Guide to Rottnest Island

Things to do and top attractions on Rottnest Island

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.

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.

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.

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. Kids can go wild at the Just 4 Fun Aqua Park, in Thomson Bay, where there are inflatable floating rides, as well as rock climbing walls, an obstacle course and paddleboards for hire.