Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features
Breaksea Island is a rugged, 103-hectare granite island located in King George Sound, approximately 12 km south-east of Albany, Western Australia. It holds significant cultural and natural heritage status, being listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. Its history is dominated by the Breaksea Island Lighthouse, the second to be built in Western Australia, commenced by Imperial convict labour in 1858.
The island’s most poignant claim to fame is its link to the Anzac convoys of 1914. Breaksea was the last piece of Australia seen by thousands of soldiers departing for World War I. During their wait, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, Fay Catherine Howe, gained renown by communicating with the confined troops via Morse code and semaphore flags, relaying messages between the soldiers and their loved ones onshore. Visitors today can expect to witness stunning coastal scenery, view the historic lighthouse and keeper cottages, and observe prolific wildlife, including a colony of New Zealand fur seals at Seal Cove.
Five great things to do in Albany
- 🎖️ Learn Australia’s war stories at the National Anzac Centre.
- 🚤 Board the Kalgan Queen for a wildlife and nature cruise.
- 🐋 Discover whaling industry secrets at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station.
- 🌊 Take a tour to the best spots along Albany’s dramatic coastline.
- 🚁 See that coastline from the sky on a scenic helicopter flight.
Breaksea Island access and visitation information
Breaksea Island is a gazetted nature reserve and access is strictly controlled. The island is a significant nesting and breeding site for seabirds, which limits public landings.
- General access: The island is not accessible by public ferry. The only means of landing are typically via licensed commercial helicopter tours or private vessels, pending permits.
- Boat access: The island’s landing site is notoriously difficult and dangerous due to rough seas. Landing without a specific permit is often prohibited by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
- Tours: Commercial operators occasionally offer guided helicopter tours that include landing access to the heritage lighthouse precinct. Availability is limited and must be booked well in advance.
- Day visitors: For most visitors, the island is viewed via local dive or scenic boat charters that visit the surrounding King George Sound, particularly Seal Cove.
- Lighthouse: The lighthouse is active but the tower is not open to the public.
Breaksea Island fees and costs
There is no entrance fee for the island itself, but the cost of the trip is entirely determined by the chosen method of transportation.
| Access method | Price (checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Helicopter Tour (Landing) | AUD $995 | Price depends on operator and tour duration; requires advance booking. |
| Local Boat Charter (Scenic/Dive) | AUD $120–$250 | Price depends on length of charter; typically circles the island but does not land. |
| Private Vessel Landing Permit | Varies | Requires prior application and approval from DBCA. Landing is at your own risk. |
Permit requirement: All commercial and research activities, including landing, require specific licensing from the WA government, reflecting the island’s status as a protected nature reserve.
Wildlife, safety, and physical accessibility
The island is a pristine natural environment where conservation is the priority.
- Wildlife: The island is a critical habitat for little penguins, flesh-footed shearwaters, and great-winged petrels. Seal Cove, on the northern side, is home to a permanent colony of New Zealand fur seals.
- Accessibility: The island’s terrain is rugged and uneven, and the historic landing sites require navigating rough seas. Access to the light station from the landing is via steep paths, making it unsuitable for visitors with mobility issues.
- Safety: Due to the strong currents of the Southern Ocean and the difficulty of the landing, only experienced boat operators should attempt to land.
- Facilities: There are no public amenities, water, or shelter available on the island.
Nearby attractions for Breaksea Island
Most visitors experience Breaksea Island as part of a tour focusing on Albany’s maritime and natural history:
- Seal Cove: Located on the north side of the island, this is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling where visitors can observe the seal colony.
- National Anzac Centre: Located in Albany Heritage Park, it details the story of the Anzac convoys, providing context for the island’s role as the final farewell point.
- Albany Lighthouse Lookout (Point King): The site of the second lighthouse built in Albany, offering views back toward Breaksea Island.
- Torndirrup National Park: Features dramatic coastal rock formations like The Gap and Natural Bridge, located southwest of King George Sound.
- Australia’s last whaling station: Which is now open as a fascinating museum.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I visit Breaksea Island on my own boat? | Landing is highly restricted and requires a specific permit from the DBCA due to the island’s status as a protected nature reserve. The landing itself is notoriously dangerous. |
| What is the main attraction on the island? | The convict-built lighthouse (1858) and the associated heritage keepers’ cottages. The views and the seal colony at Seal Cove are also key attractions. |
| What is the island’s link to the Anzacs? | Breaksea Island was the last visible Australian landmass for the first Anzac convoy departing for World War I in 1914. |
| Are there any facilities on the island? | No, the island is a nature reserve and has no public toilets, shops, or drinking water. |
| Can I see the island without a helicopter tour? | Yes, scenic boat tours and dive charters frequently circle the island and visit Seal Cove, providing excellent views of the lighthouse and coastline from the water. |
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie.
- An eye-opening drive along Western Australia’s Golden Pipeline.
- Tips for visiting Jewel Cave near Margaret River.
- How to climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse near Augusta.
- Guide to visiting the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury.
