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Islands

of the Jurien Bay Marine Park

Discover the protected limestone islands that provide vital breeding, resting and nesting habitat for Australian sea lions, seabirds and other wildlife throughout the Jurien Bay Marine Park.

Last updated 11 August 2026.

Based on over six decades of experience working across the waters of Jurien Bay.

Local knowledge. Marine expertise. Trusted information.

THE ISLANDS OF THE JURIEN BAY MARINE PARK

The Jurien Bay Marine Park contains 25 limestone islands and rocky outcrops extending along the Turquoise Coast between Wedge Island and Green Head. Each is protected as an island nature reserve.

These islands provide breeding and resting habitat for endangered Australian sea lions and nesting sites for seabirds including fairy terns, ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles. Several also support threatened land animals found within a very limited natural range.

Public access is carefully managed to protect wildlife, vegetation and sensitive breeding areas. Some islands permit daylight access to designated beaches, while others remain closed throughout the year.

The islands form part of the limestone landscape that extends beneath the waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Sandy beaches, rocky platforms and low coastal vegetation have developed across the island chain.

Reefs, seagrass meadows and shallow channels surround many of the islands. These connected habitats provide feeding grounds, shelter and breeding areas for marine and coastal wildlife.

Constant exposure to wind, salt and waves creates demanding conditions. The plants and animals found here are specially adapted to life on small, isolated islands.

Limestone Islands Shaped by the Ocean

Top-down aerial view of a vegetated limestone island surrounded by shallow reefs in Jurien Bay Marine Park.

The island nature reserves provide secure places for wildlife to breed, nest and rest away from the mainland. North Fisherman Island and Buller Island support important breeding colonies of endangered Australian sea lions. Both islands are closed to general public access.

Fairy terns, ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and other seabirds use the islands for nesting and roosting. The reserves also protect threatened native animals including the Lancelin Island skink, dibbler and Boullanger Island dunnart.

Island wildlife can be highly sensitive to noise, close approaches and unexpected human activity. Disturbance may interrupt breeding or cause animals to leave resting and nesting areas.

Wildlife & Breeding Sites

Australian sea lions resting together on a sandy island beach in Jurien Bay Marine Park.

Daylight access is permitted to designated beaches on eight islands within the Jurien Bay Marine Park:

Favorite Island
Boullanger Island
Whitlock Island
Escape Island
North Cervantes Island
North Green Island
South Green Island
Wedge Island

Visitors must remain on the beaches and avoid entering vegetated areas. Access to every other island and rocky outcrop is prohibited throughout the year.

Island access may also be restricted temporarily for wildlife protection, breeding activity or reserve management. Check current Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions information before setting out.

Which Islands Can Visitors Access?

Aerial view of a sandy island beach and coastal vegetation with the Jurien Bay coastline in the distance.

Approach islands slowly and maintain the required distance from sea lions, seabirds and other wildlife. Never feed, touch or follow an animal. Give it additional space if it changes its behaviour or moves away.

Land only on beaches where public access is permitted. Remain clear of vegetation and nesting areas, take all rubbish with you and leave natural materials where they are found. Dogs and other pets are prohibited on the island nature reserves.

Anchor over sand whenever possible to avoid damaging reefs and seagrass. Check the weather, sea conditions and current access information before departure. Many islands are surrounded by shallow reefs and require careful navigation.

Visiting the Islands Responsibly

Limestone island and surrounding turquoise waters in the Jurien Bay Marine Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

The marine park contains 25 limestone islands and rocky outcrops. Every island is protected as a nature reserve.
Daylight access is permitted to designated beaches on eight islands. Visitors must remain on the beach and may not enter the vegetation. All other islands and rocky outcrops are closed to public access.
Public beach access is permitted on Favorite, Boullanger, Whitlock, Escape, North Cervantes, North Green, South Green and Wedge islands. Access conditions should be checked before departure.
Closed islands protect Australian sea lion breeding colonies, seabird nesting sites, threatened land animals and sensitive vegetation. Restricted access reduces disturbance and damage to these habitats.
North Fisherman Island and Buller Island support important Australian sea lion breeding colonies. Both islands are closed to general public access.
No. Access to the eight publicly accessible islands is limited to designated beaches during daylight hours.
No. Dogs and other pets are prohibited on the island nature reserves, including the islands where limited public access is permitted.
Visitors can view parts of the island chain from a suitable private vessel or during a licensed marine tour. Weather, boating experience and island access restrictions should be considered before departure.