Rottnest Island is a small island about 20 kilometers off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, boasting some of the best beaches in Australia.
Rottnest Island is a small island about 20 kilometers off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, boasting some of the best beaches in Australia.
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About Rottnest Island
The idyllic Rottnest Island sits just off the coast of Perth yet feels millions of miles away from city life thanks to its distinctive island vibes. With over 60 pristine beaches to choose from and plenty of vibrant turquoise bays for snorkeling, Rottnest is a true paradise getaway.
Rottnest Island Australia
The island is also home to the cutest animals in the world, the quokka! These friendly small marsupials are native to Western Australia and Rottnest Island is one of the few places you'll find them.
Lovely quokkas on Rottnest Island
Just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle makes it the perfect day trip from Perth. However, if you want to stay for the weekend, there's plenty to do on Australia's Rottnest Island.
It should be noted that Rottnest Island is car free and it has 20 bays, 63 beaches and 45 km of bike paths so cycling is the main means you can hire to explore the island!
Discover the best beaches on the island of Rottnest
Rottnest Island is home to some of the best beaches in WA. With 63 world-class beaches to explore on the island, you don't have to go far to find the best beaches!
The Basin Beach - A popular swimming and snorkeling spot easily accessible from the ferry terminal in just 10 minutes. This amazing beach certainly lives up to its name as one of Perth's best.
The Basin Beach
Pinky Beach - This beautiful beach is right next to The Basin. It offers stunning views of Bathurst lighthouse and is home to the popular Pinky's Beach Club restaurant and bar. This beach bar is arguably the best place to watch the sunset on Rottnest, so enjoy a cocktail and enjoy the view!
Little Salmon Bay - This beautiful cove can be found at the southernmost point of Rottnest Island. Easily accessible by bicycle. The shallow and calm waters of Little Salmon Bay make for excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. There are many colorful coral reefs and many beautiful fishes that can be seen here. The location is especially great for beginners/newbies to scuba diving.
Little Salmon Bay
Salmon Bay - Located just off Little Salmon Bay, you'll come across this unspoiled stretch of white sand. The inviting turquoise waters of Salmon Bay provide the perfect refreshment after an adventurous bike ride.
Little Armstrong Bay - A small but quiet and sheltered bay located on the north side of the island. Great snorkeling among schools of beautiful fish, followed by relaxing on the soft white sand. The site is easy to reach from the main settlement, taking a 13-minute bike ride.
Little Armstrong Bay
Parakeet Bay - The calm and blue waters of Parakeet Bay make it a great beach for families to spend the day relaxing and swimming. With cliffs sheltering the bay on either side, this picturesque spot is not to be missed on a day trip to Rottnest Island!
Parakeet Bay
Places to visit in Rottnest
Wadjemup Lighthouse - At the highest point of Rottnest island is the 19th-century Wadjemup lighthouse. Although it's not currently open to visitors, it's well worth stopping to explore the breathtaking views. From this vantage point you'll be able to admire the beauty of Rottnest Island and even see the city of Perth in the distance.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
Bathurst Lighthouse - To the north of Rottnest, this iconic lighthouse has stood tall guiding ships to safety since 1900. Towering over Pinky Beach, Bathurst Lighthouse carries offers stunning views of the beaches below and is an especially epic spot to watch the sunset.
See the Salt Lakes - As you head inland on Rottnest Island, you'll come across a series of salt lakes. Some of these lakes will dry up in the summer months while others are permanent all year round. Depending on the time of year you visit, some of these lakes may be pink. The best way to get to the salt lakes is to cycle inland from the Thompson Bay settlement. Following the Digby Drive will take you on a scenic path through the salt lakes. If you keep cycling along that path, you will eventually reach the Wadjemup lighthouse.
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A salt lake on the island has a spectacular pink color
Parker Point - this is a great area for photography. There is an observatory as well as a nice place to swim. The beach is long and allows visitors to find shade under some of the rocks. This is also where you are most likely to find the friendliest quokkas!
Parker Point
Quokkas roam freely around Rottnest Island but seem to enjoy spending a lot of time around The Barkery and then the Rottnest Hotel from late afternoon. The island highly recommends Quokka selfies, even providing full details on how to take the best Quokka selfies. However, Quokkas are wild animals so do not touch them and do not feed them. It became famous with the hashtag #quokkaselfie that made these adorable animals Instagram famous. They can only be found in Western Australia, mainly on Rottnest Island.
Hiking in Wadjemup Bibi - Wadjemupu Bibi are 45km hiking trails that take you inland and out into the bays and beaches of Rottnest and are a great way to explore the island in depth. There are five different sections of the trail with lengths varying from 5.9km to 10kms.
Walking in Wadjemup Bibi
Where to eat on Rottnest Island?
The majority of places to eat on Rottnest are centered around the main village at the ferry terminal. There is a wide selection of food at different prices.
There is a diner in the main town where you can relax and eat!
The most popular spot is Rottnest The Bakery, this iconic bakery loved by locals. Locally sourced ingredients, breads are baked on site daily, and Rottnest Bakery is best known for its organic meat pies and jam and cream donuts. And you will also see many quokkas hanging out there.
Rottnest The Bakery
When you're ready for a glass of wine or a great meal, head to Hotel Rottnest. It has a great location on the water and is frequented by many quokkas. The menu is modern Australian pub cuisine with lots of seafood, pizza and salads.
Eat seafood on Rottnest
A day trip to Western Australia's Rottnest Island is the perfect addition to your trip! If you're heading to the city of Perth, it's a great way to get out of the city and hit some of the best beaches in Western Australia.
