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.
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How to get from Perth to Molloy Island
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.
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 as of October 2022, there are not any private rentals on Molloy Island. However, there are private properties to let close by.
See what’s available on Stayz (part of VRBO) here.
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.
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.
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.
I would love to see if you have more information regarding buying a house as I live here in Witchcliff and Augusta some years ago with my family.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any information on buying a property on Molloy Island. However, I’m sure a local real estate agent can help you or set up an alert of the REIWA website. Molloy Island would be a peaceful spot to live.