Gannet Colony

Bird watchers flock to Point Danger to view Australia’s only mainland colony of Australasian Gannets, Located just six kilometres out of Portland, the interpretive information and elevated viewing platform can be accessed off Madeira Packet Road, near Portland Aluminium. More than 6000 pairs of gannets nest on Lawrence Rocks, two kilometres south of the mainland. The mainland colony of 300 pairs is an ideal place to observe birds in all stages of life, from chicks and grey-coloured immature gannets to the mature adult birds with their marvellous wing span and impressive size. Gannets are nesting and raising young from July to April. Gannets feed on small sea fish like pilchards, and their feed seeking methods are quite a show to watch. It is a wonderful phenomenon to witness hundreds of gannets diving into the sea in succession, targeting a school of fish. Gannets can dive from a height of 30 metres, achieving speeds of 100 kilometres per hour as they strike the water, enabling them to catch fish at depths of up to 20 metres much deeper than most airborne birds. A closer visit to the colony may be arranged by contacting the Portland Visitor information Centre. The colony has all ability access.