You're Welcome WA Access Initiative
Department of Environment and Conservation
Penguin Island Conservation Park, Shoalwater
Summary
- Rockingham Wild Encounters run the accessible ferry service across to the island. There is accessible parking, toilets and a kiosk at the departure point.
- There is a firm level pathway across the beach to the Mersey Point Jetty.
- Penguin Island has a unisex accessible toilet, jetty and picnic area.
- There is an accessible boardwalk around the northern part of the island, where caves, beaches and other natural features can be viewed.
- The Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre offers daily Penguin Feeding Sessions at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
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Mersey Point Jetty 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater, WA 6169 Australia
Opening Hours
- Open from mid-September to the first long weekend in June (closed over winter months and Christmas Day).
- Ferry departs hourly from 10am to 3pm and returns hourly between 10am and 4pm.
Telephone
- Ranger: 08 9592 7802
- General Information: 08 9592 9047
- Ferry and Tour Services: 08 9591 1333
Internal area
- A timber boardwalk links the island's facilities that is approximately 750 metres long and 2 metres wide, with gaps in the timber of 1cm.
- The northern section of the boardwalk is accessible and allows visitors to view the limestone caves, beaches, wildlife and other natural features.
- Handrails are provided on one or both sides, with a wooden kerb present along the length of the boardwalk.
Signage, customer displays and customer information
- The Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre has a staffed information booth.
- There is a range of large visitor information panels provided inside and outside of the centre.
- Inside the centre is a wide level wooden walkway around the penguin viewing area, where penguin feeding displays are conducted.
- Directional and interpretive signage is located on the boardwalk around the island.
Picnic facilities
- The shaded picnic area is located next to the Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre.
- Access to the picnic area from the boardwalk is via a 180cm wide wooden ramp located in front of the Discovery Centre.
- The picnic area is grassed with a compacted limestone path through the area. The picnic tables are not linked by the pathway.
- There are seven picnic tables of various types. There are several tables at a height of 78cm with knee clearance at each end.
- There are no barbecues.
- There is a drink fountain that can be accessed from sitting height.
Jetty access
- The Penguin Island Jetty is level with wooden boards laid across the width of it. The gaps between boards vary from 1 to 2cm.
- The jetty is wide and allows sufficient circulation space along its length to turn around at any point.
- Jetty has a handrail on one side and wooden kerbing along both sides along the length of the jetty. There are periodic gaps in the handrail of approximately 1 metre in length to allow for fishing.
- There is an undercover area providing shade at the base of the jetty.
- The jetty progresses into a wooden boardwalk to access the other features of the island.
- Access between the jetty and ferry is a metal ramp with hand rails on each side. The gradient of the ramp can vary with the tide, assistance by the crew is available if required.
Toilet: Penguin Island Conservation Park
- Gender: Unisex
- Availability: Unlocked
- Description: One composting unisex toilet located approximately 150 metres from the Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre and picnic area.
- Signage: There is clear directional signage from the boardwalk and an access symbol on the door.
- External access: A barrier free boardwalk that is 2m wide.
- Toilet door: The door is a 93cm wide swing door that is light to open and slow to close.
- Pan height: 64cm high
- Handrails: Yes
- Basin height: 100cm high
- Lighting: Natural