Explore the top attractions and activities on Rottnest Island.
Only 20 kilometers off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island provides a tranquil escape with its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, thriving marine life, and some of the most gorgeous beaches and private bays on the planet. In the Noongar language, the island is referred to as Wadjemup and is considered to be the “place across the water where the spirits are.” The Whadjuk Noongar people, the land’s original owners, treasure it because they see it as a cemetery for Aboriginal men and boys whose bodies are buried beneath the dunes and as a place where spirits rest. We value and pay homage to this past.
Encircled by the wide Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island features car-free roads, quiet beaches, and cute quokkas. Vacations here are genuinely unforgettable, with bays and beaches just begging to be explored, as well as chances for surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.Beneath its sands are remnants. We value and pay homage to this past
There are a tonne of excursions, activities, and attractions on Rottnest Island, so finding something to do is easy. Take a Segway tour of the island, feel the rush of skydiving onto the beach, or become engrossed in Wadjemup Aboriginal stories. Explore more modern history at railroads, museums, lighthouses, barracks, and military artifacts. Take in the stunning sight of pink sunsets that highlight the bay’s boats. Savor fresh seafood at bars along the beach or get a “craydog” from The Lane. Leave lasting memories in the form of the seaside sceneries, whether you visit for a day or stay for a week.
Here are some activities to enjoy on Rottnest Island:
- With 63 beaches and 20 bays to choose from, relax along the sands and dive into the gorgeous waters.
- On an all-inclusive seafood cruise, spoil yourself with an opulent dining experience from the sea to the plate.
- Take a thrilling adventure boat excursion lasting ninety minutes (available September to April).
- Visit Little Salmon Bay to discover the underwater snorkel route and marine life.
- Take a thorough bus trip to explore all of Rottnest Island’s must-see locations.
- While trekking the Wadjemup Bidi trail, make your own route.
- Experience a variety of species and environment, such as wildflowers, quokkas, and birdlife.
- Take one of the island’s many free walking excursions led by a guide.
- Take a snorkel tour around the bays or enjoy a catamaran cruise while taking in the splendor of the sunset.
- Enjoy an exhilarating parasailing experience to elevate your journey.
- Visit the Wadjemup Museum to learn more about the rich history of the island.
- Experience the history of the island with a Noongar Guide-led walking tour.
Getting To and Around Rottnest Island:
Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and SeaLink Rottnest Island offer efficient ferry services that will take you from Fremantle, Perth City, or Hillarys to Rottnest Island. As an alternative, consider taking a scenic trip with Swan River Seaplanes, Corsaire Aviation, Rottnest Air-Taxi, or Kookaburra Air.
When it comes to getting around Rottnest Island, bicycles are the best option for transportation. You may rent them or bring them with you when you take the boat. The island is readily navigable, at only 11 km in length and 4.5 km in width. Once there, there are various fantastic paths to explore. If you would rather not ride a bike, you can take the air-conditioned Island Explorer coach for a relaxing ride. This easy hop-on/hop-off service has eighteen stops and runs every day. An alternative is to make use of Rottnest Water-Taxi.
Presenting a brand-new, practical on-demand transportation choice! You may discover numerous quiet coves and undiscovered treasures dotted all across the island with this excursion. You also have the option of exploring by bus or bike. Just peddle your bike till you’re satisfied, then get off at a bus stop and take a leisurely bus ride back to the village. Ideal for novice cyclists or families!
Visit the visitor center to schedule a choice of tours if you’re looking for more activities. Scuba diving, skydiving, Segway tours, lighthouse tours, vintage train rides, and photographic outings are among the options. Get in touch and reserve your trips at rottnestisland.com.
A Water Playground:
Are you unsure about what to do on Rottnest Island? It should come as no surprise that island life revolves around water sports, which include swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and surfing! Explore below the surface to see colorful tropical fish and coral, creating a memorable experience. The world’s most southerly corals may be found on Rottnest Island, and experienced divers will love exploring a massive shipwreck cemetery off the coast. The wrecks are accompanied by informative plaques, and for those who would rather keep dry, onshore plaques show where the wrecks are.
A surfing haven, Rottnest Island is well known for its world-class breaks, especially at Strickland Bay. May through October is when surfing is at its best, providing ideal waves for surfers.
Enjoy the following delectable cuisine while visiting Rottnest Island:
Regarding dining establishments, Rottnest Island provides an abundance of options:
- Savor fresh seafood and seaside dining at Isola Bar e Cibo.
- Pinky’s Rottnest Island: Savor cuisine with a regional flair.
- Lontara: Take a taste tour of Southeast Asia’s cuisine.
- Savor delicious coffee at The Lane, Dome Café, and Geordie’s Café.
- Hotel Rottnest: Indulge in mouthwatering bar food.
- Get a quick bite to eat at Frankies on Rotto, Subway, Rottnest Bakery, and The General Store
Regarding dining establishments, Rottnest Island provides an abundance of options:
- Savor fresh seafood and seaside dining at Isola Bar e Cibo.
- Pinky’s Rottnest Island: Savor cuisine with a regional flair.
- Lontara: Take a taste tour of Southeast Asia’s cuisine.
- Savor delicious coffee at The Lane, Dome Café, and Geordie’s Café.
- Hotel Rottnest: Indulge in mouthwatering bar food.
- Get a quick bite to eat at Frankies on Rotto, Subway, Rottnest Bakery, and The General Store
Numerous cycling and walking trails are interspersed across Rottnest Island, and they are simple to navigate with a map obtained from the tourist center as you get off the ferry. The Wadjemup Bidi trail passes via scenic lakes, across coastal headlands, and through both natural and man-made features. It offers stunning views throughout. The 45-kilometer Wadjemup Bidi is divided into five sections, each of which features important historical, cultural, and natural sites for you to see and enjoy.
The Hike Collective caters to both novice and experienced hikers and offers elegant pack-free walking excursions on Rottnest Island for an immersive eco-tour experience. Paul’s Eco E-bike Tours is the best option if you’d rather tour on an electric bike and take in some of the island’s most breathtaking views. During your electric bike tour, you can follow an experienced guide, go for a stroll along the beach, and perhaps cool off with a swim in one of the many stunning beaches on the island.
Experience Rottnest Island's rich history and Aboriginal culture by immersing yourself there:
Participate on a free walking tour led by Rottnest Island Volunteer Guides to gain a deeper understanding of the island. Learn more about the history and distinctive features of the island.
Take a walking tour with the renowned Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences to learn more about Wadjemup’s rich Aboriginal history. These tours will help you understand the island’s cultural significance on a deeper level and provide you with qualified guides who can tell you about the island’s indigenous history.
Arrange Your Visit to Rottnest Island, the Island Paradise of Perth.
With some of the most beautiful beaches and bays on the planet, Rottnest Island is the perfect place to spend a day trip or weekend escape. It’s easy to get to Rottnest and swiftly take in its beauty thanks to frequent boat departures from Perth City, Fremantle, and Hillarys.
There are many of fascinating excursions, events, and things to enjoy once you get there. Rottnest Island offers something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or a more relaxed tourist. There’s no lack of things to see and do, from amazing landscapes to great bars and restaurants.
Make your plans to Rottnest today and discover the wide variety of tourism-related businesses in the area. With these fascinating Rottnest Island experiences, you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories whether you’re searching for a weeklong adventure or just a day of relaxation.