Garden Island
WA 6168 • Western Australia
About Garden Island
Garden Island is a narrow limestone island approximately 10 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, lying about 5 kilometres off the Western Australian coast near Rockingham, south of Perth. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge, and is dominated by Fleet Base West — better known as HMAS Stirling — the Royal Australian Navy's largest fleet base in Australia. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 772, the majority of whom are Navy personnel and defence staff stationed at the base.
Given its status as an active naval installation, Garden Island is not a conventional residential suburb and access to most of the island is restricted to defence personnel and authorised visitors. The island is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its natural values, and the southern portion features undisturbed coastal vegetation and limestone landscapes typical of the Shoalwater area. The nearby city of Rockingham, just minutes across the causeway, provides all civilian services including shops, schools, transport, and recreational facilities for those based at the island.
Garden Island falls under postcode 6168 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Rockingham (South Metropolitan) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Defence shuttles / limited civilian access — Rockingham 15–20 min
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Civilian access to the island is restricted; personnel typically use causeway road link to Rockingham
The island has no civilian retail or services; a car is required to access the mainland via causeway for all daily needs
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Westerly Way
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Unnaro Street
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Swinstone Street
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Centaurus Street
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Dowling Street
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Bayview Street
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7 Attwood Way
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15 Read Street
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15 Read Street
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176 Currie Street