Just a short ferry ride from Perth, you’ll find Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) aka Rotto amongst locals, one of Western Australia’s most iconic destinations. Famous for its stunning beaches, coves and relaxed vibes, and of course, the adorable quokkas. A Rottnest Island day trip is a must visit if you’re travelling to Western Australia.
Whether you’re a returning local or planning your first trip to Rottnest Island, this guide covers everything you need to know – from best ferry options and transport to a suggested itinerary and insider tips to make the most of your time.
Getting to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island Ferry options
The most common way to reach Rottnest Island is by ferry.
Services run daily from Fremantle, Perth City (Barrack Street Jetty), and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
- Fremantle: Shortest crossing, about 25 minutes one-way. Best option if you are staying in the southern suburbs.
- Perth (Barrack Street Jetty): A scenic 90-minute ride along the Swan River before heading out to sea.
- Hillarys: About 45 minutes one-way. Best option for anyone staying in the northern suburbs.
How to Get Around Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a car-free island, with the exception of service vehicles and the island’s explorer bus.
- Bike hire – The most popular option and the best way to explore different parts of the island. You can hire directly with your ferry ticket or on arrival. Cycling is the best way to reach the island’s hidden bays and quiet spots.
- Island Explorer Bus – A hop-on hop-off bus service that loops the island. It’s a great option if you’re not keen on long bike rides. You can find a map with all the bus stops here.
- Walking – Although not ideal for exploring all of Rottnest, it’s still an option if you’re wanting to visit Rottnest Island on a budget and want to stick around the main settlement and nearby beaches like The Basin and/or Pinky Beach.
Rottnest Island Day Trip Itinerary
Morning:
Catch an early morning ferry from Perth and pick up your bike upon arrival if you choose to hire one.
Cycle down towards Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay for a morning swim and snorkel.
It’s about 5 km or 15-20 minutes to get here by bike or Parker Point is bus stop number 5 and Little Salmon Bay is number 6 if you’re using the island’s Explorer Bus.
From Parker Point or Little Salmon Bay, continue up towards Wadjemup Lighthouse, the first stone lighthouse that was constructed and lit in Western Australia.
It’s about 3.5 km or 10-15 minutes by bike or continue with the Island Explorer to bus stop number 8.
Late morning:
From Wadjemup Lighthouse, head out towards Cathedral Rocks, the western most part of Rottnest Island.
You’ll get a chance to spot New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and humpback whales (seasonal, usually around September/November).
To get here from Wadjemup Lighthouse, it’s about 5 km / 15 minutes or you can choose to cycle down towards Mathilde’s Cove on Digby Drive to cycle closer to the coast, it’ll add approximately 1 km to the trip but might be worth it for the views!
If you’re exploring by bus, hop on the Island Explorer to bus stop number 11 “West End”.
Midday:
If you’ve been exploring Rottnest Island by bike, it’s time for a cool-down!
Cycle for about half an hour to get to Little Parakeet Bay in the northern part of Rottnest Island, another beautiful Rotto beach Hop in for a swim or soak or some sunshine on the sand.
For the Island Explorer, it’s bus stop number 18.
Afternoon:
After you’ve recharged your batteries at Little Parakeet Bay and/or Parakeet Bay, it’s time to start heading back towards the main settlement.
Head towards The Basin, a 15 minute bike ride away and hop in for another refreshing swim or a snorkel.
Unfortunately, the Island Explorer does not stop directly at The Basin, so you would need to hop off at Geordie Bay and walk about 15-20 minutes from there if you want to make a stop at The Basin.
Continue 600 meters further towards the main settlement and make a stop at Pinky Beach, home to the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse.
The Island Explorer also does not stop at Pinky Beach, but it’s only a 10 minute walk from The Basin.
Late afternoon:
Once you’ve soaked up the last sunshine and dried off the salt water from Pinky Beach, cycle about 1 km back towards the settlement or walk about 15 minutes.
Grab an ice cream from Simmo’s, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Sunsets or a refreshing drink at Frankie’s.
Spot the iconic quokkas hopping around the settlement, often around grassy or shady areas, and make sure you grab a selfie with them!
Keep in mind, they are wild animals so please respect their space, don’t touch or feed them.
Best Things To Do on Rottnest:
- Snorkelling – our favourite spots are Little Salmon Bay, Parker Point and The Basin.
- Quokka selfies – they are found all around the island, but most often in grassy and shady areas around the main settlement. Remember to respect them, give them their space and don’t touch or feed them.
- Take photos at Wadjemup Lighthouse – the first stone lighthouse in WA.
- Cycling the bays loop – the island’s cycle trail is approximately 22 km long and it’s very doable to cycle around the whole island in a day.
- Pinky’s Beach & Bathurst Lighthouse sunset – one of the most iconic and instagrammable spots to snap photos on Rottnest Island.
- Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel tour – for the history buff and visitors with an interest in the island’s war history.
- Tandem Skydive – one of the best spots in WA to tandem skydive is on Rottnest Island.
- Scenic flight – take in the views of Rottnest Island from above with a scenic flight tour.
Read this next: 15 Best Things to Do on Rottnest Island
Practical Tips for a Rottnest Island day trip
Best time to visit:
Summer (December–February)is great for swimming and snorkelling but also the busiest time.
Autumn (March-May) can still be great for swimming and snorkelling but with fewer crowds.
Winter (June-August) can be cold and windy but it can still be a great time to explore without any crowds and lower accommodation costs.
Spring (September-November) is great for milder temperatures, wildflowers and whale watching.
What to pack for a Rottnest Island day trip: Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snorkel gear, towels, camera, and snacks.
Tip: There’s a paid locker service near the Visitor Service, if you bring any luggage you don’t want to cycle around with.
Food options: Cafés, restaurants, and pubs are available in the settlement, but prices are higher than the mainland. BYO picnic if you’re budget-conscious.
Booking advice: Reserve ferry and bike packages and popular tours in advance, especially in summer and on weekends.
FAQ about Rottnest Island
Can you do Rottnest Island in a day?
Yes! With an early ferry and bike, you can see the highlights comfortably in one day.
Is Rottnest worth a day trip?
Absolutely. It’s one of Perth’s best day trips and a must-do for first-time visitors.
What are the best tours to do on Rottnest Island?
Some of the most popular tours include tandem skydiving, whale watching (seasonal), segway tours and the Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel tour.
How much is a day trip to Rottnest Island?
On average, around $120–$200 including ferry, bike, food, and extras.
Can you stay overnight on Rottnest Island?
Yes, there are hotels, glamping, and campgrounds if you want more time to explore. Staying overnight is a great option since you’ll get the quiet mornings and evenings before and after the ferries come and go!
- Samphire Rottnest – Beachfront location and great for couples.
- Discovery Resorts Rottnest Island – Beachfront location and great for families and couples.
- Stay Rottnest – Beachfront location and self-contained villa options. Great for couples and families.
Final Words:
A Rottnest Island day trip is one of the best day trips from Perth and a highlight for many WA travellers.
Home to 63 stunning beaches, the iconic quokkas, and endless opportunities for adventure, Rottnest Island is an absolute must-visit destination if you are travelling to Western Australia.
Whether you’re cycling between bays, snorkelling in turquoise blue waters, or snapping a selfie with a quokka, you’ll leave the island with memories for life and a wish to return again!
Read these next:
10 Best Snorkelling Spots in Perth
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