I spent most my summers as a kid exploring the craggy bays and picturesque beaches of Rottnest Island, affectionately known as ‘Rotto’ by most. This laid-back island paradise is situated just off the coast of Perth, and is best known for its picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and adorable quokkas. After countless trips to the island over the last few decades, I’ve uncovered all the fun activities the island has to offer.
If you’re wondering what to do on Rottnest Island, I’ve got covered in this ultimate guide. From exploring the island by bus or bicycle, splashing around in crystal-clear waters, to snapping the perfect quokka selfie, Rottnest has something for everyone.
Things to Do Rottnest Island
Take a Dip or Go Snorkelling at Rottnest’s Many Beaches
With 63 beaches and 20 bays, the major drawcard of Rottnest Island is its spectacular beaches. Your biggest challenge will be deciding which ones to visit!
Some of my favourite beaches on Rottnest are:
- Parker Point: Follow the wooden steps leading to the beach and strap on your snorkel to explore the Parker Point Snorkel Trail. Discover 12 underwater plaques on the trail while admiring the extensive coral reef.
- Little Salmon Bay: Another favourite for both swimming and snorkelling. With its impossibly blue water and abundant coral, Little Salmon Bay is one of the best snorkelling spots on the island.
- Salmon Bay: Adjacent to Little Salmon Bay, it offers a long stretch of white sand with clear water, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Little Parakeet Bay: Located on the north side of the island, this smaller beach is nicely sheltered by the surrounding rocks.
- The Basin: This is the go-to snorkelling spot on the island’s north side and a favourite among families due to its shallow sections. Best of all, the Basin is within walking distance from the main settlement at Thomson’s Bay.
- Pinky’s Beach: Pinky’s Beach is one of my favourites as it’s overlooked by Bathurst Lighthouse. Perched above the beach you’ll find both Pinky’s Beach Club and the Rottnest Discovery glamping accommodation.
Discover the Island by Bicycle
Discovering Rottnest by bicycle is a great way to see many of the island’s jaw-dropping beaches and other attractions like salt lakes and lighthouses.
Bring your own bike, hire one in a package with your ferry ticket or join a tour to explore the car-free island on a bicycle.
Thought a word of warning – Rottnest is a hilly island! To help take the grunt work out of your explorations, hire an e-bike from Pedal & Flipper or alternatively, join a guided e-bike tour.
This e-bike tour departs daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and allows you to pedal at ease while admiring the many white sand beaches and sparkling blue coves. Your guide will show you the best spots while sharing information and history about the island.
Lunch isn’t included on this tour, so pack or buy a picnic lunch when you get to the island (the general store or Rottnest Bakery are my go-to spots).
Hop Aboard a Guided Bus Tour
Jump on one of the few vehicles on the island and see the highlights of Rottnest in air-conditioned comfort (also a great option if visiting on a wet weather day if visiting Rottnest during winter!)
Learn more about the wildlife and history of the island with on-board commentary from your tour guide. The bus tour takes you past the main attractions in Rottnest, including Wadjemup Lighthouse, Cathedral Rocks (home to the seal colony), Henrietta Rocks shipwreck and more.
You can book this tour as part of a package with your ferry tickets.
- Bus Tour + Ferry Package: Departing from Perth CBD or Fremantle
This guided tour is a great option for those who want to explore more of the island with ease, without needing to cycle around or wait for the hop-on hop-off bus.
Historical Train & Tunnel Tour
All aboard the historical ‘Captain Hussey’ trolley train and chug your way up to Oliver Hill Guns & Tunnel fortress.
Oliver Hill played an important role in the defence of Australia in World War II. Take a guided tour through the tunnels to see the defence facilities put in place to help defend Fremantle port during the war.
Enquire at the Rottnest Visitor Centre on arrival about tour options, or check online here.
You can also book a guided tour package which includes ferry tickets in advance.
Snap a Quokka Selfie
The adorable Rottnest Island quokkas have become a bit of a star on social media thanks to the “Quokka Selfies” that often pop up on social media by celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth and Roger Federer. These cute marsupials call Rottnest home, and you’ll find them hopping their way across the island.
They tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon, however, there’s a high chance of spotting them across the island at any time of the day.
Remember not to touch or feed these wild animals. However, don’t let that stop you from getting down low and snapping a selfie with them!
Dine on Fresh Caught Lobster on a Seafood Cruise
Seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this – from the sea to plate in a matter of minutes!
Join this luxury seafood cruise, which begins with helping to haul in the pots of Western Rock lobster from the side of the boat. Your haul will then be grilled and served as part of a seven-course seafood feast that includes fresh local delicacies like Shark Bay tiger prawns, blue swimmer crab and seared scallops.
Your decadent feast will be topped off with wines from a local Margaret River winery.
Check prices and availability for this unforgettable luxe seafood cruise (runs seasonally from November to April)
Visit Rottnest’s Salt Lakes
In the centre of the island, you’ll find 12 salt lakes taking up over 200 hectares. You’ll often see the lakes glimmering in different shades of blue, green and even pink (although nowhere near as pink as the Hutt Lagoon pink lake!).
Catch the bus, cycle or hike through the lakes. There is a dedicated section of the Wadjemup Bidi hiking trails that winds through the salt lakes with a section of boardwalk over the lakes themselves.
Explore Rottnest by Segway
Cruise around Rottnest with ease on a guided segway tour. No experience is required, all tours include rider training. Segways are easy to ride and your training will equip you with the skills needed!
This tour is suitable for children above 8. Weight limits apply, riders must be between 45 kgs and 120 kgs (99 – 264 lbs).
Two segway tours are available.
- 1-Hour Settlement Tour: Learn about the history of Rottnest Island as you cruise along the dips and hills around the Thomson Bay settlement, including a stop at Bathurst Lighthouse overlooking Pinky’s Beach.
- 1.5-Hour Fortress Adventure Tour: Delve into the military heritage and history of Rottnest Island. Visit the Bickley Battery gun emplacements and learn about the important role Rottnest played during World War II.
Visit Rottnest’s Lighthouses
Rottnest is home to two lighthouses; Wadjemup Lighthouse and Bathurst Lighthouse. Both of these lighthouses remain operational today.
Standing 38 metres tall in the centre of the island, Wadjemup Lighthouse helps guide ships towards the port of Fremantle. There are guided tours to the top of the lighthouse, run by volunteers. Enquire at the Volunteer Information Booth at the main settlement about the timing on the day of your visit.
Bathurst Lighthouse is not open to visitors, but you can still visit the exterior from the base of Pinky Beach.
Play a Round of Mini Golf
Play a game of mini golf at the Family Fun Park. With 18 holes, this is a great family activity. Just watch out for rogue quokkas on the course!
The complex also has retro arcade games, pinball machines and trampolines. You’ll find it next to Rottnest Movies, within walking distance from the main settlement.
Watch a West Coast Sunset
If you’re spending more than a day on the island, make sure to catch at least one sunset. There’s something special about watching the sun sink below the ocean along the coast of Western Australia, and Rottnest is one of the best spots for it!
My go-to sunset spot is Pinky’s Beach or the nearby Basin.
Enjoy Cocktail Hour on the Island
After a full day of swimming, sand and sun, what better way to cap off the day than with a cocktail or glass of wine? Head to Pinky’s Beach Club or Lontara for a cocktail.
Pinky’s Beach Club overlooks the beach of its namesake with views of Bathurst Lighthouse. Lontara is located next to the luxury hotel Samphire, dishing up Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy a cocktail at the restaurant, or relax with your toes in the sand in the open-air beachside bar area.
Hotel Rottnest is another great spot for a relaxed drink by the beach.
Join a Wildlife Adventure Boat Tour
Jump aboard the purpose-built Eco Express vessel and take a thrill ride across the island on this 90-minute tour.
You’ll get the opportunity to get up close with wildlife on the island; you’ll visit the fur seal colony at Cathedral Rocks while looking out for dolphins and birdlife. This is one of the most exciting ways to see Rottnest Island!
Book this fun tour as part of a package with ferry tickets from Fremantle or Perth CBD.
This tour operates seasonally from September to April.
Experience a Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Hop aboard the distinctive bright yellow Charter 1 luxury catamaran and prepare for a full-day sailing experience to Rottnest Island from Fremantle. Explore the waters around the island and visit secluded coves that you can’t reach from the land.
Relax on the boat, take a dip from the onboard swim platforms or sunbathe on the netted over-water lounge area. With morning tea and lunch provided, you’ll spend your day sailing, swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding.
This full-day offshore experience departs from Fremantle and operates seasonally from December to April. Check prices and availability here
For those looking for a fun activity to do while already on the island, you can join a half-day ‘Snorkel and Sail’ experience. You’ll cruise to some of the best snorkelling spots on the island while watching out for pods of dolphins and sea lions. You can even get towed along by the catamaran as you splash about in the cargo netting.
Snacks, coffee and tea are included, as are snorkelling gear, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.
This half-day experience departs from Rottnest Island and operates seasonally between November to April. Check prices and availability here.
Marvel at Rottnest from Above on a Scenic Flight
One of the best ways to admire the vivid colours of Rottnest’s beaches and multi-hued salt lakes is from above on a scenic flight. Rottnest Air Taxi offers short joy flights over the island.
For an unforgettable Rottnest Island day trip experience, you can even catch a scenic seaplane flight to the island. Departing from Perth, fly over the Swan River, Kings Park and Fremantle before reaching Rottnest Island in only 15 minutes – perfect for a romantic experience or bucket list adventure!
- Seaplane Flight: Perth to Rottnest Island One-Way
- Seaplane Flight: Perth to Rottnest Island Return Trip
Go on a Cultural Walking Tour
Discover the ancient and deep spiritual connection the Aboriginal people have with Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) on a cultural walking tour with Go Cultural.
On this 60-minute walking tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance of the island. Learn about the island’s notorious past and the roles of the historic buildings that still stand on the island today.
Swing a Golf Club or Play a Round of Lawn Bowls
Even an island as small as Rottnest Island still manages to fit in a golf course! Set off on the nine-hole course, play a game of lawn bowls or enjoy a casual drink and snack from the bar.
Club and cart hire is available.
For more information and bookings, enquire with the Rottnest Island Golf Course Clubhouse.
Watch a Movie in an Old Picture Hall
Rottnest Island has a movie cinema, but just like many other spots on the island, it’s got its own unique spin to it. The Rottnest Island picture hall has deck chair seating!
Despite the retro vibe, it plays the latest movies and has a candy bar to boot.
Tickets are sold on the door, with no bookings. Visit their Facebook page for the latest sessions and show times.
Spot Seals at Cathedral Rocks
Cathedral Rocks, located on the island’s West End, is the spot for watching the local New Zealand fur seal colony basking in the sunshine. The dedicated viewing platform lets you admire from afar as they splash about and play in the bay.
You can get here by bicycle or on the hop-on hop-off bus, or join a guided bus tour.
Explore Thomson’s Bay with a Free Walking Tour
Volunteer Guides offer free walking tours daily. Learn more about the history, heritage and unique wildlife of the island. Tours depart from the historic Salt Store building next to the Rottnest Guides Information Booth, look for the volunteers in the yellow shirts.
The various walks range from 30 to 45 minutes and depart at different times depending on the season. Check at the Information Booth when you get to the island for what tours are running, and departure times, on the day of your visit.
Visit the Wadjemup Museum
The recently renovated Wadjemup Museum is the place to learn more about the history of the island. This small museum is run by volunteers, who ask for a gold coin donation for entry.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 3.30 pm.
Soar and Skydive over Rottnest
This is one for the adventure seekers – book a tandem skydive over Rottnest Island! You’ll get up to a minute of freefall time before parachuting for five minutes, enjoying the best views over the island and Indian Ocean before landing on the beach.
This is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Hike the Wadjemup Bidi
A unique way to explore the island is by traversing the Wadjemup Bidi, a series of trails scattered across the island. On foot, explore the marvellous coastline, tranquil salt lakes and scenic viewpoints along the way.
The trails cover 45 km across Rottnest, broken into five distinct sections. More information about each section is available here.
- Ngank Yira Bidi: 10km one-way trail between Thomson Bay and Oliver Hill
- Ngank Wen Bidi: 7.8 km stretch of the West End from Narrow Neck to Cape Vlamingh
- Karlinyah Bidi: Explore a 5.7 km trail along the northern coastline
- Wardan Nara Bidi: A 9.8 km hike along the southern coastline
- Gabbi Karniny Bidi: 9.5 km loop through the salt lakes
Tackle these hikes as a self-guided experience, or join the Hike Collective on a guided hike on their Lakes and Bays Hike. This hike takes you through the island’s salt lakes and takes you to serene beaches with an informative local guide.
When joining this tour in 2021, we visited a few hidden beaches I’d never heard of or visited before!
Discover the Shipwrecks of Rottnest
Over time, 13 shipwrecks have found their final resting place among the waters of Rottnest. Two of these shipwrecks lie just metres from the shoreline providing visitors the chance to view them from the shore or snorkel around the wrecks. The others are only accessible by boat or scuba diving.
The easiest shipwreck to visit is the Shark, located in the shallow water near Henrietta Rocks. This is located close to Parker Point, one of the best snorkelling spots.
The other shipwreck, Uribes, is located off Phillip Point near the Kingstown Barracks.
Hire a Stand-Up Paddleboard
Pedal & Flipper is the bicycle hire store on the island, but also rents out recreation items including snorkels, tennis rackets, beach cricket sets and stand-up paddleboards. I recommend going for a paddle at Thomson’s Bay near the hire shop.
For a price list and booking information, click here.
Where to Stay on Rottnest Island
Accommodation on the island is limited, particularly during the school holiday periods.
I’ve found that the best chance of securing accommodation during busier periods or for last-minute stays is with Discovery Rottnest Island (glamping tents).
Here’s a rundown of the accommodation on Rottnest:
- Discovery Rottnest Island: A modern eco-friendly retreat with luxury glamping tents nestled amongst the sand dunes near Pinky Beach.
- Samphire Rottnest: Upscale hotel accommodation with a pool
- Stay Rottnest Self-Contained units: Self-catering facilities scattered across the island, ranging from 4 to 6-bed options perfect for families and groups.
- Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms: A budget-friendly option with private rooms and dorm-style accommodation with common areas.
- Stay Rottnest Campground: Non-powered campsites with a communal camp kitchen and ablution blocks.
Final Thoughts
Rottnest Island offers a variety of activities for every type of traveller. From unique wildlife and scenic beaches to outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy what this island has to offer. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or skydiving from a plane, a visit to Rottnest Island is bound to be a memorable and fun experience.
Make sure to check out my other Rottnest Island and Perth travel guides to make the most of your adventures!
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