Rottnest Island is known for its beautiful bays with turquoise water, its laid back holiday vibes and of course, the famous quokka. If you’re planning a trip to Perth or need an idea for a day trip as a Perth local, Rottnest Island should be at the top of your list.
Whether you’re looking to escape the city, relax on the beaches or want a day of adventure, Rottnest Island is full of opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll cover 15 of the best things to do on Rottnest Island to help plan your next trip no matter what kind of experience you’re after.
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Travel Tips for Visiting Rottnest Island
How to get to Rottnest Island:
There are multiple ferry departure options in Perth, the fastest being from Fremantle which takes about 25 minutes. Ferries from Hillary’s Boat Harbour take about 45 minutes and from Elizabeth Quay (Perth CBD) it takes approximately 90 minutes.
Transport on Rottnest Island:
There are no cars on the island besides service and emergency vehicles, so the best way to get around is by bike, on foot or by hopping on the Island Explorer bus.
What to pack:
It’s always a good idea to pack according to how you plan on getting around on the island, cycling around with lots of baggage is never fun!
Bring the essentials like sun-screen, towels, a hat and plenty of water.
Things to book ahead:
Planning your trip in advance is always a good idea, especially if visiting during summer and/or school holidays. Rottnest Island is a popular destination amongst locals and tourists, so make sure to book accommodation and tours in advance.
Best accommodation on Rottnest Island:
- 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.
Book your tours in advance
Wildlife:
Quokkas are found all around the island and while they are super friendly and used to humans, it’s important to respect them, give them space and never feed them.
The same goes for any other animal living on the island, both under and above water. Please don’t touch or feed wildlife and if you plan to go snorkelling, please remember to use reef safe sunscreen.
15 Best Things to Do on Rottnest Island:
Snorkel at The Basin
One of the best things to do on Rottnest Island is snorkelling, and The Basin is a great spot for families and beginners.
It’s easy to get to from the settlement and there are public facilities available here, so it’s a great place to spend a bit of time.
Explore Rottnest Island with a bike
Rottnest Island is home to 63 beaches and 20 bays, so renting a bike or bringing your own is a great way to obtain the freedom to explore every corner of the island.
You can either bring your own bike on the ferry, include one when you purchase your ferry ticket or rent one once you get to the island. We’d recommend renting one in advance of arriving at Rottnest if you plan to visit during peak season and/or school holidays.
Relax at Pinky Beach
Only a short walk from the settlement, Pinky Beach is a great spot to spend some time relaxing and swimming.
If you’re staying overnight, Pinky Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset/sunrise with the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse in the background.
Join a scenic flight over Rottnest Island
If you’re after something a little more adventurous, join a scenic flight and go on the ultimate adventure in the sky.
See Rottnest Island from a different perspective and enjoy stunning aerial views of the island.
Check out our full list of ideas of adventure experiences in WA.
Snap a selfie with a Quokka
These marsupials are the cutest locals you’ll meet on Rottnest Island. They’ve become Instagram famous over the years for their cheeky smiles.
You’ll be able to find them all over the island but they often hang around the main settlement, in grassy and shady areas. The best time to find the quokkas are early morning and late afternoon.
Spot seals at Cathedral Rocks
Head to the island’s west end for a chance to spot New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks or playing in the water.
If you’re visiting between September-November you might also get lucky and spot humpback whales.
If you are interested in swimming with sea lions in an ethical way in WA, check out how to do it with our full guide. If you book with Jurien Bay Oceanic and use code OTP10, you’ll get a discount at check out.
Grab an ice cream or a fresh pastry
After a morning full of adventures, treat yourself to a gelato at Simmo’s or a delicious fresh pastry from the Rottnest Island Bakery.
Learn about the military history of Rottnest Island
Take a guided tour and learn about the island’s past and its connection to WW II.
The tour takes about 2 hours and includes a unique train ride out to Oliver Hill Lookout where you’ll have time to explore the gun battery and tunnels.
Visit Wadjemup Lighthouse
Wadjemup Lighthouse is the tallest point on Rottnest Island and WA’s first stone lighthouse.
You can admire the lighthouse from a distance or pay a fee to go on a guided tour and climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Snorkel at Little Salmon Bay
Another great spot to go swimming and snorkelling is Little Salmon Bay.
It’s often quieter than The Basin, so it’s perfect for those seeking a more peaceful swim away from the crowds.
Go glamping in eco-tents
If you’re staying overnight on Rottnest, book an eco-friendly stay in one of Discovery Resorts’ luxury tents and experience a night of glamping.
They are located right behind Pinky Beach so you’ll have easy access to a magical sunset/sunrise and be able to hear the sound of the ocean from your tent.
Enjoy a refreshing drink at Hotel Rottnest
Whether you’ve been exploring Rottnest Island on a bike, by foot or hopping on and off the bus, treat yourself to a pub feed and a refreshing drink at Hotel Rottnest while enjoying those ocean views.
Catch a wave at Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay is known to be one of Australia’s best surf breaks and surf competitions are sometimes hosted here.
It’s best enjoyed for experienced surfers, but still worth checking out to watch the pros from a distance.
Try a tandem skydive
This one is for our adventure lovers and thrill-seekers. If you’ve ever considered trying a tandem skydive, Rottnest Island is one of the best places to do it.
The views of the island from above are out of this world.
Go on a hike at Wadjemup Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi is a 45 km trail made up of 5 different trails. You can choose whichever section suits your needs or spend a few days taking on the whole trail.
- Ngank Wen Bidi: 7.8 km trail looping from Narrow Neck to Cape Vlamingh.
- Wardan Nara Bidi: 9.8 km (one way) trail along the rugged southern coastline.
- Gabbi Karniny: 9.5 km loop going through the inland and the salt lakes.
- Karlinyah Bidi: 5.7 km (one way) hike along the rugged northern coastline.
- Ngank Yira Bidi: 10 km (one way) going through the two batteries of naval guns.
You can find more information on all the Wadjemup Bidi trails here.
FAQ:
How to get to Rottnest Island?
You can get to Rottnest Island from 3 different locations around Perth.
25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle, 45 minutes by ferry from Hillary’s Boat Harbour or 90 minutes by ferry from Elizabeth Quay (CBD).
How to rent a bike on Rottnest Island?
You can easily include bike hire when you purchase your ferry ticket or you can book a full Rottnest Island day trip with bike hire included.
Otherwise, you’ll also be able to hire a bike once you get to the island, but we’d recommend hiring one beforehand to avoid missing out. Particularly if you are visiting during summer and/or during school holidays.
Book a day trip with bike hire included
How long does it take to cycle around Rottnest Island?
You can cycle the full loop around the island, which will end up being about 22 km in total.
Depending on your pace and amount of stops along the way, doing the full Island Ride can take between 3-5 hours.
An easier and shorter trail is the beaches, lighthouse and lakes trail which is about 10 km and will take approximately 1.5-3 hours to complete.
The shortest route is the Rotto Mini Loop, which is a relatively easy 4 km trail through bushland and some of the bays (including The Basin). We’d set about 30-45 minutes aside for this trail.
Can you do Rottnest Island as a day trip?
Absolutely! Rottnest Island is a very popular day trip destination. The ferries start departing from Perth at around 7 am and the last departure back from Rottnest is at around 6:30 pm, which will allow you a full day of exploring Rottnest.
Staying overnight will allow you to experience quiet mornings and evenings though.
Don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance
- 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.
When is the best time to visit Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island can be enjoyed all year round.
Summer (Dec-Feb) is peak season on Rottnest and is great for warm weather, swimming and buzzing vibes.
Spring (Sept-November) and autumn (March-May) are great options for hiking and cycling due to milder temperatures.
Winter (June-August) is a great option for a quiet experience.
Is Rottnest Island worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely! Rottnest Island can definitely be enjoyed during winter. It’s not the most ideal time for beaches and swimming as it’ll be cold, but you’ll be rewarded with a quiet experience, no crowds and possibly cheaper accommodation.
Final words:
There are so many incredible things to do on Rottnest Island and it’s one of the most unique places in Western Australia. It’s no wonder it’s so loved by both tourists and WA locals.
Whether you’re after a day of relaxation on the stunning beaches, cycling or hiking around the island or something more adventurous like tandem skydiving, Rottnest Island really has it all.
Don’t forget to book your tours in advance
Read these next:
- 15 Best Day Trips from Perth
- Best things to do in WA if you love adventure
- Best snorkelling spots in Perth
- Swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay
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