Home to a fringing reef, sandy beaches, secluded bays, gorgeous sunsets and wildlife encounters, the Mackerel Islands, located north of Exmouth/Ningaloo, are a little slice of barefoot paradise.
Whether you hit the highway on an epic road trip up to Exmouth, or hop on a two hour Qantas flight from Perth, getting to the Mackerel Islands is easy with the launch of a new Reef to Retreat Package which includes 30-minute scenic flight transfers.
Not only do guests get to experience flying over the incredible UNESCO World Heritage- listed Ningaloo Reef, but also the chance to spot manta rays, sea turtles and whale sharks from the air, before arriving on the island.
Perched on the beach sand, the island’s spacious, air-conditioned cabins are dotted along the main bay. Simple but comfortable, each one features a kitchen, lounge and dining area, plus an alfresco patio with a barbecue, table, chairs and a hammock, perfect for relaxing, reading a good book and watching the ocean.
Spend the days swimming in calm bays, snorkelling the coral reefs, beach fishing for a fresh seafood catch, bird watching and discovering the island’s giant Osprey nests, exploring the island’s eco trail walk, and stargazing on clear nights with meteor showers occurring in May, July and October. Hire boats are available to guests holding a recreational skippers licence.
Famed for its resident sea turtles, the turtle breeding season starts in September, or if your stay is during the winter months, experience the annual humpback whale migration, where hundreds of whales pass close to the island’s shores, putting on a show of breaching and tail slapping.
Two night’s accommodation is included in the Reef to Retreat Package, along with daily self-cook meal supplies, kayak, stand up paddle board and snorkel hire, a guided reef walk, sunset 4WD tour, back beach bus trip, island sustainability tour and the return scenic flight transfers from Exmouth.
Priced from $1,750 per person twin share, you can add on extra nights for $381 per person, with options to add a third adult or child.
For more information or to book, call the Mackerel Islands reservations office on (08) 9184 6444, email bookings@mackerelislands.com.au or visit their website www.mackerelislands.com.au.
