Arrive on the idyllic shores of Rottnest Island to swim in the translucent waters of secluded coves, walk along white sandy beaches and dive below the surface to discover shipwrecks, tropical fish, stingrays, seals and more before meeting the resident quokkas back on dry land – and that’s just the beginning. Discover the best of “Rotto” (as the locals affectionately call it) right here.
Rottnest Island is an easy day trip from Perth. Jump on board The Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, or SeaLink Rottnest Island to travel the short distance from the mainland to the island. Ferries depart regularly from Fremantle, Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Marina. The island is car-free, but parking is available at all ferry terminals on the mainland. It is essential to book your trip in advance – there is an admission fee to the island in addition to the ferry fare. Alternatively, you can arrive via helicopter, air taxi or your own boat.
Getting around Rottnest Island is just as easy: cycling is the most popular option with trails that wind all over the 11km length and 4.5km width of the island. You can hire a bike on arrival or bring your own on the ferry for a fee. In addition to cycling you can purchase a day pass from the Rottnest Island Visitors Centre for the hop-on/hop-off Island Explorer Bus Service which stops at all the main attractions.
Rottnest Island is a water-lovers paradise – snorkelling, swimming and surfing are high on the list of activities to enjoy. There are 63 pristine beaches to choose from 20 secluded bays with coral reefs and 13 shipwrecks to explore just off the coast.
There are also plenty of activities to enjoy on dry ground. Wear your walking shoes, pack plenty of water and hike one of the five sections that make up the 45 km of trails of the Wadjemup Bidi.
Wildlife is abundant on the island but it’s the quokkas who steal the show, and you can snap an ethical selfie with these cuties.
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While many just take a day trip to Rottnest, staying on the island itself is a real treat and allows for a more immersive experience in this unique environment. There is a range of different accommodation types for all travellers, from eco tents to heritage cottages. Discover the best places to stay in our accommodation guide.
Whether you want a hearty family meal of woodfired pizzas, to nibble on fish and chips on a pristine beach, have sunset tipples, or graze on a selection of locally sourced, sustainably-farmed produce plates, there are plenty of wonderful places to eat and drink on the island. Discover the best spots to drop into during your visit.
Make your way to the visitor centre on Rottnest Island upon arrival to book from a number of available tours. Soak up the beauty of Rottnest Island on a 90-minute segway tours, jump out of a plane for the best views of the island from above with Skydive Geronimo, hire a bike from Rottnest Island Peddle and Flipper to explore the vast number of bays and beaches and visit Rottnest Island for more.
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
