Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Guide to Rottnest Island
Enjoy a relaxing and family-friendly island holiday just off the coast of Western Australia.
By Cole Latimer
Kick back on soft sand beaches, see abundant marine life and meet the happiest little animal on earth, all on Rottnest Island. During summer, families make the weekend pilgrimage to Rotto – as it's affectionately known by the locals – to escape the rush of the city and swim in the clear, calm waters. The island is a car-free zone, and the best way to get around is by bicycle, which can be hired through the ferry company or once you're on the island.
Don't miss
- Visit one of 63 beaches on the island
- Snorkel in translucent waters
- Come face to face with quokkas
How to get there
Rottnest Island is 18 kilometres (11 miles) off the coast of Western Australia. It's a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, a 45-minute ferry ride from Hillarys Boat Harbour in the northern suburbs of Perth, or 90 minutes via ferry from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty. You can book your trip with Rottnest Fast Ferries, Rottnest Express or SeaLink Rottnest Island.
Things to do and top attractions on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Freefall, Skydive Geronimo, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Skydive Geronimo
Leap from a plane
Experience incredible views of Western Australia's majestic coastline as you skydive over turquoise waters toward the beach at Rottnest Island. It won't just get your heart pumping; it'll also give you a one-of-a-kind vantage point of the stunning island. After you're back on the ground, enjoy a complimentary drink to celebrate your unforgettable experience. The guys at Skydive Geronimo have a team of trained and experienced skydive instructors that will help you feel comfortable and safe before you experience the thrill of Western Australia's only island skydiving experience.
Quokkas, Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Meet a quokka
Rottnest Island is known globally as the home of the cutest and most photogenic animal in the world, the quokka. Apart from a small colony on the mainland, they are found nowhere else on Earth. These tiny animals, related to wallabies, are found in abundance on the island, and have no fear of humans so will often come right up to visitors. Remember that it is illegal to touch or feed quokkas, so keep a respectful distance and use a selfie stick for the best photo. Rottnest Island is also home to one of the world's most critically endangered mammals, Gilbert’s potoroo, which have been introduced to the island to help revive the species.
Whale watching, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Go whale watching
Rottnest Island is a perfect location to see humpback and southern right whales as they make their annual migration along Western Australia's coastline. In April about 35,000 whales travel north from the Antarctic to feeding and birthing grounds in the Indian Ocean. From late August to November, on their return journey with newborn calves, they spend significant time around Rottnest Island's protected waters, before once more heading south. For the best chance at spotting them, join Rottnest Fast Ferries on one of their seasonal two-hour whale watching cruises. On dry land, you may be able to spot them from the West End Boardwalk, which is accessible by bike or the Island Explorer bus.
The Basin, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Head to the water
With 63 beaches, Rottnest Island is a great destination for water sports, including swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and snorkelling. Join a guided group dive with Bucket List Diver to explore shipwrecks, swim through underwater canyons and discover unique coral. You'll find unique marine life here, too. Book a day charter with Boutique Cruise to meet the local sea lion colony.
Island Explorer, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Rottnest Island Authority
Take a lap of the island
Because of its small size, Rottnest Island can easily be explored by bus, Segway and even walking tours. An Island Explorer bus provides an easy and convenient way to get from beach to bay, with day, weekend and holiday passes available. There is also a Discovery Bus Tour, which loops around the island in 90 minutes while guides give an insight into the island's cultural and historical heritage, as well as its flora and fauna. Guided walking and Segway tours are also available, taking in the Thomson Bay settlement and the island's World War II gun battery emplacements.
Interior of the Deluxe Dune Tent, Discovery - Rottnest Island Glamping, Western Australia © Discovery - Rottnest Island
Stay overnight in a beachfront glamping tent
With so many stunning beaches to discover, you'll be tempted to spend a few nights soaking up the tranquility on Rottnest Island. Tucked behind the dunes of famous Pinky Beach, Discovery - Rottnest Island is the perfect beachfront escape. The resort offers 83 fully furnished eco-tents, including family tents, a resort pool and pool bar. Each of the tents is linked via boardwalks to Pinky's Beach Club, which is the ultimate spot to have dinner or sip on a cocktail as you watch the sun go down.
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