When it’s time to relax, swap the hustle and bustle of the city for the sandy havens of Rottnest Island.
Located just 19km off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island offers a tranquil environment that will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world. Rotto, as the locals call it, is a protected nature reserve and home to unique flora and fauna, including spectacular marine life and the island’s most famous inhabitant: the lovable cuckoo. Discover a rich cultural heritage, explore aquamarine bays, swim and snorkel in clear waters – all in this little paradise.
Experience the beauty of the Pinnacles with our guided tours. Discover the unique rock formations and stunning landscapes on our unforgettable Pinnacles tours.
Visit Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is home to the happiest animals on the planet – adorable quokka. It’s a haven with pristine beaches, aquamarine coves, bike paths and hiking trails. This car-free, eco-friendly Class A sanctuary is a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle in our capital city, Perth. It is an unforgettable adventure for all visitors.
The Whadjuk Noongar people are the original custodians of Wajemup, and the island itself has a rich and complex history for Western Australian Aboriginal people. Take a fascinating Aboriginal tour or visit the Wadjemup Museum to learn about the island’s historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
Ferries to Rottnest Island (Wagemup) depart from Perth City, Fremantle (Wallalup) and Hillarys Boat Harbour, while light aircraft and helicopters offer scenic flights to this beautiful island from various locations. Once you cross the 19km canal between Perth and the island, you can get around on foot, rent a bike or electric bike, or take a shuttle bus or a bus that circles the 11km island.
The best adventures on the island
The beaches of Rottnest are like a paradise with dazzling white sand, water so clear you can see right up to your toes, and majestic bays formed by natural rocks. There are 63 secluded sandy harbours connected by paved hiking and biking trails. The Basin, Geordie Bay and Little Parakeet Bay are favourite spots in Thomson Bay, while those in the West End have a raw, wild appeal. In some places, you can see humpback whales breeding (they migrate from September to November), seals swimming, or dolphins swaying. Below the waterline, you will find numerous species of coral, tropical fish and abundant seagrass. Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay have snorkelling trails dotted with underwater signs. Marked hiking trails also cross the island’s heart, with more than 45 kilometres of connected trails and walks.
However, the main attraction is the photogenic kookaburra, a friendly marsupial that looks smiling! This icon of Western Australia is the subject of countless celebrity selfies and the source of the island’s name: Dutch explorers in the 17th century mistook these cute creatures for giant rats.
Travellers have several accommodation options: eco-camping tents, historic cottages, or seaside hotels. They can also bring their camping gear to enjoy the ocean view as city lights twinkle at night!
Get to know the quokka
Nowhere else on the planet will you find the eccentric kookaburra, one of the happiest marsupials you’ll ever meet!
While you enjoy some of Australia’s best swimming, snorkelling and surfing with sixty-three beautiful beaches, 20 stunning bays, numerous coral reefs, and shipwrecks, you’ll meet the cutest mini-marsupial found only in Western Australia – the world-famous quokka.
Wadjemup Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi is a series of walking routes that take you through picturesque coastal headlands and along beautiful inland lakes, where you can encounter natural and artificial attractions. “Bidi” means “path” or “trail” in the Nungar language of the Wajuk Nungar people, who are the traditional owners of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup).
The trail, with a total length of 45 kilometres, consists of five sections, each with cultural and ecological attractions that can be interpreted and discovered, combining the magnificent natural features of Rottnest Island with its cultural history in an environmentally sustainable way.
Parker Point Marine Trail for snorkelling
The Parker Point Marine Snorkel Trail is located on the south side of Rottnest Island, a popular holiday destination 20 kilometres off the coast of Perth. This accessible trail features a series of signs on the seabed where you can read about the area’s rich aquatic life.
The signs are marked with buoys to make them easy to find and have two handles to hold onto. As the water here is a little deeper and the swimming area is more extensive, more experienced snorkellers will enjoy this trail, while less confident swimmers will enjoy the Little Salmon Bay trail more.
Wadjemup Museum
Wadjemup Museum is the place to explore and learn about the rich history of Rottnest Island. Stroll through the newly renovated museum and discover a range of exhibits, including 40,000-year-old artefacts, old postcards, contemporary artwork and incredible outdoor sculptures.
Created in partnership with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group on Rottnest Island, the Wadjemup Museum tells the story of the island through stories of incarceration, natural history, art and culture, as well as contemporary events such as the island’s use for quarantine in 2020.b
Isola Bar e Cibo
A little bit of Italy on the island of Rottnest.
Isola reflects the simplicity of island life, drinking and eating on the beach, with a sophisticated menu of Italian drinks and simple dishes made with quality Western Australian produce.
FAQ
How far is Rottnest Island from Perth and how do I get there?
Rottnest Island is about 19km off Perth’s coast and can be reached by ferry from Perth City, Fremantle, or Hillarys, or by scenic flight via light aircraft or helicopter.
What is Rottnest Island best known for?
It’s famous for its adorable quokkas, pristine beaches, turquoise bays, rich Aboriginal heritage, and being a car-free, eco-friendly nature reserve.
What activities can I do on Rottnest Island?
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, diving, cycling, hiking, wildlife watching, Aboriginal cultural tours, and exploring the Wadjemup Museum.
Are there special snorkelling spots on the island?
Yes — Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay have snorkelling trails with underwater signs showcasing the marine life and coral reefs.
What accommodation options are available?
Choices range from eco-tents and heritage cottages to beachfront hotels and camping areas with ocean views.
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