Travel Guide in Carnac

This Carnac travel guide will provide an interesting peep into this beautiful island off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. This was once a whaling station, but now it's a fully protected natural reserve for marine life. Carnac Island, located south of Fremantle, is an important habitat of the Australian sea lion. There are eco cruises that give you a first-hand introduction to amazing sea creatures that thrive on the island. There is a qualified biologist on the island to take you around the nature reserve.

Getting There

The island is reached with a fantastic 4-hour cruise on a charter boat from Fremantle or a 15-minute cruise from Perth. From Perth, you can cruise along Swan River and then over sea to Carnac Island. It is an ideal summer holiday, hugely enjoyable by both young and old. Do take drinking water along with you, as there is no fresh water available on the island.

Sea Lions

Carnac Island is home to a large number of male sea lions, which populate the shores in large numbers. These marine animals abound on the beach in summer, especially after their mating season lolling about on the eastern shores. The female species are up the coast a few hundred kilometers away!

Humpback Whales

There are about nearly five thousand humpback whales which regularly migrate along the western coast of Australia every year. If you are lucky, you may see them while you are at Carnac Island.

Bird Watching

Seabirds like terns, little penguins and many other birds like seagulls breed on the island. They nest on the limestone cliffs overhanging the sea. Birdwatchers will have a great time for watching them.

Dolphin Watching

Wild bottleneck dolphins are pretty common in the seas around Carnac Island. Many a time, they frolic around the ship greatly entertaining the visitors. New Zealand fur seals also frequent these waters and can be seen at times.

Activities

The sheltered bay in the eastern side of the island is a great and very popular spot for fishing in the calm waters. Cruising idly around enjoying the nature, snorkelling to look at the marine life that abound near the coast, and swimming around are all great activities that can be enjoyed on the beach in the island. Diving also can be enjoyed here.

An abundant supply of snakes – especially tiger snakes are found on the island, so watch out!