The Mackerel Islands are a unique adventure playground, both on land and in the sea. Easy to get to, this collection of ten islands and atolls are located off the mid-coast of Western Australia, 22km from the mainland of Onslow, or approximately 1,400km north of Perth, in the spectacular Pilbara region.
Thevenard Island is the main activity centre, with an array of tours, boat charters and equipment hire on offer. Experience true relaxation or be as active as you like surrounded by sand, water and nature.
The Mackerel Islands and Onslow are easy to access via Perth, Exmouth, Karratha or Broome.
Options for getting to the Mackerel Island from Onslow include travelling by air or boat. See full details here.
Explore the Mackerel Islands on a self-guided tour with our range of activities and equipment hire.
- Plaka boat hire (requires a recreational skipper’s licence) - $240 per day including fuel. Seats 1-4 people.
- Kayak hire - $10 per hour
- SUP Board (Stand Up Paddle) hire - $20 per hour
- Snorkel set hire - $10 per day
- Fishing rod hire - $20 per day
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.
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.
Mackerel Islands provides a dive tank refill service from the PADI dive centre on Thevenard Island for guests who bring their own boat and dive equipment. Alternatively, let us show you and your group our secret dive locations on a 3 night diving adventure with dives departing Thevenard Island daily, for group bookings of 6 or more.
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, sport fishing, bottom fishing, trolling, sight casting, lure flicking, stick baiting, GT popping, deep water jigging, snorkelling for crays.
Departs Onslow and Thevenard Island.
Departs Onslow Tuesdays or Fridays.
Price includes:
- 3 night’s accommodation in a shared beachfront cabin at the Mackerels (Thevenard Island)
- 2 full day fishing charters, up to 8 hours on the water each time
- Top quality Shimano fishing gear, bait & tackle
- Fish cleaned, filleted & bagged
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
- Return island transfers Onslow-Thevenard
Partner stays free! Book the “own room” price & bring your partner for an extra $950 with the same inclusions as above.
Operates July-August.
The Mackerel Islands are visited by various species of whales during their migration and calving season. Our half day whale watching tours give you the opportunity to observe these magnificent gentle giants in the wild.
Whales that have been observed at the Mackerel Islands include the pilot whale, false killer whale, sei whale, bryde’s whale and humpback whales. 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.
It is common for visitors to the islands to have continuous whale sightings and view awe-inspiring whale behaviour like blowing, breaching and tail slapping.
8 Hours. Operates All Year.
Departing from Exmouth Aerodrome:
$1515 for 2 people / $1645 for 3 people / $2419 for 4 people / $2549 for 5 people
Departing from Learmonth Airport:
$1640 for 2 people / $1770 for 3 people / $2518 for 4 people / $2708 for 5 people
Departing from Onslow Airport:
$1598 for 2 people / $1728 for 3 people / $2541 for 4 people / $2671 for 5 people
Scenic flight in a Cessna 172 or 337 aircraft, along the coastline, over the stunning Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, to land on Thevenard Island. You'll then enjoy a self-guided island tour with a picnic lunch and non-motorised activity hire included.
Departs Onslow Tuesdays.
Price includes:
- 7 night’s accommodation in a shared beachfront cabin at the Mackerels (Thevenard Island)
- 5 full day fishing charters, up to 8 hours on the water each time
- Top quality Shimano fishing gear, bait & tackle
- Fish cleaned, filleted & bagged
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
- Return island transfers Onslow-Thevenard
Partner stays free! Book the “own room” price & bring your partner for an extra $2,200 with the same inclusions as above.
11 Hours. Operates All Year.
Departing from Exmouth Aerodrome:
$1855 for 2 people / $2155 for 3 people / $3099 for 4 people / $3399 for 5 people
Departing from Learmonth Airport:
$1980 for 2 people / $2280 for 3 people / $3558 for 4 people / $3858 for 5 people
Departing from Onslow Airport:
$1938 for 2 people / $2238 for 3 people / $3521 for 4 people / $3821 for 5 people
Scenic flight in a Cessna 172 or 337 aircraft, along the coastline, over the stunning Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, to land on Thevenard Island. You'll then enjoy a sensational fishing charter on Island Escape with our experienced skipper and guide, top quality Shimano gear, bait, tackle, morning tea, lunch, waters and cool drinks included. Island Escape is a brand new, custom built 11m twin hull LeisureCat powered by 300hp Yamaha outboards, fitted out with marlin poles, toilet/shower and the latest electronics to get you onto the fish. Tick this one off your bucket list!
