Turtle Interaction

Free self-guided activity

You will be provided with a Turtle Watchers Code of Conduct and some useful information on the types of turtles you will see during your stay and how best to see them! All conveniently located in your cabin's compendium.

Read about the lifecycle of the Mackerel Islands sea turtles and the conservation program run by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), then head out on a field trip to see and interact with the turtles.

Our very special turtle season occurs each summer, when flatback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles come home to the islands to mate, dig nests in the sand dunes and lay eggs. After incubating for around 6-10 weeks, the baby hatchlings dig to the surface and scurry to the ocean.

Every year DBCA and volunteers monitor a 1.5km stretch of beach on Thevenard Island for flatback turtles. They apply flipper tags, a PIT tag/ID chip, take length and width measurements of the shell, and a biopsy sample from the rear flipper. They also count turtle tracks to identify which species the tracks belongs to. This important work helps to protect populations of flatbacks - the only marine turtle species that nest exclusively in Australia - listed as vulnerable under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Watch a short video about the island's flatback turtles here and check out the very interesting site that shows our satellite tracked turtles here.

More info about the conservation program here and marine turtles in Western Australia here.

Read the Turtle Watching Code of Conduct Guidelines here.

Whale Watching

July - August

The Mackerel Islands are visited by various species of whales during their migration and calving season, July to August every year.

Each winter, hundreds of humpback whales leave Antarctica to migrate northwards to warmer waters along the coast of Australia to breed and calve, before heading back to their feeding grounds in the polar waters of the Antarctic. Other species you might see include the pilot whale, false killer whale, sei whale and bryde’s whale.

It is common for island guests to have continuous whale sightings and view awe-inspiring whale behaviour like blowing, breaching and tail slapping.

Bird Watching

Free self-guided activity

Available all year

Bring your binoculars and explore the island on foot to discover the fascinating bird life in residence.

On Thevenard Island, 24 species of land birds have been recorded and up to 31 species of migratory birds, including kestrels, quails, godwits, plovers, sandpipers and harriers. Some birds migrate from remote northern hemisphere locations as far as Siberia, and are protected by international treaties. Seabirds, such as terns and shearwaters, nest on the island from October to January.

Kayak Hire

Complimentary

Available all year

Single or double kayaks available. Get fit and have fun exploring and discovering different areas, bays, beaches and coral reef systems around the Mackerel Islands. See colourful fish from above the water. You could even come across turtles, stingrays and dolphins!

Snorkel Hire

$10 per day

Available all year

Swim out from the beach and snorkel over the fringing coral reef situated close to shore, to see a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, crabs and marine life. A hypnotic seascape will drift and roll around you in the calm waters of the bay. The Mackerel Islands are teeming with beautiful sea creatures and opportunities for underwater photos or videos.

Fishing Rod Hire

$20 per day

Available all year

Try your hand at beach or jetty fishing, squid jigging, or reef walking at low tide for octopus, in the Pilbara's fishiest waters. If luck's on your side, you could land a catch to cook up a seafood feast at your beachfront cabin. You could even fillet and take home some 5 star species the Mackerel Islands are famous for.

Sunset 4WD Bus Trip

Free activity

2 hours. Operates all year

Head out on a 4WD bus trip with our driver to the West Side of Thevenard Island to watch the sun sink below the ocean's horizon as the sky lights up with reds, oranges, pinks and yellows.  

On the way, spot the island's distinctive osprey bird nests.

Make sure you bring along some refreshments and nibbles and take advantage of some spectacular photo opportunities. This is particularly good at low tide when the exposed reef provides amazing exploring opportunities.

Beach Cricket & Volleyball

Free activity

Available all year

Head to Thevenard Island's tour and activity hire centre to pick up equipment for beach games with your friends or family.

Beach Fishing

Use your own fishing rod or hire one from us

Available all year

You don't need a boat to enjoy fishing on the island, our land based fishing is also awesome! Head to one of these spots:

Island Jetty
You can fish here all day, but high tide, first light and last light are the best times.
Try Halco twisty lures for Trevally, Queenfish and Threadfin Salmon.
Species such as Mangrove Jack, Spanish Flag, Emperor, Cod and Bluebone can be caught using either squid or mulies as bait.
A simple rig often works best, such as having a ball sinker on some 20-30lb leader, running straight down to your hook.
Squid come to the jetty, especially at night - ask a staff member for assistance in turning on the generator for the floodlight.

East End
Off the point, in front of the sandbags, is a good spot to try for Emperor, Bluebone, Cod and Coral Trout.
You may also encounter Trevally and Queenfish.
Keep your rig simple, with a ball sinker running to your hook, or a small lure.

Back Beach
High tide works best here.
Cast lures for Trevally and Queenfish.
Spangled Emperor can be caught with squid for bait at the western-most point.
You may also catch Longtom, Bluebone and small sharks.

Fishing Charter

From $20,000 for up to 6 guests (approx $3,334 per person)

4 Nights, 3 Bedroom Beachfront Cabin

Experience world-class sport fishing at one of Australia’s most iconic fishing destinations. Guided by the local experts at Innkeeper Sport Fishing Tours, this all-inclusive escape combines exceptional fishing, beachfront accommodation, and insider knowledge built on 50 years of experience in Pilbara waters.

Fish some of the country’s most productive grounds targeting Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Giant Trevally and more, with trips tailored to the season and your preferred fishing style. Specialising in sport fishing with an emphasis on catch and release, plus a fresh catch for dinner.

Each day you’ll fish up to 8 hours aboard a 7.6m centre console vessel, guided by expert skippers and fully equipped with premium gear. After a big day on the water, relax in a 3-bedroom beachfront cabin with food supplies delivered, and enjoy island activities including snorkelling, kayaking and 4WD tours.

Island Eco Trail Walk & Beachcombing

Walk around the island's beaches and bays where you'll see trumpet shells, urchins and other beach treasures. The island is approximately 6km long and 1km wide, making for a 3-4 hour walk around the whole 12km circumference.

There are 12 markers on the Island Eco Trail:

1. Ghost Crab Beach
2. Coral Gardens
3. Swimming Shallows
4. Turtle Dunes
5. Turtle Highway
6. Sandy Cay Lookout
7. Crayfish Corner (& nearby Osprey Nest)
8. Pristine Point
9. Raptors Rest
10. Seabird Stretch
11. School Shark Shallows
12. Stingray Beach

Download our Island Eco Trail Map here.

Stargazing

The island's dark skies, away from most light pollution, create the ideal conditions for stargazing. Guests often see meteor showers like the Quadrantids, Perseids and Geminids as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Gaze out towards the ocean or lie down on the beach sand and watch the action unfold.

Find out more about the Pilbara Region's Night Sky Stargazing Experiences at Astro Tourism WA.