Garden Island (Western Australia) Island

Address: Garden Island, Western Australia (off the coast of Perth)

Garden Island is an island off the coast of Western Australia, adjacent to the town of Rockingham. It is best known as the site of the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling.

The island contains extensive naval port facilities, wharves, and infrastructure associated with fleet operations. Public access is limited because much of the island is an active military installation.

Garden Island’s development into a naval base dates from the latter half of the 20th century when facilities were established to provide a permanent west coast naval presence for Australia; the island’s role has been as an operational port and support base since that time.

The island lies off the southwest coast of the Perth metropolitan area, adjacent to Rockingham in Western Australia, and forms part of the coastal archipelago of the region.

• Access restrictions: Much of the island is part of an operational naval base and has restricted access for the public; visitors must observe naval security rules.
• Local setting: The island is adjacent to the coastal town of Rockingham and forms part of the local maritime infrastructure for the Perth metropolitan region.

What to See#

• HMAS Stirling: The Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling occupies the island and adjacent naval precinct, serving as the principal naval facility for Western Australia.

Garden Island is reached by a causeway from the mainland via the Garden Island Road; parts of the island are restricted due to Royal Australian Navy facilities-verify public access points before traveling.

• Garden Island is an active naval area-respect posted restrictions and do not approach restricted facilities.
• The island offers good vantage points for Perth skyline views at sunset; aim for the western shore as light falls.
• If driving from Perth, use the Kwinana Freeway and Garden Island Causeway; allow time for checkpoint delays.