Bleaker Island

Bleaker Island, despite the implications of its name, is far from bleak - indeed it is scenically attractive with a stunning long beach known as Sandy Bay and beautiful cliffs all along the east coast, making a home for a rockhopper penguin colony close to the settlement. The land is low-lying, with the highest point of Semaphore Hill at just 27m, making it very easy to explore. There are excellent walking trails.

The island is both a working and sustainably managed farm and a wildlife paradise.  As a National Nature Reserve and internationally recognised as an “Important Bird Area”, the island has a lot to offer. Green areas provide excellent pasture for sheep and cattle and many birds; tussac grass is planted in protected paddocks to provide winter fodder and an important habitat for native species.

Forty different breeding birds have been recorded including Magellanic, southern rockhopper and gentoo penguins, a large colony of imperial cormorants and many waterfowl. Sandy Bay is a beautiful beach where the Gentoo penguins gather and will be a highlight of any visit, but keen birders will also be enthralled with the ponds. Big Pond has two smaller ponds nearby – look out for Chiloe widgeon, silvery and white-tufted grebes, silver and speckled teal, black-necked swans and the rare flying steamer duck.

Flowers include violets and the enchanting lady’s slipper, the former attracting a large Falklands fritillary butterfly colony. Marine mammals are frequent visitors.

The tiny settlement is located roughly in the centre of the island, ideally placed to see the best of the wildlife and beaches and with two luxurious, eco-friendly serviced accommodation, Cassard House and Cobbs Cottage.

Bleaker Island features on some cruise itineraries.

You can download a conservation leaflet about Bleaker Island here.