Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) offers a slice of paradise just a short ferry ride from Perth’s skyline, featuring iconic encounters with its famous smiling quokkas. Its idyllic location makes it easily accessible by ferry from Fremantle, Perth, or Hillarys. Read this guide and start your island adventure!​

About Rottnest Island

​​Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)​​ offers a unique island escape just a short ferry ride from Perth. Reconnect with nature as you explore ​​breath-taking beaches​​, encounter the world-famous smiling ​​quokkas​​, and discover the rich Aboriginal ​​cultural heritage​​ of Wadjemup. Choose from diverse ​​accommodation options​​ including eco-tents, beachside hotels, and campgrounds. Enjoy ​​car-free exploration​​ by bike or bus, world-class ​​snorkeling​​, and seasonal experiences. ​​Plan your rejuvenating getaway​​ to this Western Australian island paradise today.

Where is the Rottnest Island & How to Get There

Location: Rottnest Island is just 19 km from the coast of Fremantle, 33 km from Perth’s city centre and 22 km from Hillarys, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is easy to get to by ferry, by boat and by air.

How to Get Around on Rottnest Island

Wadjemup/Rottnest Island is renowned for its natural beauty and active outdoor lifestyle, and is also famous for its transportation that it lacks. There are few cars allowed on the island. When you explore all that the island has to offer, there is a unique sense of tranquility.

Cycling on Rottnest Island

Cycling is a healthy and efficient way to explore the island, allowing you to stop anytime and anywhere. Bicycles or electric bicycles, accessories and one-day or multi-day rentals are available for rent.

Walk on Rottnest Island

Wadjemup/Rottnest Island offers many island experiences and is just a few steps away from the main settlement, so you will never be far from the event venue. For those who wish to venture further away, you can explore the rich natural wonders on foot. From guided walking experiences to exploring the Wadjemup Bidi trail network, every step tells a story.

Take Bus on Rottnest Island

Take a shuttle bus tour of the island. There are buses running seamlessly between Thomson Bay, Jody Bay and Kingston every day. You can take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer drop-off bus, which has 19 stops throughout the island. There are also bus Tours, allowing you to easily explore the island on a comfortable air-conditioned bus with in-depth explanations along the way.

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Things to do on Rottnest Island

​​With its unique blend of natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere established, Rottnest Island invites you to discover the diverse ways to fill your days. Whether you're drawn to wildlife encounters, water adventures, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing amid stunning scenery, here are the top things to do on Wadjemup.​

Whale Watching on Rottnest Island

Source from Rottnest Island Official Website

Look for unique spray holes or barnacle corpses on the ferry. During the journey to and from the mainland, you may spot whales. Upon arrival, head to one (or all) land island viewing platforms and catch a glimpse of these gentle giants in the waters of the surrounding Marine protected area. Boat and plane Tours that take you to explore the ocean or above it also offer you a unique and advantageous location for your whale-watching experience.

From August to December, approximately 35,000 migrating whales wander in the calm ocean on the island. During this period, newborn calves also play in the protected waters, creating a unique seasonal wonder.

Lakes & Salt Lakes of Rottnest Island

Source from Rottnest Island Official Website

Many salt lakes on Rottnes Island, including Baghdad Lake, Vincent Lake, Herschel Lake, Garden Lake, Government Building Lake and Serpentine Lake, are permanent wetland facilities on the island. They have water all year round and even have their own surrounding beaches. Other lakes, such as Pink Lake, Wolf Star Lake, Negri Lake and Twin Pierce Lake, tend to dry up in summer, leaving large areas of white or pink salt fields.

In sharp contrast to the brilliant blue summer sky of Wadjemup, the true magic occurs when the sun sets. As it begins to sink below the horizon and the light starts to dim, the dried-up salt lake bed reflects back the colors of the burning sunset, creating a splendid canvas for the unique Wadjemup experience.

Ricey Beach of Rottnest Island

Source from Rottnest Island Official Website

Take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus and get off at stop 15. Walk along the walkway of the highway and you will find Ricey Beach spreading out in front of you. Alternatively, you can also ride a bicycle and start from the main settlement of Thomson Bay. It takes 20 minutes by car and you can either go around the northern coast or cross the central road on the island.

In addition, there are many good fishing activities near Wadjemup Beach, so it's difficult to choose the best beach. But Ricey Beach is famous for having the best fishing conditions on the island.

Plan Your Trip to Rottnest Island

🗓️ ​​Sample Itineraries​​

​​Weekend Escape (2 Days)​​

​​Family Adventure (3 Days)​​

• ​​Day 1:​​ Ferry → Bus tour → Swim at Thomson Bay
• ​​Day 2:​​ Guided kayak tour → Rottnest Bakery lunch → Wadjemup Bidi trails
• ​​Day 3:​​ Bike to Parker Point → Submarine tour → Departure

📅 ​​When to Visit​​

💡 ​​Local Insight:​​ Visit April-May or Sep-Oct for perfect balance of weather, prices, and wildlife.

🧳 ​​Packing Checklist​​

• ​​Must-Haves:​​ Sunscreen (reef-safe), reusable water bottle, wide-brim hat
• ​​Gear:​​ Swimwear, snorkel set, comfy walking shoes
• ​​Winter Add:​​ Windbreaker, wetsuit boots, warm layers

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