TOURS

Turtle Tour

New summer tour!
$10 per adult, free for children

2 hours. Operates November - March

Learn 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.

See the 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.

Sunset 4WD Tour

$20 per adult, free for children

2 hours. Operates all year

Head out on a 4WD bus tour with our driver to the other side of Thevenard Island, known as Back Beach, 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.

Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or a beer with some nibbles, plus some spectacular photo opportunities.

Fishing Charter

Departing Thevenard: $350 per person own line, $500 per 2 people share line
Departing Onslow: $395 per person own line, $545 per person share line

Full day. Operates all year

Specialised skipper and guide for the experience of a lifetime - we'll get you to the best fishing grounds in the Pilbara fast, in comfort and style. Our new, custom built 11m twin hull LeisureCat, powered by 300hp Yamaha outboards, is fitted out with marlin poles, toilet/shower and the latest electronics.

Our charters include up to 8 hours on the water, morning tea, lunch, water, soft drinks and ice, top quality Shimano gear, bait and tackle, overhead reels, spinning combos and game rods, plus fish cleaned, filleted and bagged.

Fish a variety of styles to suit conditions - game fishing, sportfishing, bottom fishing, trolling, sight casting, lure flicking, stick baiting, GT popping, deep water jigging, snorkelling for crays.

Mackerel Islands Fishing Charters are renowned for Red Emperor, Rankin Cod, Gold Band, Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjack, Jobfish, Pearl Perch, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Ruby Snapper, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Squid and Tropical Crayfish.

Whale Watching

Included in your Island Transfers

45 minutes during transfers. July - August

The Mackerel Islands are visited by various species of whales during their migration and calving season, July to August every year. If you book an island transfer during these months, you will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent gentle giants in the wild on the ocean crossing.

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.

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.

Plaka Boat Hire

$240 per day including fuel

Full day hire. Requires a recreational skipper's licence

Explore the waters surrounding the Mackerel Islands yourself on our 4.6m plaka boats. These stable boats are unsinkable and ideal for snorkelling, fly fishing, catching a fish or crayfish for dinner or just getting out on the water. Comfortably seating up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 2-3 kids, they make a great day out. All safety gear is on board, with GPS, sounder and shade awnings.

Kayak Hire

$25 half day, $50 full day

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!

Stand Up Paddle Board Hire

$30 half day, $60 full day

Available all year

Try out your skills and improve your balance and core strength. 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!

Body Board Hire

$10 per day

Available all year

Body boards with underwater viewing panels, ideal for kids. 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.

Island BBQ Dinner

Available 1 April - 31 October 2020 on Tuesday and Friday evenings

Join us for a yummy casual beach dinner! We'll be hosting regular social events on Tuesday and Friday evenings on Thevenard Island. These nights will be advertised on the island’s weekly “What’s On” board during your stay so you can book in advance.