Island Parks of the West Coast
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The island parks of the West Coast play an important role in preserving wildlife. They are free of many of the introduced animals that compete with, or prey upon native wildlife on the mainland. The islands provide sanctuary for migratory birds and a number of endangered animals including the Greater Stick-nest Rat and Brush-tailed Bettong.
Many of these islands provide breeding sites for Australian Pelicans, Caspian Terns, Sooty Oystercatchers, Little Penguins, Pacific Gulls and Silver Gulls. Australian Sea-lions can be found basking in the sun on some islands. Granite cliffs and sandy beaches border most of these islands. They support large populations of venomous Black Tiger Snakes and Common Death Adders, so visitors should wear protective footwear and leg coverings if venturing off beaches.
The islands may have different regulations so it is important to check these before heading out as these regulations are there to protect the Islands vital and fragile environment.
Access onto the Franklin Islands is prohibited.
Open daily.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna office
Phone: (+61 8) 8625 3144
Email: EPParks@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: 0428 253 144
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna officeon (08) 8625 3144 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 0428 253 144
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Marine mammals
If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins), please contact National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna office on (08) 8625 3144 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 0428 253 144
Access to the islands is by boat only.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
Access to some islands is hazardous and should not be attempted by inexperienced or unprepared visitors. Due to their remoteness, please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna officebefore planning a trip to these areas.
The Franklin Islands in the Nuyts Archipelago, Nicolas Baudin Island Conservation Park and Jones Island within the Baird Bay Island Parks are all prohibited areas, so access is not permitted onto these islands.
Various Marine Parks and Sanctuaries also exist across the West Coast Islands area so it is important to check out the Marine Parks website before heading out.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
The endangered Australian Sea Lions usually breed on islands, but also have a rare mainland breeding colony along the base of the Bunda Cliffs. These intelligent mammals are swift hunters in water; on land they love to sun themselves on rocks. Marine Mammal regulations are in place regarding approach distances. To find out more;
Download the respecting marine mammals safety sticker
Sea eagles are large birds of prey that nest and feed along the coast. Beautiful grey-and-white birds that mate for life, they can be seen swooping down to snatch fish from the surface of the sea.
Several species of nudibranch, invertebrates also known as sea slugs, are found around Nuyts Archipelago. Their bright colours and languid movements make them a favourite with divers.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
There are no specific bushwalking trails within this park.
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Camping is not permitted within this park.
- Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.
While above the water, enjoy casting a fishing line into the open sea. Fishing has always been popular on the West Coast and will continue to be popular for years to come, with fishers still able to catch abalone, rock lobster, scale fish and even shark outside the sanctuary zones.
There are Marine Park sanctuary zones around many of these island parks, please ensure you understand the fishing restrictions in place before undertaking any fishing activities.
Dive into the South Australia’s largest marine park and discover the local marine life that call Nuyts Archipelago and other West Coast Islands home.
Under the warm waters you can marvel at the expanses of seagrass meadows, reef fish and colourful reefs. Keep an eye out for the leatherback turtles that occasionally visit the area.
Both Ceduna and Fowlers Bay have boat charter operators and tour guides with extensive knowledge of the area who are guaranteed to show you a great day out.
Visit the Ceduna Visitor Information Centre for more information.
If you think you might be interested in volunteering opportunities within this park please contact our Volunteer Support Unit.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
- Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year (to low water mark).
- Exception: St Peters Island, wood or solid fuel fires permitted in designated locations except from 16 October 2023 to 27 March 2024.
- Gas fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous in this area.
Do not climb on, or fish from slippery rocks.
Access to some islands is hazardous and should not be attempted by inexperienced or unprepared visitors. Due to their remoteness, please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna office before planning a trip to these areas.
Phone range is limited on and surrounding the islands so please be prepared with alternative forms of communication e.g. marine vhf and sat phone.
Familiarise yourself on all the information provided on this website before you go.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna office
Phone: (+61 8) 8625 3144
Email: EPParks@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone:0428 253 144
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact Ceduna Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8625 3144 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 0428 253 144
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Marine mammals
If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins), please contact Ceduna Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8625 3144 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 0428 253 144
The Franklin Islands in the Nuyts Archipelago and Nicolas Baudin Island Conservation Park are prohibited areas and seasonal safety conditions apply to other islands.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Some of the West Coast Island Parks are accessible by boat and can be enjoyed for free. Please check the regulations around each Island park before you leave. Access to some islands is prohibited and/or hazardous and should not be attempted by inexperienced or unprepared visitors. Due to their remoteness, please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Ceduna office before planning a trip to these areas.
These parks are not included in the park pass system.
There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.
