Getting to the Mackerel Islands, Western Australia

Getting here is easy! Located north of Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef, the Mackerel Islands are a collection of 10 pristine islands and atolls scattered off the mid-coast of Western Australia, in the spectacular Pilbara region.

Onslow is the mainland hub for exploring the Mackerel Islands. You can drive or fly the 1,400km from Perth to Onslow, then it's just a 22km / 45 minute trip by boat across. Alternatively, you can take a 30 minute scenic flight transfer from Exmouth and land directly on the main island.

The main island, Thevenard Island, welcomes guests to stay for a few days or a few weeks, and soak up the bliss of island life.

Location

The Mackerel Islands are located a short hop off the coast of Onslow and are easy to access via Perth.

Options for getting here include travelling to Onslow by road, or by air and then taking your own boat across, or hiring a boat.

Or fly to the island from Exmouth, with our Reef to Retreat Package, including return scenic charter flights with Ningaloo Aviation.

Thevenard Island also has airstrip access for private light planes or charter flights.

We have secure parking on the mainland in Onslow (charges apply) so you can park your car, motorhome, campervan, caravan or boat trailer worry-free before heading over to the island on your boat.

Take Your Own Boat

You are welcome to bring your own vessel and hire a boat mooring at the island - these must be booked in advance. We also supply boat fuel. Please see our Boating Info page.

Boat mooring hire prices on Thevenard Island are $20 per boat per night.

Hire A Boat

"Paddle Pop", a 6.5m walkaround built for comfort, is available to hire through North West Boat Hire. Perfect for up to 6 people to enjoy hassle-free offshore fishing, snorkelling and exploring the waters around the island.

You can now choose:

Perth -> Onslow -> Thevenard Island drive or fly to Onslow and take Paddle Pop across to the island for your stay.

Perth -> Exmouth -> Thevenard Island book our exclusive island accommodation + boat hire package from $233 per person per night (based on 6 guests), add on your charter flights from Exmouth direct to the island, and be fishing by the afternoon!

Get in touch for more info on (08) 9184 6444 or :[email protected].

Secure Car Parking

You can park your vehicle securely in our parking facility located near Beadon Creek in Onslow, before heading over to the island on your boat.

Secure parking prices:

• $25 per car, motorhome or campervan per day
• $30 per car + towed caravan per day
• $30 per car + boat trailer per day

By Road

Road travel from Perth to Onslow is a comfortable drive of about 1.5 days on fully sealed roads.

Onslow sits almost right in the middle of Exmouth and Karratha, being a 4 hour drive north from Exmouth or 3 hour drive south from Karratha.

Onslow Road runs about 80km off the North West Coastal Highway, which connects the main towns of Geraldton, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Karratha and Port Hedland, or off the Great Northern Highway which connects from Broome.

If you're adventuring through the stunning Karijini National Park, the Nanutarra Munjina Road will connect you with the N W Coastal Highway then Onslow Road, and takes approximately 5 hours drive time.

Approximate Distances & Driving Times
Perth to Onslow: 1,400km - 14 hours & 30 minutes
Geraldton to Onslow: 965km - 9 hours & 45 minutes
Carnarvon to Onslow: 495km - 5 hours
Exmouth to Onslow: 400km - 4 hours
Karratha to Onslow: 300km - 3 hours & 15 minutes
Karijini National Park to Onslow: 450km - 5 hours & 30 minutes
Port Hedland to Onslow: 540km - 5 hours & 30 minutes
Broome to Onslow: 1,130km - 11 hours & 20 minutes

By Air

Perth to Onslow
Virgin Australia flies direct from Perth to Onslow, making it a short 2 hour flight from Perth and the easiest way to get here.

Perth to Exmouth
Qantas flies direct from Perth to Exmouth. From here, you can get a scenic flight to the island with Ningaloo Aviation.

Exmouth to Thevenard Island
30 minute return scenic flight transfers from Exmouth and Learmonth Airport to the island are available, operated by Ningaloo Aviation.

Private Aircraft
Thevenard Island has a 1,000m brick paved airstrip. Should you require further information on airstrip access, please contact our Island Manager on (08) 9184 6444 or [email protected].

Airport Transfers & Taxis
Airport transfers between Onslow Airport and Onslow Beach Resort (where you'll check-in before heading over to the Mackerel Islands) are available on the resort's mini-bus, please contact reception on +61 8 9184 6586 or email [email protected] to arrange. A taxi service also operates from the Onslow Airport.

Fly/Drive

Perth to Exmouth (Learmonth)
Qantas flies daily between Perth and Exmouth (Learmonth), travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Pick up a hire car in Exmouth and travel the 400km distance to Onslow, driving through the Ningaloo region or Cape Range National Park, before arriving at the next stage of your adventure at the islands!

Perth to Karratha
Qantas and Virgin Australia fly daily from Perth to Karratha, travel time is just over 2 hours. Pick up a hire car in Karratha to explore the 300km distance to Onslow, where you can road trip along the way to the Burrup Peninsula, Millstream-Chichester National Park, or out to Karijini.

Scenic Flights
Charter planes are also available to transfer guests from Exmouth or Karratha directly to Thevenard Island on a light plane scenic tour. Flight times are approximately 35 minutes. For more details, pricing and availability, please contact Ningaloo Aviation or Aviair.

Car Hire Services
Car hire is available from Karratha, Learmonth and Exmouth with Avis and Hertz.