Molloy Island is 320 km south of Perth, near Augusta in Western Australia. If you are looking to be surrounded by nature and to enjoy some peace and quiet, then this is the perfect place for you.
It is only 300 acres in area and densely populated with trees, including Jarrah, Red Gum, Banksias, and Grass Trees. The island is at the junction of the Blackwood and Scott Rivers, in the Blackwood River Estuary. You can only reach Molloy Island by ferry.
Disclosure: Some of my links are affiliates (of which I use), which means that I may receive a small amount of commission if you buy something through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you a cent, nor do you pay more; I get a little towards the cost of running this blog, so I can keep it going. If you are thinking of booking through any of these companies, I would be very grateful if you could use my links. I am appreciative of all your support.
How to get from Perth to Molloy Island
International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this Australia Travel Guide and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this Western Australia Travel Guide.
There are car hire booths at Perth airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. Choose from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, and Thrifty. We compare prices with Discover Cars.
From Perth, it is an easy 3 1/2 hour drive to Molloy Island. Most of the route is along Bussell Highway before turning onto Sues Road just prior to Busselton.
The drive along here is stunning and takes you through Whicher National Park, Wiltshire Butler National Park, and Blackwood River National Park.
We stopped at Sue’s Bridge for a walk and a picnic. It was so picturesque that we vowed to return and maybe camp there.
Molloy Island Ferry – Price & Operating Hours
The Molloy Island ferry is run privately by the Molloy Island Homeowners’ Association. You can only use it if you own a home on Molloy or are invited by a homeowner (or private rental).
For non-members, it is A$5 return per vehicle. The ferry is more like a barge and can only fit four cars on at one time.
You will need to time your crossings as the ferry only operates on the hour between 8 am and 5 pm. However, homeowners are allowed to operate it on the half-hour as well as every half hour between 5 pm and 8 am.
It was a different experience for us and we were lucky that we didn’t have to wait long for the ferry to arrive.
Molloy Island Population & Island Living
According to the 2016 Census Summary, 113 people were living permanently on Molloy Island. It consists of 286 freehold blocks but no boundary fences which allow the resident kangaroos to roam freely. A lot of the homes are used as holiday homes and the island is a lot busier during school holidays and long weekends.
There aren’t any shops on the island so you need to ensure you have everything before you go across. The nearest shops are in Augusta, about a 20-minute drive.
The houses have underground power and telephone, but no main water or deep sewerage. Properties have rainwater tanks and septic tanks.
Cats are not allowed on Molloy Island due to the environment but dogs are allowed if they are kept on a lead at all times. However, please note that ONLY homeowners are allowed to bring dogs onto the island. So, if you are holidaying on the island, please leave your pooch at home.
Things To Do on and Around Molloy Island
Molloy Island is all about relaxation. However, there is still plenty to do nearby if you want to explore what the area has to offer. If you want to be active, the island has tennis and basketball courts. There is also a playground for the children.
Bushwalking
There are several tracks around that allow you to explore the native bush and nature on the island. We enjoyed our morning walks, listening to the birds sing.
Kayaking or Boating
Bring your boat or kayak with you and enjoy some time on the river. You can kayak around the island or take your boat through Hardy Inlet to Augusta.
Watching the wildlife
Every morning and evening we had visitors at the back of our property. As there aren’t any fences, the kangaroos have a free run of the island. We left out some carrot for them and seed for the birds. Just remember they are wild animals and should not be approached.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime on Molloy Island. You will see people fishing along the Blackwood River and in Augusta. Visit the local bait shop in Augusta to find out the best places to fish.
Augusta
Augusta is a cute seaside town, about a 20-minute drive from Molloy Island. Here you can do as little or much as you like. You can go for a gentle stroll along the front, fish, or visit Jewel Cave and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. If you’re here in whale season (June to October), I recommend taking a whale watching cruise.
You might see Stingrays and Pelicans that come right into shore for the fish scraps.
For more ideas, read this guide on things to do in Augusta.
Hamelin Bay
Take a drive to Hamelin Bay. Not only is Hamelin Bay a dazzling beach but stingrays often come close to shore. On a calm day, they are very easy to spot. Hamelin Bay is only a 15-minute drive from Molloy Island. This article on What to do in Hamelin Bay will give you some ideas for your day.
Margaret River
Visit the Margaret River region and do some wine tastings. Our article on the best things to do in Margaret River provides more information on wineries, breweries, and other activities.
Accommodation Molloy Island
Unfortunately there are hardly any private rentals on Molly Island. Stayz have this house to rent on Molloy Island and Airbnb have one too.
Molloy Island Caravan Park
Molloy Hideaway Holiday Park (previously Molloy Island Caravan Park) is not actually on Molloy Island. It is still in a beautiful location but you won’t be able to access the island as it is for residents or their guests only.
What to pack on your Molloy Island trip
Our full packing list includes everything you may need but don’t forget the following items:
- I love my SOUNDPEATS TrueAir2 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth V5.2 Headphones (just as good as Airpods)
- Spare Iphone chargers like these (we always seem to leave one behind)
- A USB hub (we couldn’t do without ours)
- Sunscreen (I like these from Nivea)
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent (we use either Bushman or Aeroguard) for the mosquitoes & flies
- Camera (I love my Nikon D7500 and Go-Pro)
- Beach Towel – these microfibre sand-free towels are fantastic
- Thongs (Flip Flops) & Walking Shoes
- Water Bottle like this Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel one from Takeya that keeps your water cold all day
Western Australia’s South West Travel Guide
This detailed travel guide provides information on all the regions that make up Australia’s South West. Read about the destinations, including what to do and where to stay.
Western Australia Travel Guide
For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.
Incredible Things To Do In Albany WA 2022
There are plenty of things to do in Albany, WA, or Kinjarling, as the traditional landowners knew it. Albany is a popular destination for Western Australians during school holidays and long weekends as it is a safe, peaceful town with stunning natural beauty. This historic town is full of history, delicious food, and gorgeous beaches with a range of fabulous accommodation to suit everyone. Being locals to WA, we have visited Albany numerous times and have a list of our favourite things to do there. Things To Do in Albany WA We use Viator to book tours due to its …
The Best Walpole Accommodation | A Perfect Getaway
This list of the best Walpole accommodation in Western Australia is compiled by a local who has visited the area numerous times. Some of the properties included are private rentals, motels, houseboats, and caravan parks. Walpole is the closest town to the famous Tree Top Walk and is a beautiful, quaint country town. It can be a destination in its own right or part of a Perth to Albany Road Trip. The attraction for staying in Walpole is being close to nature, surrounded by majestic trees, the wild ocean, tranquil inlets, local fauna and flora, and beautiful beaches. Walpole can …
The Best Coalmine Beach Holiday Park Review 2022
Looking for a country getaway in Western Australia? Look no further than the Coalmine Beach Holiday Park in Walpole. This family-friendly park is perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors with all the facilities. The park is located just 3 km from Walpole town, and there are plenty of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a place to kayak, hike, or fish, the Coalmine Beach Holiday Park has it all. Read on for the full Coalmine Beach Holiday Park review with photos. Where is Coalmine Beach Holiday Park? Coalmine Beach Holiday Park sits …
Injidup Natural Spa: A Haven or Ruined by Instagram?
If you’re looking for a serene, natural spa experience in Western Australia’s Yallingup region, Indijup Natural Spa is the place for you. Or is it? Has it been ruined by thousands of visitors taking selfies for the gram? Find out what we thought when we visited what was once a secret spot only locals knew about. Where is Injidup Natural Spa? Injidup Natural Spa, or Wyadup Rocks as it is also known, is close to Yallingup in Western Australia’s South West region. Indijup Natural Spa Directions Injidup Natural Spa is about a 15-minute drive from Yallingup and half an hour …
Aravina Estate | Unparalleled wine & views
Aravina Estate is a stunning vineyard and winery located in Yallingup, within the Margaret River wine region in Western Australia. The estate produces fine wines, and its vineyards are home to a range of grape types, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. This winery is a place for everyone to enjoy with fine wines, delicious food, a playground, beautiful views and gardens, homewares, a surf gallery, and a car museum. Aravina Estate Location Aravina Estate is on Thornton Road, Yallingup, in Australia’s South West. Aravina Estate Opening Hours Aravina Estate is open …
Busselton Jetty Western Australia | Detailed Guide 2022
Busselton jetty runs over the protected waters of Geographe Bay and is the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1841m long. It’s a popular place for weddings, diving, and swimming. For example, the Busselton Jetty Swim (an internationally recognised event) attracts 3,000 competitors. Busselton Jetty is a popular tourist attraction with about 200,000 visitors each year and is operated by a non-profit community organisation known as Busselton Jetty Inc. It’s a must-see for any visitor to the area. Location of Busselton Jetty Busselton is in the South West region of Western Australia, less than a two and …
If you found our Molloy Island guide helpful, please consider booking through one of our links. It won’t cost you anything but will help towards the cost of running this site. Thank you.
Not a place to move if you like traditional pets, but with all them kangaroos around then you’d be ok. The ferry sounds really enchanting.
That is a downside to living there plus the ferry only operating at certain times. However, it is so peaceful and relaxing that it makes an ideal getaway.
Sounds like the perfect place for a weekend getaway! If you stay at an Airbnb on the island, does your Airbnb host have to request the ferry for you?
Yes they will arrange that for you when you book. We met with the owner before going on the ferry and she gave us a visitor pass.
This looks like such a pretty and tranquil place to live and would be a great vacation home. I love how there are no fences so that the kangaroos can come and go, they are so cute! That would be a bummer that cats aren’t allowed, are they a threat to the animals there? The kayaking and seeing the stingrays would be highlights for me! 🙂
I think cats are banned mainly because of the risk to the birdlife. There are many species of birds on the island, including the cute kookaburra. It was amazing to see the stingrays up close like that.
Wow, what a relaxing and amazing place to stay!
We really enjoyed relaxing there for the weekend.
That looks like a lovely place to get away – it would make a great writing retreat too.
It certainly would.
I love islands that can only be reached by ferry! Good way to truly get away from it all. I love to relax and read a book – such a luxury these days 😉
I love anything to do with water and it was a novelty catching the ferry over. Like you, I hardly have time to read nowadays so it was wonderful to just relax and read my book 🙂
Learning so much about Western Australia from your posts. This looks so gorgeous! You’ve given us quite the list for when we do make it there!
Thanks Christie. Hope you do make it here one day, I would love to show you around 🙂
My cousin’s boyfriend’s parents (phew!!) have recently moved down to Molloy Island – it looks beautiful so I may have to try and wangle an invitation next time I’m in WA!
I’d definitely be trying to get an invite Alison. Kangaroos come right up to the back door and kookaburras swoop down to be fed.