Eco tourism and sustainabiltiy

The Mackerels are not just about fishing and diving. Whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, stingrays, and a range of birds also inhabit the area and hours can be spent watching what nature has to offer.

Thevenard Island is a gazetted nature reserve. The ever-changing nature of the shore reveals shells and rock formations during a walk along the beautiful clean beaches. A colourful variety of sea life is to be discovered in these tropical waters and the island is home to many bird species.

Several species of dolphins inhabit the waters surrounding Thevenard Island including the bottlenose, spinner, striped, common and humpback dolphins. It is rare to have a day out on the water without seeing dolphins close up and friendly.

Whales that have been observed in the area include the Pilot whale, false Killer whale, Sei whale, Bryde's whale and Humpback whale. Humpbacks migrate south from June to October, with calving taking place in August. It is common for visitors to the islands to have continuous sighting of whales.

Dugongs are also found in waters around the island and can be observed feeding and calving in waters less than 5-metres deep. Dugong breeding occurs from September to April. Sightings are often reported by people using dinghies in the shallow waters within 1km of the island.

Twenty-four species of land birds have been recorded on Thevenard Island. In addition, there are up 31 species of migratory birds occurring in the Thevenard Island area, including kestrels, godwits, plovers, sandpipers and harriers. Some birds migrate from remote northern hemisphere locations such as Siberia and are protected by international treaties. Seabirds, such as terns and shearwaters, nest from October to January.

The only native land mammal on the island is the Forrest’s mouse. The domestic mouse also inhabits the island and is most likely to have been introduced. A total of nine reptile species have been recorded on the island including goannas, dragons, skinks and geckos. No rare or endangered reptiles have been recorded.

Turtle Season
The Mackerel Islands are an annual breeding ground for turtles and at the right time of season, you can watch the turtles lay their eggs on the beach — a truly moving experience — or see the fragility of life when the baby turtles hatch and make their treacherous journey to the water’s edge. Flat Back and Green Turtles can be seen laying eggs on the beaches from around mid-October and baby turtles can be seen hatching and making their way to the water’s edge from around Christmas, right through until March or April.

Eco Walk Trail
If you’re feeling adventurous the Thevenard Islands Eco Walk Trail is for you. It's an around island walk that has twelve stops of interest, here’s your chance really experience the island in its natural best. The walk will take approximately 3-4 hours and a certain level of fitness is required.