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Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Guide to Rottnest Island

Aboriginal name:  Wadjemup (pronounced Wad-jem-up)

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• Getting to Rottnest Island
• When to visit
• Accessibility

When it’s time to relax and recharge, swap the rush of the city for an idyllic escape on Rottnest Island.

Located just 19km (12mi) off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island’s tranquil setting will make you feel a world away. Rotto, as the locals call it, is a protected nature reserve boasting an abundance of unique flora and fauna, including spectacular marine life and the island’s most famous resident – the adorable quokka. Discover rich cultural heritage, explore white-sand beaches and swim and snorkel in pristine waters, all in this little pocket of paradise.

In the local Whadjuk Noongar language, Rottnest Island/Wadjemup translates to ‘place across the water where the spirits are’. To the Whadjuk Noongar people, Wadjemup is a spiritual paradise where spirits journey before the afterlife. Learn more about the island’s cultural significance during an Aboriginal walking tour with a Whadjuk guide.

• Traditional name: Wadjemup (pronounced Wad-jem-up)
• Indigenous Peoples: Whadjuk Noongar people
• Traditional lands: Whadjuk Nyoongar booja country
• Traditional languages: Whadjuk Noongar language 
• How to say g’day in Noongar: Kaya

To reach Rottnest Island from Perth, catch a ferry or private air transfer. Ferries depart from three nearby harbours, each accessible by public transport, car or taxi.

• Ferries departing from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) take approximately 90 minutes
• Ferries departing from the suburb of Fremantle take approximately 30 minutes
• Ferries departing from Hillarys Boat Harbour, 20 minutes north of Perth, take 45 minutes
• Scenic helicopter and seaplane flights are also available to the island

Rottnest Island is car-free, so the best way to get around is by bike, which you can hire on the island. Bus tours, shuttle services and walking tours are also available. 

Like much of Western Australia, Rottnest Island’s weather is near perfect all year round. The lowest rainfall happens during the summer, and this is generally the most popular time to visit the island. In fact, accommodation for the Christmas period regularly books out months in advance, so plan ahead!

• High season: Summer (November to January)
• Low season:  Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: The chance to spot baby quokkas from April to December

Everyone can visit the famous smiling quokkas on Rottnest Island with a suite of accessible facilities and services available.

• Arrival: At Perth Airport you’ll find a range of accessibility support . From Perth, Sealink operates daily wheelchair-accessible ferries .
• Getting around: Call ahead and reserve an accessible space aboard a  Discover Rottnest or Quokka Coaches  bus to hop around the island. You can also hire accessible equipment from the island’s Visitor Centre .
• Accessible experience highlights: Aside from stunning beaches, Rottnest Island’s main attraction is the adorable quokka. Ramps at key facilities, wide pathways and accessible bathrooms throughout the island ensure all travellers can experience these smiling marsupials.
• Helpful resources: Explore accessible services and facilities using the Rottnest Island accessibility guide .

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Destination Rottnest Island

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Rottnest Island day trip – Our complete itinerary & guide

This is the perfect day trip Itinerary to Rottnest Island. We have put together the best route for you to get the most out of Rotto on your day trip to this paradise island. This itinerary is suitable for everyone as it includes cycling, buses, snorkelling, beaches and Quokkas!

*This post might contain our  affiliate links.   This is at no extra cost to you, but you would be doing us a solid if you did use them. It shows us your appreciation after we have written this amazing travel guide for you 😏*

After spending 3 months living on this amazing island we feel that we have a good idea of the best places to visit if you are here for just the day. We have included a map of each stop on our itinerary so you can clearly see your route around Rottnest Island.

🥐Thompson Bay

🏊🏼‍♂️Parker Point

💡Wadjemup Lighthouse

🎣The West End (optional)

☕ Geordie Bay

Pinky Beach

Although we have designed this itinerary more for people visiting for the day, it can easily be extended by spending longer at each location. If you are lucky enough to be spending more than a day on the island, then you are definitely in for a treat.

If you would prefer to take a Full Island Tour , instead of figuring it out for yourself. Then you also have that option.

For Rottnest’s Best Bits, click here!

Where Is Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is found on the West Coast of Western Australia. Close to the capital of Perth, the distance from Rottnest Island to Perth is 33kms. The island is on 19km2 which is actually the same size as Fremantle .

How To Get To Rottnest Island

For most people, there is only one way of getting to Rotto and that is by taking the  Rottnest Island ferries . Unless you have your own private boat which is the other option, the ferry is going to be the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way of getting to this magical island. The journey from Perth to Rottnest Island will take 30 minutes each way.

Closer to the winter months the sea can get choppy so if you get travel sick like us we recommend sitting at the rear of the boat and taking your medication beforehand.

We recommend booking your Rottnest Island ferry in advance as it sells out quickly in the summer months. When booking your ferry to Rottnest Island you have the option to add on your bicycle and snorkel hire for the day, this can save you time and money.

Queuing up at the Rottnest bike hire store on the island can take a long time.

⛴️ Fremantle to Rottnest – B Shed  30 Mins to Rotto 

⛴️ Northport Rous Head Harbour, North Fremantle to Rottnest –  30 Mins to Rotto 

⛴️ Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay, Perth –  90 Mins to Rotto 

⛴️ Hillarys to Rottnest –  40 Mins to Rotto 

A Rottnest Island Map🗺️ 

Quokka’s on Rottnest Island

First things first there are around 10,000 Quokkas on Rottnest Island and with this itinerary, you will see a lot. We request that you refrain from feeding or touching them, especially at the settlement. After you get back on the ferry, it’s the locals that have to deal with the ill animals.

A Quokka is in the same marsupial family as the Kangaroo🦘 Its basically a combination of a kangaroo and a large rat but it got a great smile. It soared to fame with the hashtag #quokkaselfie which saw these cuties become Instagram famous without them even knowing.

They can only be found here in Western Australia, mainly on Rottnest Island. They have no natural predators so they are not scared of humans.

Quokka selfies are actually really hard to get. It involves you laying on the floor, in their poop and hoping it looks up. We’ve found the trick to it is if someone else holds a leaf above the camera, it will look up and you will get that award-winning smile on camera!

THEY SHOULD NOT BE FED HUMAN FOOD! We can not make this more clear! Their little bodies can not handle our food and it makes them sick. Unfortunately, we are witness to the ‘resident crack head quokkas’ around the shops.

These quokkas are addicted to sugar and are much more aggressive than the others on the island. We have even named one Mad Max that lives outside the bakery because he’s got so many battle scars.

What to bring for your Rottnest Island day trip

With some of the most beautiful beaches, clearest water and the best snorkelling we’ve ever seen, Rotto makes for the perfect beach day.

🥽 Snorkel and Flippers

👟 Shoes/clothes to cycle in – Bike shorts are your best friend!

🥾 Wet shoes to explore the rock pools and rough sea bed

🍻 Eske with some beers

🎶 Speaker for music in your room/beach/bike basket

How to get around on your Rottnest Island day trip

↠ The Island express bus 🚌  There are no vehicles on Rottnest Island

You can’t rely on Uber here I’m afraid. The only two ways of getting around are either on the Islands Hop on Hop Off Bus or to cycle. The bus is roughly $20 for the whole day and the best way to explore if the weather is too hot. This bus goes in a clockwise direction and is one way. It takes roughly around an hour to do a full loop on the bus.

↠  Rottnest Island bike hire 🚴

You can rent a bike (Helmets are mandatory) from the ferry companies which are roughly around $30. You can get an e-bike for $60 and $200 deposit. We would suggest bringing your own bike and LOCK, unfortunately, Rottnest is not immune from crime. This way you can save money on bike hire and you know you will have a good bike for the day.

Beware Rottnest is extremely hilly, so a medium level of fitness is recommended for cycling around the whole island. This takes a few hours to complete…not that we have managed to get that far!

TRAVEL TIP ↠ If you want to see lots of places and are only here for the day, we recommend just jumping on the bus and saving your self from exhaustion!

The Settlement

The Settlement is the only area of shops on the island.

• General store (IGA prices)
• Clothes Store👚
• The Lane Cafe ☕
• Frankie’s Italian🍕
• Thompsons and the Hotel.
• There is one more General store and cafe near Geordie Bay but that is it.

If you are headed out all day, please take enough drinking water as most of the drinking taps aren’t always working. As we are writing this blog post we are currently working at the Bakery so we have to include how good the Pies and coffee are!

You can’t come to Rotto without having got your self a morning pie for all the exercise you are about to do 🙂

Rottnest Island Day Trip – Our itinerary

Each stop we have listed is accessible via the Rottnest Island Explorer bus and by bicycle. We highly recommend following this route we have created, because if you aren’t already aware, Western Australia can become very windy in the afternoons.

This means that the south side of the island takes the force of this wind in the afternoon. The sea can become rough and the beaches slightly unpleasant. An example is pictured below, Salmon Bay which is on the Southside in the morning and afternoon.

Thomson Bay Rottnest – Stop 1 🥐

Your ferry will pull into Thompson bay and it is here where you can either hire a bike or purchase a day ticket for the bus. If you plan to cycle we suggest pre-booking your bike hire as you can be waiting for a while in the queue.

If you’re lazy like us, the bus you will need is called the Island explorer Hop on Hop Off ticket. This is $20 for the whole day and you can use it as many times throughout the day as possible. The bus drivers also sell bottles of water!

TRAVEL TIP ↠ Stock up on food and water in the Settlement as there is nothing around the island until you reach Geordie Bay.

Distance between Thomson Bay and Parker Point is 5KM’s

Parkers Point Rottnest  – Stop 2 🏊🏼‍♂️

(1 KM in-between ) 

Your first stop is one of the best places on the island for snorkelling. Parkers Point is a sheltered bay thanks to the limestone reef edge being so far away from the shoreline.

You will find stairs which lead down to a small beach where you can put on your snorkel and head out to explore the magical world under the sea. Parker point has a designated snorkel trail which is clearly marked out in the water with buoys. If you are on the Explorer Bus this is Bus Stop 5

Salmon Bay Rottnest Island- Stop 3

Once finished at Parkers Point head back up to the main road. Take a short walk to Salmon bay along the coastline to relax at our favourite beach. On the way look out for the huge Osprey nest on one of the rocky outcrops.

The water is still, the sand is soft and there is plenty of shade near the rocks. This is also home to some amazing underwater rock formations and holes to swim through! Salmon Bay is stop 6  on the bus route.

Distance between Salmon Bay and Wadjemup Lighthouse 3.3KM’s

Rottnest Island Lighthouse / Wadjemup Lighthouse –  Stop 4 💡

If you are on the bus jump off at Bus Stop 8 and follow the Wadjemup Walking Trail to reach the lighthouse entrance. Alternatively, those who are on bikes following the curving road up the hill to the top.

There are two lighthouses on Rottnest Island and this is the one you can enter and check out the 360-degree view of the island. (Opening times vary and there is a small entrance. Check all the up to date details at the visitors centre.)

TRAVEL TIP ↠ There is also a new Coffee Truck here called Lexi’s on Rotto

Distance between Wadjemup Lighthouse and The West End 6.4KM’s

The West End Rottnest – Stop 5 🎣

If you are on a tight schedule, you might want to give this one a miss. This stop is the furthest point of the island which can be one hell of a cycle. That being said we would highly recommend trying to see this stop if you can.

The landscape is dramatically different and there are some spectacular views. This stop has a boardwalk that looks out over the cliffs and you can look down into Fish Hook Bay.

As you walk back towards the Bus stop don’t forget to take the walking trail out the Cathedral Rocks viewing platform on the left. Here you can see New Zealand fur seals playing around in the water.

Distance between The West End and Geordie Bay 9.3KM’s

Keen to try out a boat trip on Rottnest? Check out our Rottnest Express Adventure Boat review here.

Geordie Bay Rottnest – Stop 6  ☕

You will pass several coves and beaches all of which are unique and have their own features. Once you arrive at Geordie Bay it’s time for a break.

Stop off at the Geordie Bay Cafe for some lunch or a coffee and rest your tired legs. This is Bus Stop 19 the last stop on the circular route.

Distance between Geordie Bay and Thompson Bay 2KM’s

Pink Lake Rottnest – Stop 7

Once you has left Geordie bay you will pass the famous Rottnest Island Pink lake on your right-hand side and Longreach bay on your left. The pink salt lake will only appear pink if there is enough water in it for the chemical reaction to occur.

It can get winding around the lake as the land is flat and exposed. Stick to the track next to Geordie Bay which provides shelter from the Western Australia winds in the afternoon.

The Basin Rottnest Island – Stop 8

The Basin on Rottnest Island is one of the most popular beach. Due to its close location to the settlement where you can find many of the shops and restaurants. The Basin makes for an ideal beach to visit for families with children.

The outer reef provides shelter on the beach and creates huge swimming area, these become extremely impressive at low tide when the water is crystal clear, shallow and warm. The Basin is the perfect place to practise your snorkelling, it doesn’t compare to other parts of the island such as Parkers Point, but its a great place to start.

There is also a toilet block, BBQ’s and picnic benches at the Basin.

Via Long Reach, The Basin, Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse.

Pinky Beach Rottnest – Stop 9 👙

Pinky beach is at the foot off Rottnest’s new Glamping experience, Discovery Rottnest Island Parks. Here you can relax on the beach or head into Pinkys for a drink and get the best view of sunset over the Bathurst Lighthouse.

You will be extremely sheltered from the wind and the bays themselves are nice and calm.

Day Trip extras on Rottnest Island

Rottnest express adventure boat tour, what to expect on rottnest express adventure tour.

Expect to see lots of wildlife and learn a great deal about the history of the island. This tour is on an extremely safe boat which seats around 25-30 passengers. With 900 Horsepower, this vessel can get around the island in no time at all.

Weather permitted, this tour goes all around the island, focusing on the West End where the New Zealand fur seals have permanent residency. On our tour the swell was very big so we did fly through the air, and I did scream a few times. That being said, we felt very safe the whole time.

If you manage to get Dez the tour guide then you are very lucky. He made our tour hilarious and knows so much about the island as he is also a permanent resident on Rottnest Island.

Between September and November, is the season for Whale Watching on Rottnest Island. Get up close and personal with the planets largest creatures.

How much is the Rottnest Express Adventure Tour?

• $67 Per Person

You can purchase your ferry ticket + this trip for a total of $136.

What do I need to bring on the boat?

When getting on the vessel you are given a long rain poncho to stop you getting wet 🧥. You are likely to get wet on this tour so we advise you not to bring anything expensive which can be damaged.

The tour guide will give you the option to leave any bags in a safe area on the doc while you are on the trip. The boat does travel at high speeds and we got very cold while we were travelling between stops so we recommend a jumper.

If you get seasick then we advise you wear the travel sickness wrist bands or have a supply of ginger biscuits! During our tour we stopped to watch a huge pod of dolphins and the boat did rock enough to make a few people sick.

Things to know before you go

A few key point to check before you head out on the Rottnest Express boat tour. Whilst we do our best to keep times and dates up to date, we recommend checked with the tour operator in case departure times have changed.

• Operates daily departure is at 11.15 am between mid-September and late April, except Christmas Day.
• Departure Location is Berth 0, Main Jetty on Rottnest Island
• Tour duration is for 90 minutes.

Our personal opinion on Rottnest Island Boat Trips

Having lived on the island for a few months, we can safely say we would highly recommend this boat trip on Rottnest Island. It was the perfect balance of adventure, information and encounters with wild animals.

We absolutely loved being so close to the seals and then suddenly being surrounded by a pod of Dolphins. It was an amazing day and a great way to see the island’s coastline.

The guides made us feel safe, even if Milly was terrified during parts. However, they kept us at ease that we were perfectly safe. Dez was hilarious and we highly recommend doing the trip if he is working!

Rottnest Island Accommodation 🏠 

We would highly recommend spending a few days on Rottnest Island purely because there is so much to see here. We warn you, the accommodation is stuck in the past and looks like something from the ’80s but hopefully, you won’t be spending too much time in the room!

To see all the up to date prices for the accommodation on Rottnest Island Click on the accommodations below.

Rottnest Island Samphire Resort

The newest and most luxurious accommodation on the island. This resort is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. The rooms are modern and spacious. You have a choice of locations including poolside and beachfront.

Discovery Rottnest Eco Resort – Pinkys

Fyre festival meets Rottnest Island. Just kidding, its a brand new Eco Glamping experience on the island!

Probably the best place to stay if we are honest! With a bar, pool and multiple accesses to the beach from your doorstep.

Rottnest Karma resort

This was the top place to stay on Rottnest before the Discovery Eco Beach resort was built.

The accommodation is clean and serves its purpose but is dated. Located in the centre of Thompson bay next to the main shopping area it is in the perfect location for a short stay on the island.

Camping on Rottnest Island

Located close to the Main Settlement and just a short stroll from The Basin, one of the Island’s most famous beaches.

The campground offers:

43 non-powered sand-covered sites accommodating up to a maximum of 6 people and 2 tents

Ablution block

Modern communal camp kitchen with cooking facilities including 4 BBQ plates and troughs

Drones on Rottnest Island

Flying a drone without a permit is not permitted on Rottnest. The rangers and Police on the island will give you a fine if you are caught filming without a permit.

The application for the Drone permits can be found here . The application for one day is $50

Our Rottnest Island day trip Itinerary Conclusion

Once back in the main shopping area at Thomson’s Bay, there is still loads to see and do.

↠ Check out our Rottnest Island BEST BITS for all the best places to eat and watch the sunset.

We hope you enjoyed our itinerary for a day trip on Rottnest Island and found it usefully. If you are staying for longer or want to check out Rottnest Islands hidden Gems, then you can find them here .

Pin Our Rottnest Island day trip for Later!

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Rotto travel guide: the perfect day trip to Rottnest Island, Western Australia

With pristine white-sand beaches, tranquil swimming bays, vibrant reefs, and pumping surf, it’s no secret why Rottnest Island has become one of Western Australia’s most popular travel destinations. Coupled with the fact that it’s one of only a few places in the world where you can see quokkas , the adorable little marsupials that have gained internet fame for smiling in selfies alongside giddy tourists, and that the island is just 18km off the coast of Perth , “Rotto” is both an immensely popular weekend escape for locals and a major draw for international travellers venturing over to Australia’s rugged west coast.

Rotto is somewhere that absolutely everyone will tell you to visit in WA and, for that reason, I skipped over it on my first trip, figuring it was going to be crowded and a bit of a let down. On my most recent visit, I realised what an enormous mistake that was— if Rottnest Island seems to be over-hyped, it’s only because it is actually that amazing. Use this Rottnest Island travel guide to learn more about catching the ferry, getting around the island, staying overnight, how to take the perfect quokka selfie, and all the best places to visit during your trip!

What's in this travel guide

Getting to Rottnest Island

Getting to perth.

Before making the journey over to Rottnest Island, you’ll first need to get to Perth, the capital of Western Australia . There are plenty of flights zipping across from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, etc, but you’ll have to plan ahead to get a good price on tickets. My Qantas flights from Melbourne were $650AUD in December, even reserved several months in advance, so keep an eye on specials and considering traveling during off-peak (i.e. avoiding school holidays).

Check out this 1-week itinerary for the perfect trip around South West Australia: PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER TRAVEL GUIDE: 1-WEEK WESTERN AUSTRALIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Once in Perth, make sure to take at least a few days to explore the city and surrounds. WA is one of the most spectacular places in all of Australia and home to absolutely staggering natural beauty. Rottnest Island is only a small taste of what the state has to offer!

Read more: 9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Quokka on Rottnest Island

Getting around Rottnest Island

Island explorer bus.

There are no private vehicles allowed on Rottnest Island, which really leaves you with 2 main options for getting around. For $20, you can purchase a day pass on the Island Explorer bus , hopping on and off at any of the 14 bus stops scattered across Rottnest Island.

These bus stops are mainly concentrated around popular tourist beaches and the main accomodation areas ( see the map below ), which makes it easy to get around, but also does limit your ability to explore away from the crowds — and these can be notable in summer or during school holidays.

Biking around the island

The second option, and my personal recommendation, is to hire a bike and pedal around Rotto, discovering all the hidden gems that make this island so magical. Rottnest Island is only 11km long, so it’s incredibly manageable for any level of biker to explore at least a good portion of the island within a single day.

The roads are also relatively flat, but if you’re worried about some short hills or you just want to take it easy, plenty of companies offer e-bikes for hire . For those hoping to bike all the way to the West End and back in a single day, this is probably a good idea, just to maximise your time at the beach and minimise your time sweating on a bike seat. See my recommended itinerary below for more tips on biking Rottnest Island!

Parker Point

Where to stay on Rottnest Island

There are only a 3 main areas to stay on Rottnest Island, each with a small number of accomodation options available, including camping, cabins, suites, and private units.

The Thomson Bay Settlement

This is the main town on Rottnest Island and, in addition to the the ferry wharf, there are several restaurants, cafes, and a Visitor’s Centre in the area. Accomodation spans the length of Thomson Bay up to Pinky Bay and The Basin, and ranges from campgrounds and budget cabins to glamping and upscale hotels.

• Campground : $39/night for a 6-person campground, just off The Basin
• Karma Rottnest: variety of mid-value hotel rooms
• Hotel Rottnest: fully renovated upscale hotel re-opening late 2020
• Discovery Holiday Park: $274-489/night (min. 3 nights), glamping tents with stellar views
• Caroline Thomson Cabins: $76-153/night for a 6-bed cabin
• North Heritage Bungalows: $86-197/night for 4- or 6-bed cabins
• Heritage View Cottage: $280-571/night for a 6-bed cabin
• Heritage Cottage: $126-466/night for a 4-, 6-, or 8-bed cabin at the north end of Thomson Bay
• Standard Holiday Units : $126-330/night for 4- or 6-bed units
• Chalet: $126-241/night for a 4-bed chalet at the north end of Thomson Bay

Kingstown Barracks

Just a short walk from The Settlement, Kingstown Barracks is a quieter place to stay that still affords easy access to the ferry, bike hire, and cafes of The Settlement. Options here are best for either budget travellers or for large groups.

• Rottnest Hostel: $55/night for a dorm bed (year-round) or $83-122/night for a family room
• Governor’s Circle: large 9-, 13-, or 18-bed cabins for groups
• Kingstown Dormitories: range or 2-bed to 18-bed dorms for groups

Geordie Bay

This small area is the only other food hub on the island, with a cafe and general store walking distance from any accomodation. The Basin, one of the most popular beaches on Rotto, is also in close proximity, and there are a range of mid-budget and luxury options available, many with an ocean view.

• Island Couple’s Retreat: $214-424/night for a luxury 1-bedroom house, on Longreach Bay
• Ocean View Units: $214-570/night for 4-, 6-, or 8-bed unit with beach view (also scattered towards Thomson Bay)
• Premium View Units: $187-498/night for 4-, 6-, or 8-bed unit (also scattered towards Thomson Bay)
• Premium Units: $143-330/night for 4-, 6-, or 8-bed unit (also scattered towards Thomson Bay)

Where to eat on Rottnest Island

Cafes & restaurants.

The greatest selection of food and drink is available in The Thomson Bay Settlement , which includes a bakery, general store, Subway, and several local cafes, restaurants, and bars.

You can also find food in Geordie Bay, which has a cafe/restaurant and a well-stocked general store, or stop at the Lexi’s coffee cart at the West End… and then that’s the end of your food options on Rottnest Island.

Based on the slim selection of food outside The Settlement, I’d recommend either packing snacks along or working Geordie Bay into your itinerary as a lunch stop while riding around the island. The general store here has inexpensive meat pies and cold drinks, as well as a wide selection of fruit, ice cream, chips, and other snacks.

Drinking water

There are a number of free water re-fill stations on Rottnest Island , mainly concentrated around The Settlement, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout, and Geordie Bay.

There is nowhere to fill up water in the middle of the island or over at the West End, so plan accordingly and carry plenty of water with you while you’re biking.

What to pack for Rottnest Island

• Day pack or beach bag —  be sure to grab a basket for your bike if you’re carrying a bag
• Beach towel
• Sunnies & hat
• Water bottle — re-fill at the free water stations on Rottnest Island and carry plenty of water on a long ride
• Ferry tickets — on your phone or printed
• Map of Rottnest Island — grab a free map from the ferry or the Visitor’s Centre on Rottnest Island

Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Everything you need to know about quokkas

Particularly as #QuokkaSelfie has gained popularity online and catapulted Rotto onto the international travel stage, spotting local quokkas is arguably the main tourist draw to Rottnest Island (that is, before you’ve realised how amazing the beaches are). But what even is a quokka?!

What is a quokka?

These fuzzy marsupials, bearing a striking resemblance to baby wallabies, are native only to Rotto and a couple other islands off the coast of southwest WA. By far the largest population lives on Rottnest Island, though, and despite low global numbers, you can expect to see dozens of quokkas hopping about during your trip.

Apart from being unique to WA, the quokka’s main claim to fame is just that it’s insanely cute — widely referred to as “the world’s most cheerful animal”, quokkas wear perpetual grins and will happily approach tourists for a sniff/lick.

Map of Rottnest Island

1 | Pinky Beach

This beautiful, sheltered beach on the northeastern point of Rotto is great for families, snorkelling, or just going for a relaxed swim in the calm waters. En route, stop off to see sprawling views from the Bathurst Lighthouse.

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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You may also like, six foot track (day 3): cox river to explorers tree, what’s on in sydney: 6 amazing autumn events that can’t be missed, hiking the overland track (day 4): pelion to kia ora.

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Your ultimate travel guide to Rottnest Island

From stunning beaches to the world's friendliest, cutest animal, Rottnest Island makes for a fantastic trip

Just a zippy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from the Perth CBD), Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia's greatest gems. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary.

Out of towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. 

Whether you’re ready to splurge on a peaceful retreat or simply spend your days lounging at the beach and sipping on pints at the hotel, you can easily spend a day, weekend or entire week on Rottnest Island. 

Want to keep adventuring? Here are the best day hikes near Perth .

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Travel to and around the island

Getting there

There are three ferries that travel between Perth and Rottnest Island. The Rottnest Express leaves from Fremantle and the city (the latter includes a scenic route along the Swan River with commentary), SeaLink also departs from Fremantle and the city, and Rottnest Fast Ferries leaves from Hillarys Boat Harbour, for those staying north of the river. Each company offers tour and package options, plus bike and snorkel hire, although bikes can also be hired on the island.

Getting around

The 11km long and 4.5km wide island is car-free, which means most island-goers get around on a bike. You can bring your own bike on the ferry (just make sure you opt for this when booking your ferry tickets), or you can hire one from Pedal and Flipper . The bike rental shop is a short walk from the island’s ferry terminal, is open daily and has plenty of bikes and helmets for hire, including kids' bikes and electric bikes, plus snorkels, wetsuits and stand-up paddleboards. You can book your bike in advance. 

If cycling isn’t your thing or you’re after a more relaxed way to see the island, buy a day pass for the hop-on, hop-off bus called the Island Explorer. You can grab a day pass from the visitor centre on arrival or buy one online . The bus visits 19 beautiful beaches, and riders can journey around the island in air conditioned comfort.

Things to do

Go beach hopping

The main attraction on Rottnest is the selection of breathtaking, world-class beaches, with their sugar-white sand and turquoise water. The island has more than 60 beaches and 20 bays, so you could easily spend a few days exploring the coastline. If you’re on the island for one day and don’t mind a day of cycling, head south of the Thomson Bay Settlement to Little Salmon Bay, stopping at Henrietta Rocks and Parker Point along the way. If you’re willing to cycle further (or you’re on the bus), curve around west from here to Mary Cove, a popular snorkel spot, and continue to the most westerly point of the island to discover Fish Hook Bay. From here you could continue north to completely cycle around the island. 

Another day trip option is to cycle north of the Settlement to Pinky Beach, before continuing on to the Basin, Longreach Bay, Fays Bay, Geordie Bay and Little Armstrong Bay. Remember to pack a snorkel and plenty of water – there are not many places to refill your water bottle outside of the Settlement. 

See the famous quokkas

You’ll see these cute marsupials throughout the island. There's a reason they are dubbed the happiest animals in the world, and their smiling faces and friendly nature attract plenty of eager visitors to the island. Many quokkas hang out in the island’s small township, the Thomson Bay Settlement, located just a two-minute walk from the ferry terminal. If you sit alfresco at a café, restaurant or the hotel, you’re sure to spot a wandering quokka. Just remember, you’re not allowed to touch or feed them, but they’re more than happy to have their photos taken!

Go on a cruise

Rottnest Cruises runs a Luxe Island Seafood Cruise between October and March, a four-hour voyage with a seven-course progressive lunch, including western rock lobster freshly caught on the day. Drinks are included, and you can sip on premium Margaret River wines while basking on the decks of the 21-metre pleasure boat. As the name suggests, it’s a seriously luxe and memorable experience.

Another way to see the island is on an Adventure Boat Tour , spotting wildlife, hidden beaches and whales (between September and November). If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, book to go on the Thrill Boat Ride and feel the air whip through your hair as you speed around the island. 

Learn about the island's cultural history

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) has been a significant place for the Whadjuk Noongar people since before the last ice age. However, the island has a notorious past, serving as a prison for Aboriginal people between 1838 and 1904 and a forced labour camp until 1931. You can learn more about the island’s history with Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences , which offers fascinating one- or two-hour tours.

Eat and drink

Fresh off the boat

For coffee and a bite to eat as you step off the ferry, walk to the island’s main hub (known as the Thomson Bay Settlement) and head to the Lane . The crew are super lovely and can make a mean cup of coffee. There also offer wraps, smoothies, acai bowls, salads and sweet treats to get you fuelled for the day ahead. Just remember to BYO reusable coffee cup, as they offer takeaway only. Next door to the Lane is Frankie’s on Rotto , a casual eatery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known for its sourdough pizza, so you know where to go if you have a hankering for carbs later in the day (after cycling around the island all day, you probably will!). Frankie’s also run a pop-up bar and eatery called the Top Bar , a low-key space adorned with fairy lights and a caravan that dishes out share-style meals, drinks and cocktails. The Top Bar is open only open in the warmer months, and you’ll be able to spot it just off the ferry terminal. 

Isola Bar e Cibo

Opening in September 2021,  Isola Bar e Cibo is in a prime location on Thompson Bay, a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal. On the menu you’ll find antipasti (for example, bruschetta, crudo, burrata caprese), sliced cheeses and meats (paired wonderfully with an Aperol Spritz) and main dishes of pasta, seafood and melt-in-your-mouth meat. For drinks, there are plenty of wines, beers and cocktails, with Apertivo Afternoons held from 3-5.30pm from Wednesdays to Sundays. 

To get your spice fix, book into Lontara at Samphire resort, also located on the water’s edge of Thomson Bay. The menu at this Southeast Asian fusion restaurant has flavours hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Vietnam and more, sprinkled with local seafood including Shark Bay scallops served on betel leaf with finger lime and chilli, and Abrolhos Island octopus with spicy sambal.  

For relaxed but high-quality pub meals, Hotel Rottnest and Pinky’s Beach Club are the island’s top spots. The hotel  has favourites such as fish and chips, pizza, steaks and burgers, as well as prawn tacos, Rottnest crayfish and smaller bites like dips and olives to accompany your drinks. It’s a bustling spot, with regular DJs and live music, plenty of outdoor seating and sweeping views of Thompson Bay. Pinky’s isn’t in the main settlement, but rather on the shores of Pinky Beach, home of the photogenic Bathurst Lighthouse and about a 10-minute walk from the ferry. It lies within Discovery, an eco-resort, but everyone is welcome to dine there. Pinky’s menu ranges from lobster tacos and spicy squid to cheeseburgers and steak sandwiches. 

Where to stay

Samphire Rottnest

Samphire Rottnest is a resort right on the shores of Thomson Bay. A fairly new accommodation option on the island, it’s home to two swimming pools, a few cocktail bars and spacious rooms. It is full of luxe boho touches, with neutral décor, well-appointed large beds, balconies or terraces and in some rooms, freestanding baths. You can even organise in-room massages and facials for the ultimate resort experience. 

Discovery Rottnest Island

Want something a bit closer to nature?  Discovery Rottnest Island is home to 83 glamping eco tents, all furnished and located in a prime spot by Pinky Beach. The tents range from the deluxe oceanside tents, fitted out with a king-size bed, walk-in robe, kitchenette, ensuite bathroom and unparalleled ocean views, to the standard tent, which is still glamping at its finest, with a queen bed, ensuite bathroom and ceiling fan. The tents are connected by a web of paths, all leading to the beach and Pinky’s Beach Club, where you can head for brekkie, lunch, aperitivo hour and dinner. 

Cottages at Geordie Bay

The Rottnest Island Authority operates its own accommodation, and it’s hard to go past these beachside cottages at Geordie Bay . They are reminiscent of the Mediterranean, overlooking a panoramic, postcard-perfect bay, which is blue, calm and dotted with boats. The houses at Geordie’s Bay are painted a quaint yellow, are self-contained and equipped with all the necessities for a peaceful stay. There is also similar beachside accommodation at Thomson Bay, Bathurst, Longreach Bay and Fay's Bay run by the same group, plus campgrounds if you’d rather set up a tent or a swag for the night. When you book the campsite, your luggage even gets delivered straight to your site, which is handy when you’re on a bike! 

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Every weekend is an adventure

A memorable rottnest island day trip itinerary for nature lovers [map incl.].

• Post published: 25 September 2017
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Western Australia

Located a few miles away from Perth, it is a well-preserved jewel with a stunning coastline . A paradise at the doorstep of a city. We kept Rottnest Island for the end of our trip to Western Australia . We hesitated to go there as it’s an expensive day trip from Perth  or Fremantle (we paid $130 each) compared to the $12 beautiful national parks we visited during the previous two weeks. Learn more about our Rottnest Island day trip itinerary in this article, including a map to help you plan your visit.

Is a Rottnest Island day trip worth it?

Locals all recommended not going to Rottnest Island for a day trip but staying overnight instead . During school holidays, it was mission impossible to find accommodation. Everything had been fully booked for a while. So we could only organise a day trip to Rottnest Island. We loved our day trip, but I wished we could have stayed for one night.

Some will organise a Rottnest Island day trip just to see the cute quokkas.

Rottnest Island is one of the very rare places where it’s possible to see quokkas in the wild. It’s always something to spot iconic Australian wildlife . With their friendly attitude and cute smiling face, they’ve become famous buddies for selfies. So if you want to tick this off your Australia bucket list , my Rottnest Island day trip itinerary will meet your expectations.

I didn’t travel to Rottnest Island for the quokkas, but I admit that meeting the cute animals was awesome. I included tips on where to see the quokkas later in this article. But bear in mind that  Rottnest Island is a lot more than just a quokka sanctuary. 

Rottnest Island wasn’t ten times better than the $12 national parks, but  we had a fantastic day trip . If you are in Perth for a short time, it’s worth paying a visit.  Although it’s more crowded than bigger national parks, there were fewer people than I expected considering its proximity to Perth City. That could be the only advantage of the pricey ferry tickets.

But if you’re on a tight budget and have time to explore the coast further down, don’t be too sad to skip it .

Our Rottnest Island day trip itinerary from Perth / Fremantle

Ferry from perth or fremantle to rottnest island.

If you have a car, I recommend catching the ferry to Rottnest Island from Fremantle as it’s a cheaper option.

There are two ferries that will take you to Rottnest Island:

• A fast ferry * that leaves from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty and stops at Fremantle. From Fremantle, it’s a 25-minute trip to Rottnest Island.
• A big ferry * that leaves from Fremantle and takes about 35 minutes to reach Rottnest Island. That’s the one we took as it had the best timetables to maximise our time for our Rottnest Island day trip (early arrival, late departure).

We left Perth early in the morning to catch the earliest ferry to Rottnest Island from Fremantle. We came back with the latest one. Hence, we had almost 12 hours to visit Rottnest Island . And we used them to the fullest.

We hired a bike and a snorkelling kit with the ferry company. We got them straight away on the jetty after exiting the boat: it couldn’t have been quicker or easier!

Tip: I know it’s tempting to race to the beach but don’t forget to check the size of your mask and fins at the wharf when you still have the opportunity to swap!

Here’s the map we used for our Rottnest Island day trip itinerary to find the best circuit and snorkelling spots (click on the image to see it bigger):

Rottnest Island day trip itinerary: Cycling around the island

We explored the island by bike, all the way to West End.  Rottnest Island is hilly but nothing too hard to make us turn back – although I could not remember the last time I cycled for a full day. It was nice to have time for long and short breaks!

Our Rottnest Island day trip itinerary by bike was about 30km long.  We started with the south coast, all the west to West End with a detour to the lighthouse, and came back via the north coast.

The other option was to take the bus. Of course, it is less tiring, but it’s not adventurous at all! I loved the freedom I felt on my bike. With no cars allowed on the island, cycling was a real pleasure!

If you don’t like cycling , you can hop on and hop off a bus that tours the island. As you have to wait for the bus to show up every time you stopped somewhere, it’s not a lot quicker. However, it’s a lot less tiring!

Rottnest Island day trip itinerary: the best beaches and snorkelling

We had already seen many incredible beaches and coastline all around the south coast of Western Australia, but Rottnest Island was again a great surprise. I found the southern beaches of the island particularly beautiful, but West End was my favourite part as I love rocks and more dramatic landscapes. And it’s always a great pleasure to spot seals !

Rottnest Island is reputed for snorkelling. Although it was a beautiful day with 25° to 30°, the water wasn’t hot at all. I’m now very used to the temperatures in Queensland, and I look ridiculous when I have to enter the cold water. My love for underwater life still made me do it. Was it worth it? Well, I’m not sure about that.

The visibility was fantastic, despite the wind. The underwater world is pretty, but there was nothing exceptional for us who have been to the Great Barrier Reef  and are lucky to have the beautiful Flinders Reef not too far from home. Are we too spoilt with our travels? Now, I need ‘amazing’ to enter cold water like this…!

For those who unconditionally love snorkelling and those who haven’t done it a lot, make sure you have your snorkelling gear to have a look down there.

I recommend taking your time for this Rottnest Island day trip itinerary. With only a day trip to explore the island, you may feel like you should move quickly from one spot to another. But if you’re patient enough to wait for people to leave, you can easily enjoy the place by yourself. Little Salmon Bay was packed when we arrived at 12 pm. 45 minutes later, after the bus left, there was only us and another couple. The experience is very different when the place got quiet.

Rottnest Island day trip itinerary: visit the lighthouse

I love lighthouses. They often offer the best views of the dramatic coastline. During our road trip around the south of Western Australia, I missed two opportunities to visit a lighthouse. So I got very excited when we saw the sign “lighthouse open” as we were cycling. It gave me the motivation to push harder on my pedals and climb the hill in one go whereas many others gave up and pushed their bike.

We arrived just in time for the 2 o’clock tour. They run tours every half an hour until 2.30 pm , so we were very lucky!

It was interesting to learn a bit more about the history of the island and the lighthouse from a local volunteer. And the views from up there will blow you away. Almost literally, considering the strength of the wind!

How to find quokkas on your day trip to Rottnest Island

It is very cliche but I will admit that Quokkas were a big highlight of this island trip. They’re one of the animals you really want to see during your trip around Australia .

Unfortunately, these small Australian marsupials became very rare. The imported foxes killed most of them on the mainland, where they also struggle with the bushfires. For all visitors’ pleasure, it’s a different story on Rottnest Island.

We hadn’t been cycling for more than five minutes before we spotted a few quokkas .

On Rottnest Island, quokkas are not shy at all. If you kneel down to take a closer pic or a selfie, you may actually struggle because they are curious and come too close! Rottnest Island has been named after them as the explorer thought they were big rats (rat nest…). But with their adorable happy faces, they are a lot cuter than big rats! Quokkas are supposed to be nocturnal. Although we did see more and more of them as the sun was going down, we still could spot many during the day.

We saw many quokkas at our first stop on the south coast of the island (Henrietta Rocks). The place with the highest number of quokkas during our day visit was the road leading to the lighthouse. And when we reached back the ferry area at night, quokkas were everywhere!

To sum up: don’t plan your Rottnest Island day trip itinerary according to the quokkas , we saw them almost everywhere and at any time of the day.

Responsible travel tip : Don’t feed wild animals, it’s never good for them. It can make them sick, change their natural behaviours and even disrupt an entire ecosystem.

If you can stay overnight on Rottnest Island

We only had time for a day trip to Rottnest Island. Plus, accommodations were fully booked as we were travelling during the school holidays. But if you have time to spend one night there, it’s worth it. You’ll get to see more quokkas and you will have more time to explore all the beautiful bays.

Accommodations can get expensive but you can find good deals if you are travelling as a group or a family.

Camping is the cheapest option to stay on Rottnest Island, but it’s not easy to organise. You can read the guidelines here . For a short trip, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re travelling on a budget, cabins or a dormitory * could be a good alternative.

If you’re not on a budget, check out Hotel Rottnest * and Karma Rottnest *.

What do you think of this Rottnest Island day trip itinerary? Share your experience in the comments below!

View this rottnest island day trip itinerary on a map:.

Rottnest Island is near Perth, in Western Australia . It’s 20km away from the continent.

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Looks amazing! I am far away but I would love to visit xo BB

Yeah, Western Australia is a bit far away… even for Australians! But that’s probably the only downside of this trip 😉

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