuba diving in Penguin Islands. It is amongst some of the most popular Penguin Island things to do especially for those who love adrenaline and adventure.

Deep-sea diving in the beaches of Penguin Island offers the chance to catch the penguins in their natural habitat and see other exciting marine creatures such as fish, stingrays, dolphins and more. The activity comes with professional diving gear and a guide if you need one. You can travel to the diving point via a jetty from where you can leap into the pleasant tropical waters of the island.

Location:
Mersey Point Jetty, Penguin Island, Australia0020

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $150 for 90 minutes
Send Enquiry
09

Explore the Penguin’s Colony

Send Enquiry
Penguin Island is home to more than 1200 penguins who tend to stay together and move as a colony. One of the most exciting Penguin Island things to do includes exploring this penguin colony, where you can see penguins swimming, waddling on the shores with their mates and families, protecting their eggs and hunting in the waters. Penguins tend to retreat into their nests at home, which is why the tours usually end after sundown.

Location:
Penguin Island, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Price:
Free (AUD $60 for a guided tour)
Send Enquiry
10

Take a Ferry to Penguin Island Tour

Send Enquiry
A ferry that takes you from the mainland to the beautiful Penguin Island is an activity in itself. It is one of the best ways in which you can observe the surrounding natural beauty and observe several marine animals in their natural habitat.

During the ferry ride, you can see the penguins swimming in the ocean, dolphins jumping up from the surface of the waters, octopus and stingrays and pelicans and other exotic animals.

Location:
153, Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater, Western Australia, 6169

Timings:
Ferries depart from Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $32 per person
Send Enquiry
11

Visit Penguin Miniature Railway

Send Enquiry
Amongst some of the most entertaining Penguin Island things to do is taking a ride on the Penguin Miniature Railway. This activity was first established in 1990 and has been going full steam ahead since then. You can ride on a small track operated by a driver, with a single row of seats at the back that will take you through a plethora of natural landscapes that offer wonderful views.

The activity is especially recommended for families travelling with their children to Australia.

Location:
6 Johnson's Beach Rd, Penguin TAS 7316, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $1 per person
Send Enquiry
12

Check out the Penguin Market

Send Enquiry
The elusive but much anticipated Penguin Market is organized every Sunday and is a community-centric activity that you must experience when you are in Australia. As a part of Penguin Island things to do, you can go shopping at this market on a Sunday and buy things like souvenirs, penguin memorabilia, vintage clothing and textiles, food and much more.

There are also several crafts, gifts and homeware stores that you can explore to get a comprehensive idea about the local culture.

Location:
11 Arnold St, Penguin TAS 7316, Australia

Timings:
Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Price:
Free entry
Send Enquiry
13

Go to Perry-Ling Gardens

Send Enquiry
The Perry Ling Gardens is a vintage and heritage garden in the beautiful country of Tasmania where you can observe a number of exotic Australian birds that are native to the country and walk amongst some of the most beautiful flowers. These flowers and gardens have been cultivated for a long time and the care and preservation is evident when you visit the garden. The garden is ideal for picnics, peaceful walks and birdwatching.

Location:
Surf Club Point, Penguin, Tasmania, Australia

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Price:
AUD $5 per person
Send Enquiry
14

Stroll at Rockingham Beach

Send Enquiry
The bustling Rockingham Beach is a wonderful community centre where you can indulge in exciting activities such as cycling, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sunbathing and much more.  Rockingham Beach is also lined with a number of exciting food stalls and street vendors who sell fresh seafood snacks and beverages.

The beach is pet-friendly and there are well-equipped playgrounds for children to relax in when they are visiting Rockingham Beach.

Location:
Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham, WA 6168

Timings:
Monday to Sunday (10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
Send Enquiry
15

Explore Churchill Park

Send Enquiry
Churchill Park is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places on Penguin Island which is especially ideal for kids. The park is also home to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm where you can see flowering plants and several exotic birds.

You can also watch the smallest penguins in the world from nearby the park. Park has rides and activities that can keep children entertained for hours and the manicured gardens are ideal for picnics and relaxing walks.

Location:
Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham WA 6168, Australia

Timings:
open 24 hours

Price:
AUD $36 for a 3-park pass
Send Enquiry

People Also Ask About Australia

  1. How much does it cost to go to Penguin Island?

    The easiest and most accessible means to reach penguin island is by ferry which costs approximately AUD $23-32 per person. The ferries leave the mainland from West Australia between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The last ferry back to West Australia from Penguin Island departs at 4:00 p.m. sharp.
  2. What are the best adventurous things to do in Penguin Island?

    1. Sea kayaking cruise: One of the best things to do in Penguin Island is to explore marine life and natural landscape by going on a 6-hour long sea kayak cruise where you can spot dolphins, explore islands and watch penguins.

    2. Snorkelling: Snorkelling is amongst one of the best Penguin Island things to do where you can swim over colourful corals and watch dolphins, fish, stingrays and other wonderful marine animals.

    3. Scuba diving: A list of things to do in Penguin Island is incomplete without scuba diving in the clear waters of the ocean. The activity involves deep-sea diving in designated spots which is one of the best ways to discover the oceanic ecosystem of Australia.

    4. Swimming: There are innumerable beaches all over Penguin Island where you can swim in the shallow waters. This is a free activity that you can enjoy with your loved ones on the many beaches.
  3. How to reach Penguin Island?

    The only way to access Penguin Island is by booking a ferry that will take you from Shoalwater in Perth on the mainland to this quaint island. There are ferries that can take you back to Shoalwater during the day, or you can also stay on the island to come back the next day via ferry.
  4. What is the best time to visit Penguin Island?

    The island is accessible from September to early June, which consists of the summer season in Australia. This is because during winter (June to early September), the penguins that have made their home on the island mate nest and lay eggs. Tourist activities are restricted during this time so as to keep the environment peaceful and disrupt the lives of the penguins as little as possible.
  5. What are the best places to stay near Penguin Island?

    1. The Royal Dolphin Bed & Breakfast: For a short and adventurous trip to Penguin Island, you can stay at this hotel which offers comfortable rooms with a view of the bay at a very affordable price range.

    2. Palm Beach Guest House: This family-owned themed guest house is the perfect place to stay when you are on Penguin Islands. There is also an adjoining restaurant and café where you can relax and take your meals.

    3. Reflections by Rockingham Apartments:
    One of the most luxurious hotels in the area is Reflections which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows in all rooms with a view of the beach. The property also has a sprawling lawn and exceptional service.

    4. Boardwalk by the Beach: Located right on the beach is the Boardwalk, where a 1-minute walk can take you directly to the oceanfront. The hotel consists of a self-sufficient apartment with facilities such as WiFi and fully equipped kitchenettes.
Newly Added Australia Experience

Australia Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Australia

More Australia Attractions

Madame Tussauds Sydney Blue Mountains National Park, new south wales Sydney Tower Great Ocean Road, victoria St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Australian Outback Spectacular Gold Coast Warner Bros. Movie World, gold coast Chinatown, Melbourne Bondi Beach, sydney ArtVo Gold Coast Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Skypoint Observation Deck, gold coast Wheel Of Brisbane Taronga Zoo, Sydney Susannah Place Museum, Sydney Kangaroo Island, south australia Royal Botanic Gardens, sydney Sea World Gold Coast Chapel Street, Melbourne Circular Quay, Sydney Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Melbourne Cricket Ground Yarra Valley, Melbourne Collaroy Beach, sydney WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Queen Street Mall, brisbane Darling Harbour, Sydney Macquarie Street, Sydney Eureka Tower Melbourne (Melbourne Skydeck) Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, hobart Luna Park Melbourne Carlton Gardens, victoria Royal National Park, Sydney Manly Beach, sydney Australian National Maritime Museum, sydney George Street, sydney Whitsundays Island, queensland Westfield Sydney Hyde Park, sydney Australia Zoo, queensland Airlie Beach, queensland Sydney Fish Market Museum Of Contemporary Art, sydney Puffing Billy Railway, melbourne Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium Healesville Sanctuary , melbourne Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, gold coast Tamborine Mountain, gold coast Sydney Opera House Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, gold coast Dreamworld Gold Coast Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast Warner Bros. Movie World, gold coast Sea World Gold Coast Sydney Harbour Bridge Coolangatta Beach, gold coast Tamborine Mountain, gold coast Surfers Paradise, gold coast Burleigh Heads, gold coast Springbrook National Park, gold coast Dreamworld Gold Coast Currumbin Beach, gold coast Taronga Zoo, Sydney Natural Bridge, gold coast White Water World Gold Coast Infinity Attraction Gold Coast Point Danger Gold Coast Darling Harbour, Sydney ArtVo Gold Coast Dracula's Cabaret Gold Coast Wax Museum Gold Coast Australian Outback Spectacular Gold Coast Broadbeach, gold coast Daintree National Park, queensland The Rocks Market, sydney Sydney Tower Sea Life Aquarium, sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, sydney Fraser Island, queensland Bondi Beach, sydney Circular Quay, Sydney Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Shelly Beach, sydney Luna Park, sydney WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Cockatoo Island, sydney Hard Rock Cafe, sydney Royal National Park, Sydney Coogee Beach, sydney Madame Tussauds Sydney Manly Beach, sydney Australian National Maritime Museum, sydney Darling Quarter, sydney Sydney Harbor National Park Centennial Park, sydney Chinese Garden Of Friendship, sydney Avalon Beach, sydney
Excellent
this experience in Gold Coast was one the most memorable . Driving a jetski gave me goosebumps and being an advance one, we could do so many things. At that moment I could feel the adventure reaching at max level.
Excellent
The ground staff which helped us throughout this package was super friendly and supportive. We enjoyed thoroughly and had a great overall experience. I personally liked parasailing and will recommend to all the travellers.
Chakravartee Butt Gold Coast Water Sports Combo
Excellent
We chose jet ski and flyboarding option on this tour and are very happy with the experience. Flying above the waters and in the middle of beautiful views added a cherry to the cake. Thank you thrillophilia for providing Gold Coast water sports combo ticket at cheap prices
Excellent
60 metres above the ground gave me chills. The instructor was very good and he gave me all the necessary information. After he helped me wear all the safety gears, I was confident. I am glad I was able to do it and I am glad I choose this.
Adventurous zipline and too above most beautiful views, it was a perfect combination. Going above the greenery at a great speed and winds blowing on my face refreshed me. Gold Coast canyon flyer zipline tour was better than perfect.
Excellent
Every aspect of the trip was very smooth. Director provided excellent information on what was upcoming. Local guides were great in sharing personal stories tied in to what was being seen.
The overall arrangement done by Thrillophilia was absolutely wonderful. The trip was very well-planned, well-organized, and perfectly synchronized, The itinerary was very rich and very satisfying too, the team was nice helps us with all documentation, booking, and payment process. Great assistance during the trip and regularly sharing information and tips... from starting the team ensured that planning was flawless and well-executed... And YES, It was exactly as they promised to us... We were extremely delight and enjoyed every moment on this trip... Everything thanks to Thrillophilia and the whole team for their hard work to make our trip successful.
Excellent
Alex took care of me while I was surfing. He was so friendly and knowledgable and helped me learn from scratch. He even showed us his skills which were amazing. I would recommend beginner surf experience in Gold Coast to all.
Excellent
Being a beginner I was worried about availing this tour at first. But Thrillophilia did what it promised. I was so excited when the experience started. I could learn the basics of surfing and show off my moves to all. Thank you Thrillophilia for this package.
Excellent
It was a thrilling time. From booking tickets to availing it everything was very easy. This was my first time and at first I was scared but then I I started to get the hold of it, I enjoyed it throughly.

Popular Nearby Places Around Australia

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong