Mackerel Islands Nature & Wildlife Calendar

There are amazing natural encounters all year round, however during certain times these experiences are at their most intense. We have listed a few of the key ones our guests enjoyed most over the past 12 months to help you in your planning.

From marine encounters with whales, dolphins and dugongs, to land based interactions with nesting turtles, migratory birds and residential ospreys, a holiday on the Mackerel Islands offers a highly personal nature experience.

 

January

February

March

April

May

June

Turtle hatchingTurtle hatchingTurtle hatchingSchool Holiday ActivitiesWhite-bellied sea eagle & osprey nestingWhite-bellied sea eagle & osprey nesting
Bridled ternsBridled ternsBridled ternsPeak fishing month and Coral spawningEta Aquariids (meteor shower)Caspian and Crested terns nesting
Storm watchingStorm watchingCoral SpawningBridled ternsPeak Fishing MonthFairy terns and Wedge-tailed shearwaters arrive

July

August

September

October

November

December

Humpback whalesHumpback whalesHumpback whalesTurtle nestingTurtle nestingTurtle nesting
White-bellied sea eagle & osprey nestingWhite-bellied sea eagle & osprey nestingBig spring tides from the SupermoonBig spring tides from the SupermoonBridled ternsBridled terns
Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids (meteor shower)Peak fishing monthWildflowersSchool Holiday ActivitiesCoral trout activeStorm watching
School Holiday ActivitiesWildflowersSchool Holiday ActivitiesTurtle matingBridled, Fairy and Caspian terns nestingWedge-tailed shearwater, beach-stone curlew and bridled terns nesting
Body Boarding Mackerel Islands

January

Summer storm build up continues to be seen over the mainland, which keeps the island bird life excited. The new year brings the excitement of baby turtles beginning to hatch!


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Snorkelling Mackerel Islands

February

February brings with it more turtle hatchlings, and the continued storm activity keeps the wildlife both in and out of the water active!



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Fishing Mackerel Islands

March

March is the best time for the potential of seeing coral spawning and you don't want to miss the last of the baby turtles. Breathtaking storm build up can still be seen over the mainland from our beachfront cabins.


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April

Not only is the island busy with wildlife in April but our school holiday activities will be kicking off from 26th of March to the 14th of April 2024. This month offers some of the best fishing and the ocean is full of life as the colorful coral is spawning.



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Sunset 4WD Tour Mackerel Islands

May

May marks the start of the white-bellied sea eagle nesting season. With the Eta Aquariids meteor shower making an appearance and more great fishing, May is a magical time to visit.





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Turtles Mackerel Islands

June

June is filled with lots of exciting bird activity. From the arrival of fairy terns and wedge-tailed shearwaters to the nesting of the caspian and crested terns. The eastern osprey begins nesting and white-bellied sea eagle continue with their nesting season too, and you’ll likely see them around the island collecting sticks or out catching fish.


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Whale Watching Mackerel Islands

July

The magnificent humpback whales can be seen as they migrate north to breed and calve. The colorful wildflower season begins, and more birds visit the island including the critically endangered eastern curlew. From meteor showers and our wide range of school holiday activities there is lots to see and do during the month of July!

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August

More migratory birds continue to flock to the island, including 3 critically endangered species, and the majestic humpback whales continue to show off. The first supermoon of the year means impressive tides for reef walking and sensational fishing.



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Beach Cricket Mackerel Islands

September

The last of the humpback whales pop in to say hello with their cute new calves as they make their journey back south. Another spectacular supermoon lights up the sky as the turtles begin their mating season. The fishing continues to be outstanding with the biggest tides of the year this month.


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Boat Hire Mackerel Islands

October

October brings the last supermoon of the year, creating the perfect night light to watch the beginning of turtle nesting season! The last of the school holiday activities come at the perfect time with more impressive tides which are great for reef walks and exploring the rock pools.

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Kayaking Mackerel Islands

November

The turtles continue nesting in November, so it's a great time to spot them laying eggs on the beach. The bridled terns can also be seen as they are amid their breeding season, keep an eye out for them doing their love dance!


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SUP Boarding Mackerel Islands

December

The last of the turtles finish nesting as the year ends, and the season for watching beautiful summer storms begins.




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April

School Holiday Activities

A range of extra activities are available during the school holidays, beginning on the 26th of March and ending on the 14th of April. The activities range from guided snorkels, low tide reef walks, sunset boat cruises, kids fishing clinics and more! This is a great time for families to visit!

*Available during school holidays only and may be substituted. Subject to weather and tide conditions.

Coral Spawning

Coral spawning is an extraordinary natural phenomenon that usually occurs in March and April when the conditions are just right. Not only is coral spawning important for replenishing the reef but it also provides important food for other island wildlife.

Fishing

April is known to be one of the best fishing months around the Mackerel Islands. Whether you are boat fishing or land fishing there is plenty biting! Check out the list below for some of the favourite catches off Thevenard Island:

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Red Emperor
  • Sailfish
  • Coral Trout
  • Rankin Cod
  • Snapper
  • Wahoo
  • Bluebone
  • Golden Trevally
  • Giant Trevally
  • Queenfish
  • Threadfin Salmon
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Spanish Flag

For more information on fishing the Mackerel Islands you can visit our fishing page.

*Please ensure you are aware of and following DPIRD fishing regulations.

Bridled Terns

These beautiful black and white terns migrate to Western Australia all the way from Indonesia and can be seen around the Mackerel Islands from September to April. The bridled terns come to breed and nest every year in the Pilbara region, after their young have hatched, you’ll often see the adults holding “flight school” for the young juveniles.

May

White-bellied Sea Eagle

The white-bellied sea eagle is the second largest raptor in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters! Keep an eye out for these birds as they begin their nesting season in May. They love hunting for fish around the island, which is an impressive sight to see!

Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower will be visible this month, with the best viewing times being the 7th and 8th of May around 5.00am. This meteor shower is known to be visible over longer periods of time, with the potential for 30 meteors per hour!

Fishing

The fishing in May continues to be outstanding. Whether you are boat fishing or land fishing there is plenty biting! Check out the list below for some of the favourite catches off Thevenard Island:

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Red Emperor
  • Sailfish
  • Coral Trout
  • Rankin Cod
  • Snapper
  • Wahoo
  • Bluebone
  • Golden Trevally
  • Giant Trevally
  • Queenfish
  • Threadfin Salmon
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Spanish Flag

For more information on fishing the Mackerel Islands you can visit our fishing page.

*Please ensure you are aware of and following DPIRD fishing regulations.

June

Eastern Osprey

Although the Eastern Osprey can be seen all year around on the island, June is when they start their breeding and nesting season. These romantic birds of prey mate for life and return to the same nest season after season. With more than 10 osprey nests scattered across the island you’ll see these pairs preparing their nests this month.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

The white-bellied sea eagle is the second largest raptor in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters! Keep an eye out for these birds as they continue their nesting season in June. They love hunting for fish around the island, which is an impressive sight to see!

Caspian and Crested Terns

The Caspian and Crested tern can be seen around the Mackerel Islands all year round however, this time of year they can be seen breeding and nesting.

Fairy Terns

Fairy terns are listed as a vulnerable species however we are lucky enough to have them breed across various Pilbara islands during the winter months. Meaning in the month of June you will begin seeing more of these special birds, they can be tricky to spot at first being the smallest sea bird in Western Australia!

Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Muttonbird)

More than 1 million wedge-tailed shearwaters migrate to the Pilbara islands every year, they begin to arrive in June. These birds are very impressive hunters, seeing them catch fish, crustaceans and insects is quiet the site!

July

School Holiday Activities

A range of extra activities are available during the school holidays, beginning on the 29th of June and ending on the 14th of July. The activities range from guided snorkels, low tide reef walks, sunset boat cruises, kids fishing clinics and more! This is a great time for families to visit!

*Available during school holidays only and may be substituted. Subject to weather and tide conditions.

Humpback Whales

The magnificent humpback whales start visiting as they migrate north to breed and calve. Island guests often see the whales daily during the month of July and are often lucky enough to see them breaching or tail slapping.

Eastern Osprey

Although the Eastern Osprey can be seen all year around on the island, June is when they start their breeding and nesting season. These romantic birds of prey mate for life and return to the same nest season after season. With more than 10 osprey nests scattered across the island you’ll see these pairs all around the island preparing their nests this month.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

The white-bellied sea eagle is the second largest raptor in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters! Keep an eye out for these birds as they continue their nesting season in July. They love hunting for fish around the island, which is an impressive sight to see!

Delta Aquariids & Alpha Capricornids Meteor Showers

The Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers will be visible this month, with the best viewing times for both being the 29th to the 30th of July around 12.00am and 2.00am. With the potential for 34 meteors per hour between the two showers!

Wildflowers

In July the island starts to become even more colourful as the wildflowers begin to bloom. This includes kapok bush, pigface, bayhops morning glory and water wattles just to name a few!

Eastern Curlew

The critically endangered Eastern curlew start to arrive at the Mackerel islands this month, migrating all the way from Russia and China! These incredible birds have long curved bills that are perfect for finding food under sand and mud, like crustaceans, molluscs and insects.

August

Humpback Whales

The magnificent humpback whales continue visiting as they migrate north to breed and calve. Island guests often see the whales daily during the month of August and are often lucky enough to see them breaching or tail slapping.

Supermoon

On the 20th of August there is the first Supermoon of 2024. This means the full moon is going to be even bigger than normal as it is closer to earth than usual.

Eastern Osprey

Although the Eastern Osprey can be seen all year around on the island, August is during their nesting season. This majestic bird of prey will have between 1 and 4 chicks every breeding season. With more than 10 osprey nests scattered across the island you’ll see these pairs all around the island caring for their newborns this month.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

The white-bellied sea eagle is the second largest raptor in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters! Keep an eye out for these birds as they continue their nesting season in August. They love hunting for fish around the island, which is an impressive sight to see!

Wildflowers

In August the island is filled with colour as wildflowers continue to bloom. This includes kapok bush, pigface, bayhops morning glory and water wattles just to name a few!

Spring Tides

The supermoon in August will mean that we start to see some very impressive tides around the new and full moon. The large spring tides mean at low tide you’ll be able to walk along the reefs and look for rock pools and wildlife, like crabs, starfish and octopuses. It also makes for great fishing!

Fishing

The fishing in August is incredible! Whether you are boat fishing or land fishing there is plenty biting! Check out the list below for some of the favourite catches off Thevenard Island:

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Red Emperor
  • Sailfish
  • Coral Trout
  • Rankin Cod
  • Snapper
  • Wahoo
  • Bluebone
  • Golden Trevally
  • Giant Trevally
  • Queenfish
  • Threadfin Salmon
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Spanish Flag

For more information on fishing the Mackerel Islands you can visit our fishing page.

*Please ensure you are aware of and following DPIRD fishing regulations.

Curlew Sandpiper

The critically endangered curlew sandpiper migrates all the way from Russia, usually arriving in August and staying through till March. Their curved bill is made for searching through the sand to find worms, molluscs, crustaceans and insects.

Great Knot

The critically endangered great knot is another migratory bird that arrives in August, coming all the way from Russia and Siberia. These incredible birds have been known to fly up to 6,000 kilometers non-stop!

Bar-tailed Godwit

The bar-tailed Godwit holds the record for the longest non-stop flight of more than 11,000 kilometers! This critically endangered bird migrates to the Pilbara all the way from Northen Siberia, and August is the month they arrive!

September

School Holiday Activities

A range of extra activities are available during the school holidays, beginning on the 21st of September and ending on the 6th of October. The activities range from guided snorkels, low tide reef walks, sunset boat cruises, kids fishing clinics and more! This is a great time for families to visit!

*Available during school holidays only and may be substituted. Subject to weather and tide conditions.

Supermoon

On the 18th of September we will see the best Supermoon of 2024! This means the full moon is going to be at its biggest for the year, and at its closest proximity to the Earth. This will make for the perfect night light to watch for turtle and other wildlife!

Humpback Whales

The magic of the humpback whales continues in September as they start their journey back south again. You’ll see these gentle giants popping in with their cute new calves and guests will often see them breaching or tail slapping.

Turtles (Hawksbill, Flatback, Green and Loggerhead)

The turtles begin their mating season in September so there will plenty hanging around the islands reef systems. Island guests often see them swimming in the shallows or snorkelling around home reef just off the beach. Please ensure you follow DBCA’s Turtle Watching Code of Conduct while experiencing this magical time to ensure we continue to protect our turtles.

Bridled Terns

These beautiful black and white terns migrate to Western Australia all the way from Indonesia and can be seen around the Mackerel Islands from September to April. The bridled terns come to breed and nest every year in the Pilbara region, after their young have hatched you’ll often see the adults holding “flight school” for the young juveniles.

Spring Tides

The supermoon in September will mean that we see the biggest tides of the year around the new and full moon. The large spring tides mean at low tide you’ll be able to walk along the reefs and look for rock pools and wildlife, like crabs, starfish and octopuses. It also makes for great fishing!

Fishing

The fishing in August is incredible! Whether you are boat fishing or land fishing there is plenty biting! Check out the list below for some of the favourite catches off Thevenard Island:

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Red Emperor
  • Sailfish
  • Coral Trout
  • Rankin Cod
  • Snapper
  • Wahoo
  • Bluebone
  • Golden Trevally
  • Giant Trevally
  • Queenfish
  • Threadfin Salmon
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Spanish Flag

For more information on fishing the Mackerel Islands you can visit our fishing page.

*Please ensure you are aware of and following DPIRD fishing regulations.

Wildflowers

In September the island is filled with colour as wildflowers continue to bloom. This includes kapok bush, pigface, bayhops morning glory and water wattles just to name a few!

October

School Holiday Activities

A range of extra activities are available during the school holidays, beginning on the 21st of September and ending on the 6th of October. The activities range from guided snorkels, low tide reef walks, sunset boat cruises, kids fishing clinics and more! This is a great time for families to visit!

*Available during school holidays only and may be substituted. Subject to weather and tide conditions.

Supermoon

The last supermoon of 2024 will be seen on the 17th of October. This means the full moon is going to be even bigger than normal as it is closer to earth than usual. This will once again provide an incredible night light for watching nesting turtles!

Turtles (Hawksbill, Flatback, Green and Loggerhead)

Turtle mating continues into October and it also brings the beginning of the turtles nesting season, this includes the hawksbill, flatback, green and loggerhead turtle. A walk along any beach on the island and you’ll spot their tracks into the dunes where they lay their eggs. Please ensure you follow DBCA’s Turtle Watching Code of Conduct while experiencing this magical time to ensure we continue to protect our turtles.

Spring Tides

The supermoon in October will mean that we start to see some very impressive tides around the new and full moon. The large spring tides mean at low tide you’ll be able to walk along the reefs and look for rock pools and wildlife, like crabs, starfish and octopuses. It also makes for great fishing!

Bridled Terns

These beautiful black and white terns migrate to Western Australia all the way from Indonesia and can be seen around the Mackerel Islands from September to April. The bridled terns come to breed and nest every year in the Pilbara region, after their young have hatched you’ll often see the adults holding “flight school” for the young juveniles.

November - March

Turtles (Hawksbill, Flatback, Green and Loggerhead)

Throughout November and December, the turtles are nesting on the island, this includes the hawksbill, flatback, green and loggerhead turtle. A walk along any beach on the island and you’ll spot their tracks into the dunes where they lay their eggs. Come January, February, and March the turtle eggs are hatching, keep an eye out for the very cute baby turtles!

Please ensure you follow Turtle Watching Code of Conduct while experiencing this magical time to ensure we continue to protect our turtles.

Bridled Terns

These beautiful black and white terns migrate to Western Australia all the way from Indonesia and can be seen around the Mackerel Islands from September to April. The bridled terns come to breed and nest every year in the Pilbara region, after their young have hatched you’ll often see the adults holding “flight school” for the young juveniles.

Storms

The island makes for the perfect viewing platform to watch the summer storms roll in. The colours and lighting shows are nothing short of impressive.

Coral Spawning

Coral spawning is an extraordinary natural phenomenon that usually occurs in March and April when the conditions are just right. Not only is coral spawning important for replenishing the reef but it also provides important food for other island wildlife.

*Unfortunately, wildlife and marine sightings cannot be guaranteed.