Discover Rottnest Island

Be captivated by one of Australia's most beautiful and laid-back destinations, Rottnest Island. Known by locals as 'Rotto', this 19 square kilometre oasis is just 19 kilometres, offshore from the city of Perth. Bursting with natural wonders, unique wildlife, gorgeous beaches and a great assortment of things to do and see.

Rottnest Island

Whether you would like to take a Rottnest Island day trip or spend a few days on the island, this part of Western Australia is a must-visit. A locals favourite, discover 63 stunning beaches, 45 kilometres of walking trails, 20 bays, and approximately 10,000 quokkas. Admire an assortment of marine life, including a colony of New Zealand fur seals, 135 species of vibrant tropical fish and 20 species of coral.

History and culture of the island

The name of the island was given by Dutch explorer, Willem de Vlamingh when he mistook the unusual looking quokka for a rat. Rottnest literally translates to 'rats' nest'! The traditional owners of Rottnest Island are the Whadjuk Noongar people. The Indigenous name for the island is Wadjemup which means 'place across the water where the spirits are' in the Noongar language.

Meet the quokka!

The only mammal that is native to Rottnest Island, you can find these little beauties all over the island. With over 10,000 quokkas living on the island, it is certain that you will encounter a few during your visit. Known as the 'world's happiest animal,' it is not permitted to touch or pat them and if you try, you will probably end up with a nasty bite!

Things to do

Whether you would like to spend the day at the beach, snorkelling or hop on a bike and discover caves, coves and bays. There are plenty of things to do and a great selection of Rottnest Island tours to choose from. Go on a full-day tour departing from Perth by boat. Or get a bird's eye view and take a scenic flight over Rottnest. The island is only 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres wide making it an easy place to explore.

Soak up the laid-back Rottnest vibes or get active

• Join a free guided walking tour

• Visit the Rottnest Island Museum

• Climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse for fantastic views

• Stop by Oliver Hill and discover underground tunnels

• Snorkel at Little Salmon Bay or Parker Point

• Rent a bike and explore the island

• Follow the Wadjemup Bidi trail

• Surf world-class breaks at Strickland Bay

Go snorkelling

Uncover the magic of Rottnest Island, snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Marvel at a large assortment of different types of fish, 20 types of coral, lobsters, and even a shipwreck! Bring your mask and flippers with you or rent them on the island. With so many sheltered and protected bays, it is the perfect place to be dazzled by an underwater paradise!

Best spots to snorkel on Rottnest

• Henrietta Rocks

• Salmon Bay

• Little Salmon Bay

• Parker Point

• Mary Cove

• Fish Hook Bay

• Little Armstrong Bay

• Little Parakeet Bay

• The Basin

Tour the island by bike

Do you love cycling? With 22 kilometres of biking trails, Rottnest Island is a wonderful cycling destination. You can cycle around the island in approximately two to five hours. With no cars, it is the perfect place to enjoy an active day out. Along the way, soak up the incredible views, from the bushland, the ocean and the stunning coastline. If you prefer walking, you could also spend the day walking around the island!

How to get there?

By ferry

You can reach the island by Rottnest Island Ferry in approximately 40 to 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, 25 minutes from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty. Rottnest Express Ferry departs from Fremantle B Shed or Elizabeth Quay in Perth. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before boarding time.

Please note: Rottnest Island ferry timetable varies depending on the season and weather conditions

Fly in style to Rottnest Island

The flight takes approximately 20-minutes from Perth. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Perth city centre and taken to the Queens Ferry Jetty. Once in the air, relax and enjoy the views over Swan River and the island.

Once on Rottnest Island, board the bus to explore the island further. The hop-on-hop-off bus will take you to all the highlights of the island in 90 minutes. And the best part is, you can hop on and off whenever you want. Take your time and enjoy some of the countless deserted beaches and bays.

Perth

Perth is the gateway to Rottnest Island and is the perfect base to discover this tranquil escape. After you have finished exploring the island, there are plenty of great things to do and see in Perth. Visit Fremantle, go beach hopping, discover museums, take a cruise along the Swan River or wander through Kings Park.

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located on Rottnest Island and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with an accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.