Rottnest Island

Beautiful sandy beach with clear turquoise water and rocky shoreline under a bright blue sky.
Rachel Claire, Pexels

Rottnest Island, known as Wadjemup by the Traditional Owners, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a distinctive holiday destination off the coast of Perth. Visitors are drawn to its pristine beaches, clear aquamarine waters, and the unique opportunity to encounter quokkas, native marsupials found primarily on the island.

While the island primarily offers a relaxed environment, opportunities for socialising exist within its accommodation options. Stay Rottnest Hostel and Dorms provides communal spaces where travellers can interact and share experiences. Additionally, Discovery Rottnest Island, with its eco-friendly glamping tents, encourages socialising around barbecue areas.

Top 5 Things to do in Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island offers a diverse range of outdoor pursuits, from exploring its pristine coastlines and encountering unique wildlife to delving into its rich history.

1. Capture a Quokka Selfie

One finds themselves drawn to capture a memorable quokka selfie, a quintessential experience on Rottnest Island. These small, friendly marsupials, known for their seemingly smiling faces, are found roaming freely across the island. To get a great shot, crouch down to their level, maintain a respectful distance, and never touch or feed them to ensure their well-being. Early morning or late afternoon often presents the best opportunities as they are more active during cooler periods. Quokkas are frequently sighted around the main settlement area, including near the bakery and in grassy spaces.

Cost: Free (beyond island admission and ferry fare).

Transport: Quokkas are often seen around the Thomson Bay settlement, which is the main arrival point for ferries, making it easily walkable.

2. Cycle Around the Island

Exploring Rottnest Island by bicycle offers an unparalleled sense of freedom, allowing one to discover its 63 beaches and 20 bays at a preferred pace. The island is car-free, making cycling the primary and most immersive mode of transport. Well-maintained paths lead to secluded coves and stunning viewpoints. Helmets are included with hire, and child seats or trailers are available for families.

Cost: Bike hire generally starts from $35-$36 AUD for an adult full-day rental. Electric bikes are also available, often starting around $100 AUD per week, or as part of ferry packages. Bringing one's own bike on the ferry typically costs around $20 AUD.

Transport: Bikes can be hired upon arrival at Thomson Bay, or pre-booked with ferry tickets for collection at the jetty.

3. Beach Hop and Snorkel in Crystal Clear Waters

The island's numerous beaches and bays, renowned for their clear aquamarine waters and vibrant marine life, invite visitors to swim and snorkel. Popular spots like The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, and Parker Point offer sheltered conditions and impressive underwater snorkelling trails, showcasing colourful coral and diverse fish species. The Basin is particularly family-friendly due to its shallow, calm waters and proximity to facilities.

Cost: Swimming is free. Snorkel sets (mask, snorkel, fins) can be hired for approximately $15-$18 AUD for a full day. Some ferry packages may include snorkel rental.

Transport: The Basin is a 10-15 minute walk from the main settlement. Many other popular beaches, like Little Salmon Bay, are stops on the Island Explorer bus route or accessible by bicycle.

4. Explore Oliver Hill Battery and Wadjemup Lighthouse

Delving into Rottnest's past reveals significant historical sites, including the Oliver Hill Battery and Wadjemup Lighthouse. The Oliver Hill Battery, a preserved World War II coastal defence emplacement, features impressive 9.2-inch naval guns and underground tunnels, offering a tangible link to the island's military history. The Wadjemup Lighthouse, centrally located on the island's highest point, provides sweeping panoramic views and a chance to learn about its crucial role in maritime navigation.

Cost: Access to the battery and lighthouse exterior is generally free, but guided tours (e.g., historical train and tunnel tours, Segway tours) provide deeper insights and may incur a fee. Specific standalone costs for lighthouse interior tours should be enquired about at the Visitor Information Booth.

Transport: Oliver Hill Battery is located inland and is often reached by bicycle or as part of guided bus or Segway tours. Wadjemup Lighthouse is also accessible by bike, or via the Island Explorer bus which has stops leading to these historical areas.

5. Ride the Island Explorer Bus

For those who prefer a less active way to see the island, or wish to cover more ground quickly, the hop-on hop-off Island Explorer bus provides a convenient alternative. This service circumnavigates the island, stopping at 19 different locations, including many popular beaches, bays, and points of interest. It is a flexible way to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife without the need for cycling.

Cost: An adult hop-on hop-off day ticket typically costs between $20-$30 AUD.

Transport: The bus departs from and returns to the Thomson Bay settlement, with designated stops around the island.

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