Wright Island
A small offshore granite island sitting in Encounter Bay west of Granite Island, with a rocky shoreline that forms part of the bay's signature view.
A second granite island
Wright Island sits in Encounter Bay south of Victor Harbor, around 2 km offshore from the foot of The Bluff (Rosetta Head). Like Granite Island closer to shore, it is a granite outcrop - the two together form part of the bay's distinctive geological character. Wright Island is smaller and unconnected to land.
What it's known for
The island is part of the Encounter Bay Marine Park and is a haul-out site for long-nosed fur seals. Little penguins have historically nested on it. The best view is from the climb up The Bluff or from the western foreshore at Encounter Bay - the silhouette of Wright Island against the gulf is one of the more recognisable Encounter Bay frames.
Access
No public landing on the island itself - it is a wildlife protection zone. Best appreciated from the shore.
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Last verified 17 hours ago
Within a short drive
Places within 5km of Wright Island
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Wright Island — frequently asked questions
What is Wright Island?
Wright Island is a small granite island of about one hectare in Encounter Bay, sitting in the water between Granite Island and the headland known as the Bluff, just off Victor Harbor. It is uninhabited and has no buildings or facilities.
Can you visit Wright Island?
There is no causeway or bridge to Wright Island, so it can only be reached from the water and there is no public access or landing. Most visitors simply enjoy the view of it from the Encounter Bay foreshore or from neighbouring Granite Island, which is linked to the mainland by a causeway and horse-drawn tram.
Are there penguins on Wright Island?
Wright Island was once home to a colony of little penguins, but penguin surveys in recent years have found the colony is no longer active. Little penguins can still be seen on a guided evening tour at nearby Granite Island.
Image credits
- Wright Island, Encounter Bay by Danimations , CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons