Lady Julia Percy Island (also known as Deen Maar) is a secret spot off the coast of Victoria near the Great Ocean Road. This island in the Southern Ocean is one of the best in the region, with high biodiversity, geological wonders and history. The cliffs on the island were formed by ancient volcanoes and rise up out of the blue ocean, with stunning views and scenery all year round. From the seal colonies to the cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people, Lady Julia Percy Island has natural beauty and history. Being close to towns like Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell makes it a great stop for those exploring the many attractions along the Great Ocean Road.
The Island’s Ecosystem
Lady Julia Percy Island has a special ecosystem due to its volcanic past and isolation. The rocky cliffs and scrub provide habitat for seabirds such as fairy prions, short-tailed shearwaters and crested terns. These birds make the island a key site for bird conservation in Australia. The surrounding waters are home to marine life, an important habitat for Australian fur seals often seen on the island’s rocky shoreline. The underwater environment is just as diverse, with kelp forests, colourful reef systems and various fish species, all contributing to the island’s high marine biodiversity. As part of the Island Wildlife Reserve, the area is managed by Parks Victoria to protect the island’s flora and fauna.
History
The history of Lady Julia Percy Island (Deen Maar) goes beyond the natural beauty. The island is of great cultural significance to the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people, who have been using it as a sacred site for thousands of years. This cultural heritage is tied to the island’s spiritual significance and traditional practices. In the early 19th century, European explorers like Matthew Flinders and James Grant visited the island and documented the cliffs and difficult navigation. The island was named after Lady Julia Percy, the wife of the Governor of New South Wales and is part of the colonial history of the region. Old sealing and whaling stations remain on the island, which shows it was an important site for early European maritime industries.
How to see Lady Julia Percy Island
Seeing Lady Julia Percy Island is a unique experience on the Great Ocean Road. While landing on the island is restricted, there are several ways to experience it. Boat tours from the nearby seaside town of Port Fairy get up close and personal with the island and the seal colonies on its rocky shores. If you prefer a bird’s eye view, scenic flights over the island show off the basalt columns and the Southern Ocean. You can also see the island from popular viewing spots along the Great Ocean Road, such as Cape Otway and the Bay of Islands. Book ahead during peak season. Whatever way you choose to see the island, the beautiful views and rock formations will blow you away.
Plan your Great Ocean Road day trip to see Lady Julia Percy Island! Enjoy picturesque views, boat tours, and scenic flights that highlight the island’s stunning rock formations and wildlife.
Wildlife on Lady Julia Percy Island
Lady Julia Percy Island is renowned for its wildlife and the chance to see native species in their natural environment. The island is home to the largest breeding colony of Australian fur seals in the region, with thousands of these cheeky creatures on the rocky cliff faces and coastal shores. You can watch them play, whether they’re basking on the rocks or diving into the ocean. The island is also a breeding ground for many seabirds, making it a bird lover’s heaven. Species such as the fairy prion, sooty shearwater, and white-faced storm-petrel nest on the cliffs are bird bonanzas. In the waters around the island, you can see dolphins and whales, especially during migration season. The island’s biodiversity, which is part of the Island Wildlife Reserve, makes it a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Surrounding Areas
The areas around Lady Julia Percy Island have plenty to keep you busy for a day or more. The charming town of Port Fairy is just a short boat ride away and is famous for its historic buildings, arts scene and beaches. You can visit local galleries, dine at seaside cafes or stroll along the wharf. Further along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell have rainforest walks, cliffs and famous surfing beaches like Bells Beach. The nearby Port Campbell National Park has the Twelve Apostles and the Gibson Steps rock stacks and some of the most spectacular limestone cliffs and ocean views in Australia. If you’re looking for adventure, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures will take you into the ancient rainforest canopy of the Otway Ranges. With so many options, it’s no wonder this region is a favourite among beach lovers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
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