Explore Rottnest Island’s pristine beaches and cuddly quokkas

A short ferry trip from Perth will transport you to a picturesque island with all the trappings of paradise. White sand beaches bordering crystal clear water teeming with marine life; scenic walking trails a hop and skip away from sublime spots to eat and drink as you watch the sun set; and abundant quokkas (the island’s cute marsupial residents) all make Rottnest Island a popular getaway for locals and tourists alike. 

The absence of cars and traffic lends a sense of serenity as you make your way across the island, which you can do on foot, or by bus, bike or even on a Segway. Home to over 60 beaches and 20 bays, as well as salt lakes, there is natural beauty wherever you look on Rottnest, and plenty to do on land, in the ocean, or for the braver among us, in the sky. 

Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Rottnest Island.

What to know before you go

Rottnest Island is a Class A Reserve and there is an admission fee for each visitor to enter the island, which contributes to the upkeep of its facilities.

The island holds immense cultural significance to its traditional owners, the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have named the island Wadjemup, often referring to the island as “a place across the sea where spirits are .”

How to get there

The island is only 33 kilometres from Perth’s city centre, or 19 kilometres from the port city of Fremantle, making it easily and most commonly accessible by ferry. There are three ferry operators that offer departures from Perth City, Fremantle, North Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Fast Ferries , Rottnest Express and Sealink . You can also bundle experiences, such as skydiving or a luxury island seafood cruise, as well as equipment hire, tour packages and the island admission fee, with your ferry fare. It’salso possible to travel to Rottnest Island privately via plane, helicopter, boat or seaplane.

Tip: If you’re only staying for the day, try and book the earliest service departing Fremantle at 7.00am to allow ample time to enjoy the island.

How to get around

Once you step off the ferry, you’ll arrive at the Thomson Bay settlement, a thriving hub of activity. Accommodation, popular swimming sites and several eateries are within short walking distance from the jetty – but to access the inland bush or to get to the island’s secluded beaches and bays, it’s recommended to hire transport.   

Cars are generally not permitted on the island, but you can hire a bike or a seven-seater electric cart, or simply hop on one of the public buses. All three ferry providers offer bike hire, or you can head to Pedal & Flipper , which is a quick stroll from the main jetty. If you prefer to explore the island on foot, don’t miss the five walking trails that offer jaw-dropping views and insights into the island’s impressive biodiversity and history.

What to do and see

Quokkas

Rottnest Island is home to many quokkas, so you shouldn’t have to look far to see these smiling marsupials that roam freely across the main settlement on the island. They are a protected species, and while they are incredibly cute and friendly, it’s important not to feed or touch them – though they are always happy to pose for a selfie!

Ocean activities 

With over 60 beaches to choose from, it’s hard to know where to dip your toes in first  (though you really can’t go wrong with any of them). While The Basin and Pinky’s Beach close to the settlement are two of the most popular swimming spots, you’ll also find more serene beaches further afield, such as Ricey Beach, with calmer waters popular for families as well as snorkelers with its coral reef just offshore. 

Snorkelling and diving gear can be hired from Pedal & Flipper. For the ultimate experience, head to Henrietta Rocks, where a famous shipwreck lies 50 metres offshore; Parakeet Bay to spot stingrays; and Little Salmon Bay to explore the snorkel trail underwater. 

Prefer to catch some waves instead? Strickland Bay is an internationally known surfing spot for experienced surfers.

Hiking

The Wadjemup Bidi is a series of five connected walking trails that spans 45 kilometres – each trail offers breathtaking views, unique and different wildlife, flora and ecosystems, and cultural and historical landmarks.  

Aboriginal culture

Get to know the island’s history, heritage and cultural roots on a deeper level through  a guided walking tour at Go Cultural led by one of the Whadjuk Noongar people, who are the island’s traditional owners.

To explore the stories of the island at your own pace, you can also head to the Wadjemup Museum in the historical Old Mill & Hay Store, which was developed in partnership with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group. 

Tours 

Tours are a great way to see and learn more about the island, and there’s plenty of ways to go about it. Cover more ground by bus or Segway, or flock together with photography enthusiasts at Capture the Light or with avid hikers at The Hike Collective. For thrill-seekers, Geronimo offers an aerial tour of the island… right before you leap out of an aircraft and skydive from 15,000 feet, landing onto one of Rottnest Island’s picture-perfect beaches.

Where to eat and drink

Fuel up with a coffee and brekkie from one of the many cafes at the main settlement, and don’t forget to load up on local delights such as jam doughnuts, meat pies and sausage rolls from the Rottnest Bakery – or, head over to The Lane Cafe to sample their much-lauded cray dog: freshly grilled crayfish drizzled with chipotle mayo, nestled in a soft bun. Fresh produce from Western Australia shines in rustic Italian dishes at Isola Bar e Cibo , while Southeast Asian fare and cocktails set the stage for a fun lunch or dinner at Lontara . 

Cool down with an ice-cold beer and some live music at Hotel Rottnest or head next door to Samphire’s Beach Club for some Western Australian wine. If cocktails are more your vibe, you can’t go past the Bayside Bar at Samphire, where you can take in the views of Thomson Bay with one of their signature G&Ts in hand, or Pinky’s Sunset Deck , a phenomenal spot to watch the sun go down over Pinky’s Beach and the Bathurst Lighthouse.

Where to stay

Stay in a heritage cottage or beachside bungalow, bring your own tent and head to the campground near the main settlement, or opt for an eco-friendly glamping experience at Discovery Rottnest Island next to Pinky’s Beach. Our pick is Samphire Rottnest , a hip and relaxed spot that offers luxury accommodation, beachfront views, 80 rooms designed with a modern coastal feel and two lagoon-style pools.