Starting from the Penguin Island Jetty off Arcadia Drive, Rockingham, this walk explores Penguin Island via the Penguin Island Boardwalk and Walk Trail. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and blessed with sparkling white sandy beaches, Penguin Island lies in the heart of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and is reachable by a short ferry ride from the mainland. When the ferry arrives, there is a boardwalk, short jetty and ramp to access the ferry, making it suitable for prams/strollers and fully wheelchair accessible. Home to a host of wildlife, including the world's smallest penguins, this island offers a plethora of activities that can take visitors closer to the marine animals. The natural resources of the area are important both educationally and scientifically, along with the wildlife. Penguin Island also has a fascinating history, and there are many plaques that give insight and facts into the history of the island and its inhabitants. Take your time to swim, snorkel, picnic and explore the nature trails and beaches before catching a return ferry at your leisure. It's also possible to walk to Penguin Island from the beach at Shoalwater Bay along the sandbar, although this is not recommended due to changing tide and ocean conditions. When making your way around the island, it's important to stay on the boardwalks or beaches to ensure that the vegetation, birds nests and penguin burrows are not disturbed. Penguin Island closes for the winter penguin nesting season, the day after the WA public holiday. Rockingham Wild Encounters --which offers guided walks-- is not affected by this closure. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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