Penguin Island is in easy reach by walking along a sand bar from Point Mersey at low tide, or catch the ferry from the Mersey Point Pier. See the fairy penguins in their natural habitat and the pelicans in their protected rookery. Penguin Island is closed in winter for the penguin breeding cycle.

Seal Island is also nearby, with its resident sea lions lazing on the rocks. Dolphins swim in the bay near Seal Island, Penguin Island and at the local beaches.

Shoalwater Beach is a calm family beach, protected by the Marine Park reef.

Point Peron at the northern end of Shoalwater Bay has walking trils and scenic limestone cliffs.Palm Beach is a family beach with a fishing jetty, boating facilities and views to Garden Island.

Garden Island contains Australia's largest working Royal Australian Navy Base, complete with submarines housing. Boat access is available on the northern side of the island.
Safety Bay and Wakiki are nearby suburbs with long white sandy beaches.

The Naragebup/Lake Richmond Environmental Centre is a community-run, 1.7 hectare attraction with children’s activities and educational information about the local environment.

Rockingham has a boardwalk cafe strip with restaurants and coffee shops, where you can also enjoy walking or cycling along the beach or have a picnic or barbecue at one of the parks and playgrounds. Swim with the dolphins or take a dolphin watching tour from the nearby Cruising Yacht Club or charter a boat.

 Visit Rockingham Museum, hire a surf cat, go scuba diving or play golf on an internationally acclaimed course. Visit one of the local wineries or the Wildlife Park. There is also horse riding, tenpin bowling, cinemas and a major shopping centre. Perth is just a 45 minute drive away.

Mandurah is 25km from Shoalwater and is the fastest growing beachside town in Australia.

Fremantle is 30km north of Shoalwater and is one of the major entertainment centres close to Perth with an exciting pub and club scene.