Rottnest Island, Perth
Rottnest Island travel guide: best things to do, costs & how to get there
What & where is Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island (or “Rotto” to the locals) is one of my favourite places to visit and is located 20km off the coast of Perth, Western Australia.
Known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite destination for locals and tourists. It is on my list of top 10 places to visit in the world and I spent the whole day exploring, biking and swimming, making the most of the warm waters and sunny weather.
The island is also famous for its adorable quokkas – small, friendly marsupials that have become social media stars thanks to their photogenic smiles!
How to get to Rottnest Island
By Ferry
Ferries run daily from:
• Fremantle (30-minute ride)
• Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty (90-minute ride, scenic option)
• Hillarys Boat Harbour (45-minute ride)
By Private Boat
You can also sail to Rottnest if you have access to a boat. There are mooring and anchoring areas, but fees apply.
Things to do on Rottnest Island
1. Meet the Quokkas
One of the island’s biggest draws is its quokkas. They’re naturally curious and love to pose for selfies – just remember not to touch or feed them! You can find them throughout the island but you’ll have to look carefully as they are well hidden.
2. Explore the Beaches & Bays
Rottnest boasts over 60 beaches and 20 secluded bays, offering some of the best coastal scenery in Australia. Top picks include:
The Basin – Great for snorkelling and swimming.
Little Parakeet Bay – A quieter, postcard-perfect beach.
Pinky Beach – Near Bathurst Lighthouse, perfect for sunset.
Salmon Bay & Little Salmon Bay – Popular snorkelling spots. This was my favourite with crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and incredible views of the coastline. I also got to see dolphins 50 metres away from me.
3. Snorkelling & Diving
The island has coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life. Top snorkelling spots include Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, and The Basin. For divers, the Rottnest Shipwreck Trail offers 13 wrecks to explore.
4. Surfing
Strickland Bay is the go-to spot for surfers, ranked among Australia’s best surf breaks. Other good surf spots include Stark Bay and Salmon Bay.
5. Hiking
This 45 km network of walking trails takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, lakes, and historical sites. You don’t have to do it all – you can tackle sections like the Ngank Wen Bidi (5.9 km, great for wildlife spotting) or the Gabbi Karniny Bidi (9.7 km, passes salt lakes and Vlamingh Lookout Tower).
6. Visit the Lighthouses
Bathurst Lighthouse – Stunning sunset views over Pinky Beach.
Wadjemup Lighthouse – The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views.
7. Discover Rottnest’s History
Rottnest Museum – Learn about the island’s Aboriginal heritage, military history, and early settlers.
Oliver Hill Battery – Explore WWII tunnels and coastal defence guns.
Kingstown Barracks – Once a military base, now a unique accommodation option.
8. Fishing & Boat Tours
Fishing is popular around Rottnest, with catches like herring, tailor, and squid. You can also join a boat cruise to explore the coastline or spot dolphins and seals.
Where to Stay on Rottnest Island
Budget Options
Rottnest Hostel – Affordable dorm-style accommodation.
Campgrounds – Bring a tent and stay at Caroline Thomson Camping Ground.
Mid-Range Options
Rottnest Island Authority Units & Cabins – Basic self-contained stays.
Hotel Rottnest – A classic island hotel with great beachfront access.
Luxury & Unique Stays
Discovery – Rottnest Island – A glamping resort near Pinky Beach with luxury tents and ocean views.
Samphire Rottnest – A stylish beachfront resort with a high-end restaurant and lagoon-style pools.
Activities on Rottnest Island
Biking around Rottnest Island
Since cars aren’t allowed on Rottnest (except for service vehicles), cycling is the best way to get around. You can hire bikes on the island or bring your own on the ferry.
Rottnest Bike Hire: Around $15-$30 per day. I hired mine via the Rottnest Express ferry and cost around $15 for the day
E-bikes are available for those who prefer a less strenuous ride.
Best Cycling Routes:
Island Loop (22 km) – Covers all major beaches and landmarks and perfect for exploring the whole island. It took me 3-4 hours to bike the entire island with plenty of stops at several beaches
Lighthouse Route (10 km) – Takes you to Wadjemup Lighthouse with great views looking over the entire island
Segway Tours around Rottnest Island
If cycling isn’t your thing, you can join a guided Segway tour to explore the island’s sights.
Hop-on and Hop-off bus
For those who prefer a more relaxed way to see Rottnest island, the Island Explorer Bus runs a hop-on-hop-off service stopping at all major beaches and attractions and is a great way to explore the island with the flexibility of choosing where you want to go.
How much does Rottnest Island cost?
Visiting Rottnest Island comes with a few costs, including transport. I spent around £70 total on the day (one person) which included the ferry crossing and bike hire.
Ferry tickets: I got the ferry from Fremantle which took around 30min and also gave me the chance of exploring Fremantle itself.
From Fremantle: Around Aus $60-$80 return per adult (varies by season and operator).
From Perth: Around $80-$120 return per adult (includes a scenic Swan River cruise)
Accommodation: Prices vary depending on whether you camp, stay in a hostel, or book a luxury retreat. I only attended for the day, but there are plenty of places to chose from starting at around $80 a night.
Final Tips for Visiting Rottnest
Bring a reusable water bottle – There are refill stations around the island.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen & a hat – The sun is strong in WA, and I got burnt very quickly. Bring plenty of suncream!
Book accommodation early – It gets busy, especially in summer, so if you’re wanting to stay the night, make sure to book early.
Start early for cycling – The heat picks up by midday and there is very little shade. So also best to bring plenty of water with you.
Take a waterproof camera – You’ll want to capture the underwater beauty!
Rottnest Island is a must-visit for anyone exploring Western Australia. Whether you’re there for the quokkas, the beaches, or the adventure activities, it’s an unforgettable experience just a short trip from Perth!