Mackerel Islands
Seeking a slice of island life? When in Exmouth, why not add a trip to Thevenard Island or Direction Island to experience life on and around the Mackerel Islands.
If you’re looking to enhance your Ningaloo trip, consider including the nearby Mackerel Islands to your itinerary. Accessed via Exmouth the islands offer a different underwater experience to the Ningaloo Reef.
The Mackerel Islands provide visitors a chance to discover uncharted terrain - the magic of Mackerels will stay with you forever. Located 20 minutes from Onslow which is another access point to the islands, a holiday or day trip provides a wilderness-style experience boasting world–class fishing, diving, snorkelling, swimming, boating, nature watching and relaxation in protected, calm waters.
Two of the ten islands – Thevenard Island and Direction Island – offers accommodation and access to an extraordinary experience, where rugged adventure meets isolation at its most splendid.
Whether you're seeking a family holiday, group getaway, a castaway-style adventure or romantic escape, Mackerel Islands accommodation caters for you. Thevenard Island offers 4WD tours for up to 17 people to explore the island's many natural features.
Best time to visit
March to October, however the quieter months provide some amazing nature experiences, especially turtle hatchings at the Mackerels.
By Air
Qantas flies daily between Perth and Exmouth (Learmonth). Pick up a hire car in Exmouth and travel the 400km distance to Onslow. Virgin Australia flies daily from Perth to Onslow, making it a short 2-hour hop from Perth.
Charter flights from Exmouth to Thevenard Island are available for those staying on the island, it's approximately 35 minutes. Contact Mackerel Islands for more details, prices and availability.
By Car
Exmouth to Onslow - 400km
Carnarvon to Onslow - 495km
Perth to Onslow - 1400km
By Boat
Then the ferry transfer to Direction Island is 20 minutes; to Thevenard Island is 45 minutes. Once you're on the islands everything is right at your doorstep!
Mackerel Islands and Karijini National Park
If you’re looking to enhance your Ningaloo trip, consider adding the nearby Mackerel Islands and Karijini National Park to your itinerary. Both locations can be accessed via Exmouth. The Islands offer a different underwater experience to the Ningaloo Reef, whilst Karijini offers spectacular gorge landscapes. The best time to visit both locations is March to October, however, the quieter months provide some amazing nature experiences, especially turtle hatchlings at the Mackerels.
Islands stay and Eco trails
The Mackerel Islands comprise of 10 island atolls, two of which have accommodation - Thevenard and Direction Islands. The Thevenard Eco Walk Trail is an adventurous trek circling the islands’ circumference with twelve stops of interest, allowing hikers to absorb its inherent beauty. The walk takes about 3.5 hours and a level of fitness is recommended.