If you ever find yourself visiting Perth, be sure to factor in a trip to nearby Rottnest Island.
Located just off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island is a stunning getaway destination boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and a unique ecosystem of flora and fauna.
Offering something for everyone, Rottnest is the perfect place to go for those looking for a relaxing weekend retreat, an action-packed adventure, or a family-friendly vacation to somewhere unique.
For visitors, there is plenty to see and do on the island, including visiting its beaches, snorkelling, diving, cycling and wildlife watching. There are also several options for places you can stay overnight while you are there.
To help you make the most of your time there, we have created this handy guide. Whatever you are looking to do on the island and whichever style of accommodation you would like to stay in, we have got you covered. So get out your travel planner app and get ready to experience the beauty of Rottnest Island in style.
Where is Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve located off the coast of Western Australia, about 18 kilometres west of the city of Fremantle. It is part of the Perth metropolitan area and is situated in the Indian Ocean.
Now referred to by its indigenous name of Wadjemup, the island covers an area of approximately 19 square kilometres and is a popular destination for tourists and day-tripping locals.
How to Get to Rottnest Island
Getting to Rottnest Island is relatively easy and can be done by ferry or private boat.
There are regular ferry services departing from several locations in the Perth metropolitan area, including Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour, and Perth City to the island. The ferry ride takes approximately 25 – 45 minutes, depending on the departure point, and can be booked online or in person.
If you have access to a private boat, you can travel to Rottnest Island by anchoring in one of the island’s designated bays or mooring areas. A Rottnest Island Authority admission fee is still applicable even if you arrive by private boat.
If you’re looking for a more unique way to get to Rottnest Island, you can also take a scenic helicopter tour that departs from Perth City or Jandakot Airport. It provides spectacular birds-eye views of the surrounding, watery landscape.
Once you arrive at Rottnest Island, there are several transportation options available, including bike hire, bus tours, and walking tours, to explore the island and discover its many attractions.
Best Time To Visit Rottnest Island
The best time to visit Rottnest Island largely depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to do while you’re there.
Between the summer months of December to February, you’ll find the warmest temperatures and the best weather for beach activities and water sports. However, these months can also be the busiest and most expensive, with many tourists flocking to the island. Therefore the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) may be a more attractive option for you as they offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
If you’re hoping to see the island’s unique wildlife, such as the adorable quokkas for which it is famous, then the cooler months of June to August can be the best time to visit. During this time, the quokkas are more active and visible, and the island’s birdlife is also abundant.
Additionally, the island offers a range of activities throughout the year, including snorkelling, fishing, cycling, and hiking. The best time to visit will depend on the activities you are most interested in.
Overall, the best time to visit Rottnest Island is probably during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the island’s attractions are still open. However, any time of year can be a great time to visit Rottnest Island, depending on your preferences and interests.
How Long Should I Spend on Rottnest Island?
Essentially, the more time you can spend on Rottnest Island, the better.
If you are able to catch the 9 am ferry from Perth and return on the 4 pm ferry then that is more than enough to give yourself a feel for the island and partake in a couple of activities.
However, to really experience its charms, it is a good idea to spend a couple of nights on the island. This will give you the opportunity to spend some quality time at some of its beaches as well as enjoy various recreational pursuits.
What is there to do on Rottnest Island?
From stunning beaches and outdoor adventures to historical sites and cultural attractions, there is no shortage of things to do on Rottnest Island. Here is a selection of some of the most popular of them.
Beaches
With 63 beaches and 20 bays contained within it, Rottnest Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.
Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and stunning views, some of the top beaches on Rottnest Island include The Basin, which is a popular beach located in a sheltered bay on the western side of the island. It’s known for its calm waters and has BBQ facilities, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and picnicking.
Over on the southern side of the island, Pinky Beach offers beautiful views of the mainland. Many
people come here to swim and sunbathe, and there is a café and bar nearby.
Also on the southern side of the island is Little Salmon Bay, which is a great spot for snorkelling and diving, while Parakeet Bay, a secluded and picturesque beach located on the northern side of the island, is a lovely spot to head to when you want some peace and quiet.
Stark Bay is another secluded and quiet beach on the northern side, and over on the western side of the island, Longreach Bay is known for its long stretch of white sand and clear waters.
Regardless of what you are looking for in a beach, with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the island’s coastline.
Quokkas
One of the highlights of visiting Rottnest Island is the opportunity to see the island’s most famous inhabitants: the quokkas. Quokkas are small marsupials that are native to Western Australia and are found in large numbers on Rottnest Island. They are known for their friendly and curious nature and are often referred to as the ‘happiest animal in the world’.
Visitors can see quokkas throughout the island, but they are most commonly found around Settlement and Thomson Bay. You may even spot them on some of the hiking trails or beaches. It’s important to remember that while the quokkas are friendly, they are also wild animals and should not be touched or fed.
To ensure the safety and conservation of the quokkas, there are strict rules in place on Rottnest Island. Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drink onto the island, and there are designated areas for feeding the quokkas under the supervision of trained staff.
If you want to take a photo with a quokka, the best way to do so is to crouch down at their level and let them come to you. They are naturally curious and may approach you on their own.
Cycling
With no cars on the island, cycling is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around and explore the island’s many attractions, including historical sites, cultural attractions, and stunning beaches.
Overall there are more than 50 kilometres of bike paths and roads to explore. Popular attractions that can be easily reached by bike include the Rottnest Island Museum, the Bathurst Lighthouse, and the island’s many beautiful beaches.
Included within its network of paths and roads are the Wadjemup Bidi trails, which are a series of interconnected walking and cycling trails that take visitors through some of the island’s most scenic landscapes. They are suitable for all skill levels and offer a unique way to explore the island’s natural beauty.
Visitors can bring their own bikes to the island or rent them from one of the several bike rental shops available on the island. Bikes are available for all ages and skill levels, including tandem bikes, electric bikes, and kids’ bikes. It’s recommended to book your bike rental in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Bathurst Lighthouse
Located on the island’s westernmost point, The Bathurst Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on Rottnest Island. Built in 1896, the lighthouse was named after Henry Bathurst, the Secretary of State for the Colonies at the time of construction.
It is still operational today and used to guide ships through the nearby reefs and into Fremantle Harbour. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
As well as the lighthouse itself, you can also see several historical buildings, including the lighthouse keeper’s cottage and the former signal station, which now serves as a museum showcasing the island’s maritime history.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a popular activity on Rottnest Island, particularly during the annual whale migration season from September to December. During this time, humpback whales and southern right whales can often be spotted swimming along the coast of the island as they make their way to and from their breeding grounds in the north.
There are several ways to go whale watching on Rottnest Island, including guided tours and self-guided walks along the island’s many beaches and coastal paths. Many of the island’s lookout points, such as the Bathurst Lighthouse, are also great spots for whale watching, as they offer panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can join a guided whale-watching tour, which typically includes a knowledgeable guide, a comfortable boat, and the opportunity to get up close to the whales. Some tour operators also offer special packages that combine whale watching with other activities, such as snorkelling or fishing.
Snorkelling and diving
Snorkelling and diving are some of the most popular activities on Rottnest Island, thanks to the island’s crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Boasting over 60 dive sites and 20 snorkelling spots, Rottnest Island offers something for divers and snorkelers of all levels and interests.
One of the most popular dive sites on the island is the Shark Cave, which features an underwater cave system teeming with marine life, including western rock lobsters, octopus, and schools of colourful fish. The surrounding waters are also home to several species of sharks, including the shy Port Jackson shark and the more elusive hammerhead shark.
For snorkelers, the island’s many sheltered bays and rocky reefs offer a chance to see everything from tropical fish and colourful coral to sea turtles and even sea lions. Some of the best snorkelling spots on the island include Little Salmon Bay, Parker Point, and The Basin.
There are several dive shops and tour operators on the island that offer snorkelling and diving trips, equipment rental, and even dive certification courses. For those who prefer to stay above water, glass-bottomed boat tours are also available, providing a unique glimpse into the island’s underwater world.
Oliver Hill Battery
The Oliver Hill Battery is a significant historical site on Rottnest Island, located on the island’s eastern side. The battery was constructed in the late 1930s as part of Australia’s defence strategy during World War II, and it played a critical role in protecting the Australian mainland from enemy attack.
The battery consists of a series of interconnected tunnels and bunkers, which were used to house guns, ammunition, and personnel. The tunnels and bunkers were designed to protect the guns and personnel from enemy fire and bombing, and the battery was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and searchlights.
Today, visitors to Rottnest Island can explore the Oliver Hill Battery and learn about its important role in Australia’s wartime history. Guided tours of the battery are available, with knowledgeable guides providing insight into the battery’s construction and operation.
One of the highlights of the battery tour is the opportunity to ride on the Island Explorer train, a vintage railway that takes visitors through the island’s picturesque scenery before arriving at the battery. The train ride offers stunning views of the island’s coastline and vegetation, making it a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Indigenous Perspective
Wadjemup has significant cultural and historical importance to the Noongar people.
You can understand its meaning more deeply by embarking on an immersive walking tour with a knowledgeable Noongar guide.
On this tour, you will get to see a number of indigenous sites as well as hear stories, facts and information about why they are special to those who traditionally own the land.
Where To Stay on Rottnest Island?
There are several accommodation options available on Rottnest Island to suit a range of budgets and preferences.
One of the most popular of them is the Hotel Rottnest. A historic hotel on Thomson Bay, it offers a range of room types, from budget-friendly options to more deluxe suites. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a swimming pool and bike hire.
Nearby, the Karma Rottnest is another option on the edge of Thomson Bay. Taking the form of an eco-resort, it offers a range of accommodation options, including cabins, tents, and villas.
For those into glamping, the Discovery Rottnest Island presents a unique and luxurious camping experience, with a range of tents and cabins available. The resort is located near Pinky Beach and has a restaurant and bar.
The Rottnest Island Authority also offers a range of self-contained accommodation options, including apartments, villas, and cottages throughout the island, offering a more secluded and private experience.
At a more budget-friendly level, camping is also available at several designated campgrounds on the island. You can bring your own camping gear or hire gear on the island.
Wherever you choose to stay, it is worth booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Where To Eat?
Rottnest Island has a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best places to eat on the island:
Hotel Rottnest: This iconic hotel offers a range of dining options, including a bistro, a pizza bar, and a seafood restaurant. It is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the ocean.
The Lane Cafe: This popular cafe is located in the main settlement and offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee and sweet treats. The cafe also has outdoor seating and is a great spot to people-watch.
Geordie Bay Cafe & Art Gallery: Situated in the scenic Geordie Bay, this cafe offers a range of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cafe also doubles as an art gallery, with local artwork on display and available for purchase.
The Bakery: An institution in the main settlement, The Bakery offers a range of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and pies. It also has good coffee and sandwiches available.
Conclusion
Rottnest Island is a beautiful and unique destination that every visitor to Perth should try and get to.
Its captivating blend of natural beauty, fascinating history and outdoor activities will provide you with an unforgettable travel experience that will stay with you for the rest of your days.
Whether you would be travelling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, why not start planning your trip today and experience all that this stunning island has to offer?