MACKEREL ISLANDS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

See Amazing Marine Life Up Close

For the island holiday of your life, go wild on the Mackerel Islands!

The Mackerel Islands are a collection of 10 pristine islands and atolls scattered off the mid-coast of Western Australia, 22km from the mainland at Onslow, or approximately 1,400km north of Perth, in the spectacular Pilbara region. Two of the islands welcome guests – Thevenard Island and Direction Island – with accommodation, facilities and activities.

Watch sea turtles haul themselves up the beach to lay eggs, glimpse dolphins and whales playing in the blue-green waters, admire the kaleidoscope of colourful fish, crabs and stingrays among the coral reefs while you snorkel, or reel in the catch of your life from the Pilbara’s fishiest waters. Then as the sun goes down and the night sky lights up with a dusting of silver, you can simply stargaze in awe and breathe in the quietness. This is the amazing, off the beaten track experience you have been looking for.

The Onslow Beach Resort has a tour desk and booking services, putting an unmissable Mackerel Islands experience at your fingertips!

Romantic Island Sunsets

Add a few nights staying on the islands when planning your trip to Onslow. You can book your accommodation, ferry transfers or boat moorings with us, plus fishing, snorkelling and whale watching boat charters (in season), and island activities like kayaking, SUP boarding and Dinner Under The Stars.

Now that’s an island escape you’ll cherish forever.

Visit the Mackerel Islands website

Getting to the Mackerel Islands

ACCOMMODATION

Unwind in a Beachfront Cabin

Whether you’re seeking a family holiday, a group getaway, a castaway-style adventure or a romantic retreat, you’ll find your ideal escape at the Mackerel Islands.

This is the place to reconnect with loved ones, where you can experience true relaxation or be as active as you like surrounded by sand, water and nature.

Go wild in style on Thevenard Island in a choice of two, three, or five bedroom beachfront cabins overlooking the bay with stunning ocean views, or club village single and double rooms for the more budget conscious.

For the ultimate wilderness experience, rent your own island with a sole beach shack on Direction Island. Nestled within its own coral reef, you can have the entire island to yourself to explore with up to eight of your family and friends.

Check out the accommodation on the Mackerel Islands

Relax or Play

ISLAND ACTIVITIES & TOURS

With warm sunny days, a fringing reef and amazing marine life, the Mackerel Islands are ideal for water based activities. Discover things to do and see for all ages and fitness levels, and experience the magic of the island with our range of hire gear: See Activities

Create memories that will last a lifetime through our range of tours designed for a holiday full of sunshine, adventure and relaxation. Explore the island, ocean and reefs on a self-guided or organised tour. Discover the incredible sea life teeming underwater and learn about our resident turtles. On land, immerse yourself in nature, encounter the island wildlife, see a famous Pilbara sunset and watch an incredible canopy of stars come out: See Tours

FISHING, SNORKELLING & WHALE WATCHING CHARTERS

Fishing Charter Success

Update: Mackerel Islands Charters are not operating for the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to Covid related issues. Excellent snorkelling and fishing opportunities are still available by booking a stay at the Mackerel Islands (22km from Onslow / 45 minutes by ferry) where you can swim and snorkel the fringing reef from the beach, go beach fishing or jetty fishing, hire a plaka boat, or take your own boat over. Contact us for further information on (08) 9184 6444, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Discover the incredible sea life in the waters surrounding the Mackerel Islands, with turtles, dolphins, whales, dugongs (sea cows) stingrays, reef sharks, crays and HUGE fish.

Ideal for families and groups of up to 10-14 people, with small group sizes allowing everyone a piece of the action and a unique, tailored adventure. The expert Mackerel Islands crew are solely devoted to your adventure – with many a tale to tell and tips to share, this is one charter to get excited about!

Whale Watching at the Mackerel Islands

Charters include:

Brand new custom built 11m twin hull LeisureCat with 300hp Yamaha outboards
All safety gear, toilet/shower & the latest electronics
Stable and comfortable ride
Professional skipper
Personalised experiences
Flexible departure times
On-board lunch

Tell me more about the Mackerel Islands tour boat charters

Island Ferry Transfers

FERRY TRANSFERS

We operate ferry transfers on Tuesdays and Fridays (subject to weather conditions and demand) departing from our private departure jetty at Beadon Creek, Onslow. The boat trip takes 20 minutes to Direction Island and 45 minutes to Thevenard Island.

Bookings for the ferry transfers are essential.

See the ferry timetable and prices here

BYO BOAT

Island Boat Moorings

If you have your own boat, we offer excellent services for guests to explore the Mackerel Islands for a hassle-free, fun getaway.

With awesome fishing just a short distance from the islands, plus moorings, boat fuel and supplies, your days at the Mackerels will be smooth sailing. To cap it off our crew will be there to welcome you back to shore safely.

Contact our Reservations team below to book your boat mooring hire and secure car + trailer parking on the mainland.

Find out more about boating at the Mackerel Islands