Penguin Island is a island off the coast near Perth, approximately from Shoalwater. It is home to a colony of approximately 250 little penguins, the largest population of the birds in Western Australia. Since 2007, the island had experienced an 80 percent decline in penguin numbers in 2019 from a peak of 1,700 that year. The waters surrounding the island make up the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Transport Regular ferries carry tourists to and from the island and other marine-park sights, the journey taking 5 minutes from Mersey point. The island can also be reached by private boat, kayaking, swimming, or walking across a sandbar, most of which is under varying depths of water. The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) advises against the sandbar walk, as weather conditions can change quickly making the crossing dangerous, which has resulted in several drownings. Facilities There is a picnic area with seating and water taps, and waterless composting toilets on the island. Litter bins are not provided on the island and all visitors are required to take away their own rubbish. This is to remove potential food sources for destructive animals such as black rats, which have previously led to a reduction in the penguin population. In 2013 a successful baiting program was conducted to eliminate a rat population that had become established on the island. A discovery centre was built on the island in 1995. In 2021, a new A$3.3 million discovery centre was proposed by the Western Australian Government and originally supported by the City of Rockingham. The building proposal on the island faced local opposition and resulted in the City of Rockingham withdrawing its support in light of the declining penguin numbers and the concerns of the impact of the construction activities on the animals. In August 2022, the WA Government announced that it had abandoned its plans to build the discovery centre on the island. The existing discovery centre will also be demolished and its site rehabilitated. Natural features While the island's little penguins are the island's main attraction, many other nesting and roosting seabirds can be seen including a -strong colony of pelicans. Penguin Island's varied geographical features include cliffs, small sea caves, headlands, beaches, coves, notches and natural bridges. There are also numerous wave-cut platforms. Significant areas of Penguin Island include North Rock, Pelican Bluff, North Beach, McKenzies Well, South Beach, Abalone Point, and Surfers Beach.