Question 1

How do I get to the Mackerel Islands?

Accepted Answer

Two options. Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd has historically run a private transfer ferry from Beadon Creek in Onslow (Tuesdays and Fridays, weather permitting, around 20 minutes to Direction Island and 45 minutes to Thevenard), but ferry sailings are suspended for 2026 — confirm current status with the operator. Self-drive private boats can launch at Beadon Creek and run out in settled conditions. Onslow is a 14-hour drive from Perth or a flight into Onslow airport.

Question 2

Can I stay on the Mackerel Islands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Thevenard Island has chalet-style beachfront cabins and club-village rooms operated by Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd with on-site meals and fishing-charter packages. Direction Island has more rustic camping accessed via the same operator's transfer service. There is no public ferry, no fuel and no shops on the islands — bookings and bring-everything planning are part of the trip.

Question 3

What can I catch at the Mackerel Islands?

Accepted Answer

Spanish mackerel are the namesake and run thick from September through April. The reef holds spangled emperor, red emperor, coral trout, rankin cod and pink snapper, with GTs, queenfish and samson on the wash and shoals. Sailfish and the occasional black marlin run wide in the warm months. Land-based fishing off the Thevenard rocks produces queenfish, trevally and the occasional mackerel at change of light.

Question 4

Does the West Coast demersal closure apply at the Mackerel Islands?

Accepted Answer

No. The Mackerel Islands sit in the North Coast Bioregion — north of the Kalbarri boundary that triggers the West Coast demersal closure. North Coast rules apply: a 5-fish demersal mixed bag with emperors capped at 3, plus species-specific size and bag limits. Verify current DPIRD rules before each trip.

Mackerel Islands (Thevenard Island / Direction Island)