Australia’s Coral Coast

For a holiday full of adventure and relaxation, head to the Mackerel Islands, home to a fringing reef, sandy beaches, secluded bays, gorgeous sunsets and wildlife encounters.

Located north of Exmouth/Ningaloo, 45 minutes by ferry off the coast of Onslow. Onslow is easy to reach from Perth on a 1,400 kilometre road trip, or two-hour direct flights on Virgin or Qantas. Alternatively, you can hop on a 35-minute scenic flight from Exmouth and land on the island.

Stay in spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned cabins stretched along the main bay. Perched on the beach sand, they feature a kitchen, lounge and dining area, plus an alfresco patio with a barbecue, table, chairs and a hammock, perfect for relaxing, reading a good book and watching the ocean.

A range of tours and activities is available, including beach fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, boat hire, 4WD bus trips and Dinner Under The Stars events.

Enjoy spotting sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, stingrays, wobbegongs, gropers, colourful tropical fish and beautiful coral formations. Whales visit the islands in winter during their migration and calving season and are a magnificent sight. Turtles nest and hatch on the island during the summer months.

Bird watching is also a popular activity with 24 species of land birds and up to 31 species of migratory birds, including the island's resident Ospreys and giant nests.

Direction Island Beach Shack

Room capacity: 8

Stay on your own private island! If you've ever wanted to experience the seclusion of having an island all to yourself, Direction Island, nestled within its own coral reef, is a sun-drenched, sandy jewel where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, fish, go on beach walks and spot whales from the shore. A sole beach shack perched on the beach sand, surrounded by seashells and brush, is the only structure on the island. Rustic and simple, it is self-contained with all the home comforts you need to experience having an island all to yourself. You can play Castaway with up to 8 friends or family on this little island gem. The bedding includes 2 queen beds and 2 bunk beds. Although the sole beach shack isn't air-conditioned it is well-ventilated and has ceiling fans in each of the rooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen (including a fridge/freezer, separate deep freezer, stove top, oven and kettle), dining area, two bedrooms, private outdoor bathroom, shaded outdoor entertaining area with a Weber barbecue and an upstairs balcony deck with 180-degree views over the island and Indian Ocean. The shack is not serviced so is self-clean, and cleaning supplies are provided.

2 Bedroom Beachfront Cabin

Room capacity: 4

The 2 Bedroom Beachfront Cabins are absolute beachfront accommodations overlooking the island's boat moorings and swimming bay, they feature stunning ocean views from the living area and sleep 2 to 4 people in zip king beds. Along with a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom, the cabins have a lounge and dining area with Bluetooth speakers and a Nespresso coffee machine. Designed to offer home comforts and tasteful simplicity, they are fully air-conditioned and come with a hammock, beach towels and beach umbrella. The shaded outdoor entertaining area is the perfect place to take in the island's wildlife and spectacular ocean views after a day of adventure or reflection. You can cook up a seafood feast on the Weber barbecue or sip on a drink while relaxing on the alfresco dining setting. You have the flexibility to self-cater, eat in the restaurant and bar or purchase items from the island general store.

3 Bedroom Beachfront Cabin

Room capacity: 6

Facing out towards the ocean and boat moorings, the 3 Bedroom Beachfront Cabins boast breathtaking views over the blue-green water. Surrounded by beach sand and brush, the cabins sleep up to 6 people in zip king beds with a choice to configure rooms as doubles or twins. Along with a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom and an extra toilet for convenience, the cabins have a lounge and dining area with Bluetooth speakers and a Nespresso coffee machine. Designed to offer home comforts and tasteful simplicity, they are fully air-conditioned and come with a hammock, beach towels and beach umbrella. The shaded outdoor entertaining area is the perfect place to take in the island's wildlife and spectacular ocean views after a day of adventure or reflection. You can cook up a seafood feast on the Weber barbecue or sip on a drink while relaxing on the alfresco dining setting. You have the flexibility to self-cater, eat in the restaurant and bar, or purchase items from the general store.

5 Bedroom Beachfront Cabin

Room capacity: 10

Spaced along the beach overlooking the boat moorings and swimming bay, the 5 Bedroom Beachfront Cabins have panoramic ocean views. They sleep up to 10 people in zip king beds with a choice of double or twin bedding configurations and are ideal for groups of friends or large families. Along with a fully equipped kitchen and two private bathrooms, the cabins have a lounge and dining area with Bluetooth speakers and a Nespresso coffee machine. Designed to offer home comforts and tasteful simplicity, they are fully air-conditioned and come with a hammock, beach towels and beach umbrella. The shaded outdoor entertaining area is the perfect place to take in the island's wildlife and spectacular ocean views after a day of adventure or reflection. You can cook up a seafood feast on the Weber barbecue or sip on a drink while relaxing on the alfresco dining setting. You have the flexibility to self-cater, eat in the restaurant and bar or purchase items from the general store.

Facilities

  • Family Friendly
  • Kiosk
  • Barbeque
  • Outdoor Furniture
  • Outdoor Dining Area
  • Conference/Function Facilities
  • Secure Parking
  • Tour Desk
  • Laundry
  • Communal Refrigerator
  • Games or recreation room

Accreditation

  • Quality Tourism Accreditation
  • Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC

Other

  • Australian Tourism Export Council
  • Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Walks
  • Adventure
  • Beaches & Surf
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Nature & Wildlife