Button Bird Island (often called Muttonbird Island or Shelter Island) is a granite islet lying just off Muttonbird Beach, about 20 km west of Albany on Western Australia's south coast. The shallow channel between the island and beach creates a sheltered snorkeling zone with clear turquoise waters, rocky reef formations, and the chance to spot little penguins and shearwaters around the island's base. The area is known for its striking coastal scenery, calm summer conditions, and uncrowded waters — offering a raw, natural snorkeling experience away from the tourist treadmill.
Button Bird Island
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 4.4 knPrecipitation 5.4 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Rough swells and surf
Muttonbird Beach can experience rough conditions and strong surf, especially outside of summer, making snorkeling hazardous at times.
Low risk: No lifeguard patrol
Muttonbird Beach is not patrolled — there are no lifeguards on duty.
Low risk: 4WD-only beach access
Driving on the beach requires a 4WD vehicle; soft sand can be treacherous for standard vehicles.
Low risk: Rocks and reef hazards
Granite outcrops and submerged reef near Shelter Island present a cutting hazard for swimmers and snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Albany, drive west on Lower Denmark Road, turn onto Muttonbird Road and follow to the end. At the T-junction, the left turn leads to a small carpark with steps down to a sheltered beach opposite Shelter Island.
Parking & facilities
Two car parks available: a northern lookout carpark (with a 4WD track down to the beach) and a southern carpark with a footpath and stairs leading to the small beach opposite the island.
parkingtoilets
Free access. No entry fees.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports