Rottnest | Wadjemup
Everybody’s favourite place to escape, the sandy, car-free island of Rottnest, has been winning the hearts of visitors for more than a century. Take a short boat trip across the turquoise waters and pick up your hire bike to explore the island at your own pace.
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The coral reefs surrounding Rottnest are fed by the warm Leeuwin current, meaning the waters are populated by a teeming array of colourful marine life – boasting a diversity second only to that found in Shark Bay in the state’s far north.
Rottnest’s popularity is as enormous as the island is small, yet you can always find a secluded stretch of white sand. There are 63 beaches and 20 bays crammed into an area just 11km long and 4.5km at its widest point. Most people are drawn to the sheltered swimming holes near Thomson Bay, where the ferries arrive and depart, or Geordie Bay, a secondary hub 2km away.
But there are more treasures to be found by those who are willing to pedal their bikes a little further afield – from historical monuments, inland salt lakes and secret fishing spots, to mysterious diving wrecks and coral playgrounds.
Visitors are guaranteed to fall in love with the island’s famous and friendly quokkas. They inspired the name ‘Rottnest’, which translates to ‘rat’s nest’ in Dutch.
Stay
Rottnest is a place where families and friends can stay in neighbouring cabins and share barbecues on the verandah after long days of swimming and snorkelling in the sun. Book self-catered accommodation through the Rottnest Island Authority, from modern units to north-facing heritage cottages at Geordie Bay, or a 50-bed hostel and a camping ground near The Basin. Serviced rooms are available at the Rottnest Hotel. Rottnest Lodge offers a pool, bars and a variety of comfy rooms.
Getting there
If you are travelling light with a party of five or six, arrive by air taxi, charter plane, private boat or helicopter. Otherwise, take a ferry from Perth, Hillarys Boat Harbour or Fremantle.
Accessible travel
Rottnest Fast Ferries are wheelchair-accessible, and the island has wide paths, ramps, and toilet facilities. The visitor centre has a complimentary buggy, adult tricycles, electric scooters and beach wheelchairs. The Rottnest Island Authority and Rottnest Lodge offer accommodation with wheelchair access.
Rottnest travel tips
- If you’re visiting Rottnest with a family in tow a great beach to head to is The Basin. It’s safe and it’s beautiful with calm, shallow waters. Perfect for young children.
- Only came for the day, but packed for a week? No worries – there are coin-operated lockers available so you can explore the island unencumbered.
Latest News
Guides

Bathurst Lighthouse
The Bathurst Lighthouse forms the subsiduary light to the Main Rottnest Island Light enabling vessels entering and leaving the Port of Fremantle to safely navigate the reefs around the island.
- Open days/Times:Open 24/7
- Suited For:Adults (18+)
- Activity:Lighthouse
- Type:Attractions
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Public Holidays,School holidays,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
The Bathurst Lighthouse was built as a result of shipwrecks culminating in the "City of York" disaster in 1899. Built from local limestone in 1900, the tower is painted white with a gold lantern dome.
The lighthouse was one of four erected between 1910 and 1912 leading up to the Commonwealth takeover of coastal lights in 1915. In 1986 the light was converted to electric operation. The keepers cottage was sold to the Rottnest Island Board and is at present occupied by Board employees.
Image used with permission from Rottnest Island Authority.

Bickley Battery
- [email protected]
- 9432 9300
A remnant of Rottnest Island's World War II captivating military history, the battery was once used as a gun station.
- Type:Attractions,Sites & Trails
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
Bickley Battery is located just by Bickley Bay and was used to hold 6inch guns during the Second World War. The gun is now on display at Kingstown Barracks but the Battery remains as a sign of the Island's involvement as a military base during the War.
Image credit: ozatwar.com

Charter1 - Luxury Sailing Catamaran Tours
- [email protected]
- 0499 444 796
- http://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/Island-tours/Charter1%20Luxury%20Sailing%20Catamaran%20Tours
- https://www.charter1.com.au/bookings/
Experience the best of Rottnest on this sailing adventure via a luxury sailing catamaran.
- Open days/Times:Everyday - Subject to weather conditions
- Tour Price:From $98
- Activity:Sailing
- Suited For:Adults (18+)
- Type:Tours
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
Our team of expert and passionate crew live and breathe these waters – there’s nothing we enjoy more than sharing our little slice of paradise with you.
Come with us as we sail on our luxury catamaran fitted full of snorkel gear and a bunch of toys to play around in.

Discovery Tour
- (08) 9372 9730
- http://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/Island-tours/bus-tours
- https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/tours-and-services/island-tours/island-discover-bus-tour.html
Explore the beauty and tranquillity of Rottnest as you relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach.
- Type:Tours
- Open days/Times:Everyday Morning Departure: 11:20am & Afternoon Departure: 1:50pm
- Tour Duration:90 mins
- Tour Price:From $25
- Suited For:Adults (18+),Seniors
Details
- Open Days:Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday
Description
This 90 minute circumnavigation of the island takes you out to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations and provides you with a complete interpretation of the island through passionate and knowledgeable crew. This tour provides insight into Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage, diverse wildlife and fauna and social heritage. You will also have a chance to step outside and have a stroll along the boardwalk at the majestic look-out point at West End.

Family Fun Park & Mini Golf
- [email protected]
- 9292 5156
- https://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/island-activities/family-fun-park
A holiday entertainment centre where you can show off your mini-golf prowess
- Open days/Times:Mon - Sun 9AM - 5PM
- Type:Attractions
- Activity:Arcade,Entertainment precinct,Minigolf,Trampolines
- Suited For:Families,Kids (4 - 12),Teens (13 - 17)
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
Challenge your friends or family to a round of mini golf. Jump on the trampolines and play our prize redemption arcade games.
Open every day with classic pin-ball machines available to entertain children of all ages. In keeping with our ‘nostalgic’ theme we have pinball machines, Pac-man, Space Invaders and even Air Hockey. The latest addition to our games is ‘Giant Chess’ so come down and book a game for the whole family.
Also enjoy homemade crepes, coffee, waffle cones with connoisseur ice-cream, cold drinks and more.
Mini Putt-Putt Prices:
Adult: $9
Child (under $16) and Seniors: $5
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): $24
Trampoline Prices:
$5 for 15 minutes
Open daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm

Grand Island Tour
- (08) 6270 6060
- http://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/Island-tours/coach-and-train-tours
- https://experience.rottnestisland.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=riastore&C=git
This all-inclusive Island tour includes all of Rottnest’s must see locations.
- Open days/Times:Everyday
- Tour Duration:3.5 Hours
- Tour Price:$59 - $79
- Suited For:Adults (18+),Seniors
- Type:Tours
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
Including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. All major habitats are covered on this amazing tour, including Rottnest Island's cultural and historical heritage ranging from Maritime, Colonial and Military history to future developments.

Lomas Cottage
- [email protected]
- 9432 9300
Located on the Heritage Common, this historic cottage contains a photographic record of the daily lives of early settlers on the Island.
- Type:Attractions
- Activity:Exhibition Centre
Details
Description
Lomas Cottage was built for ex-convict John Lomas. It underwent renovation in the late 1990s and is frequently used as an exhibition space to display the Angelo Collection, photographs capturing the lives of early settlers and Aboriginal prisoners on Rottnest Island.
Image credit: Rottnest Foundation

Oliver Hill Battery
In the heart of the Island, the battery at Oliver Hill stands as a testament to Rottnest's past as a military base during the Second World War.
- Type:Attractions,Sites & Trails
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
Oliver Hill is located close to the centre of Rottnest Island and features a military remnants from World War II including a 9.2 inch gun and maze of underground tunnels.

Oliver Hill Train Ride
- (08) 9372 9730
- http://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/Island-tours/oliver-hill
- https://experience.rottnestisland.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=riastore&C=explorer
Enjoy a train ride from the Settlement Railway Station to Oliver Hill on the Island’s 64-seat Captain Hussey train, where you can admire the beauty of the Island’s south-side.
- Open days/Times:Everyday 12:30pm, 1:30pm & 2:30pm
- Tour Price:$15 - $60
- Activity:Train Rides
- Suited For:Families,Adults (18+),Seniors
- Type:Tours
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island Railway Station
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
The train departs daily from the Settlement Railway at 12:30pm, 1.30pm and 2:30pm(train ride only). Boarding closes 10 minutes prior.
You can purchase your tickets online.
Alternatively, you can buy tickets on the Island at either the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre or automatic Kiosk located at the main bus stop. Make sure you book in advance to secure your spot!

Parker Point Snorkel Trail
- [email protected]
- 9432 9111
- https://www.rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/natural-attractions/underwater-playground
An interactive underwater trail where you can discover more about the flora and fauna of the sea
- Type:Attractions,Sites & Trails
- Activity:Snorkelling
- Suited For:Families
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
This interactive snorkelling trail is marked out by plaques resting on the sea bed that inform inquisitive snorkellers about the marine life in the area. It is located at the Parker Point Marine Reserve, and extends for 200m for an interactive, immersive underwater experience.
Image used with permission from Tourism Western Australia.

Paul's Eco E-Bike Tour
Peddle with ease and see the sights as you travel the Island on electric bikes. Follow your guide to enjoy the environment and history along the way.
- Course Duration:4 Hours
- Open days/Times:Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Tour Duration:4 Hours
- Tour Price:$77 - $190
- Activity:Biking
- Suited For:Teens (13 - 17),Adults (18+)
- Type:Tours
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island
- Open Days:Tuesday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
4-hour tour includes
- Guided tour of the Island on E-bikes (electric bikes)
- Free bottle of water and a piece of fruit.
- Lunch with an extra drink (Subway) supplied for an additional $10 or bring your own.
- Swimming at the Basin or best option.

Roland Smith Memorial
A tribute to the Rottnest pioneer who sought to help boats find safe passage to the Island.
- Type:Attractions
- Activity:Memorial
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,Public Holidays,School holidays
Description
Located next to Rocky Bay, the stone memorial was erected in 1974 by friends of Smith. Lizards are often to be found scurrying across the site.

Rottnest Air Taxi
- [email protected]
- 0421 389 831
- https://www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au/
- https://www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au/joy-flights/joyflights-from-rottnest/
Take a breathtaking scenic joy flight over Rottnest for a stunning aerial views of the whole Island.
- Open days/Times:Everyday
- Tour Duration:10 - 35 minutes
- Tour Price:From $65
- Activity:Flying / Scenic Flights
- Suited For:Families,Adults (18+)
- Type:Charters & Rentals
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island, Jandakot Airport
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday,School holidays
- Tour Capacity:2 - 3 passengers
Description
Rottnest Air Taxi operates regular scheduled flights every hour during daylight hours. Flight times are around 12 minutes each way, with the option to add discounted scenic detours as well. Fly from Perth to Rottnest Island return from $99 per person for a group of five, taking you directly over Fremantle and the lower Swan, with spectacular views along the river towards Perth itself, and of course a unique perspective on Rotto as you arrive to!

Rottnest Cruises - Wild Seafood Experience
- [email protected]
- 9586 1136
- https://www.rottnestcruises.com/cruises/seafood/
- https://rottnestcruises.rezdy.com/catalog/346434/tours?_ga=2.130259407.1917083245.1594280092-1520092727.1594280092
The ‘thrill of the catch’ will be yours to remember, as you pull up pots of Western Rock Lobster and watch on as an exquisite seafood feast is prepared right in front of you.
- Activity:Seafood Experiences
Details
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
This Wild Seafood Experience brings the ultimate in ocean adventure to Western Australia’s favourite holiday island, Rottnest.
Designed for those who love fresh seafood, this 3-hour Rottnest boat cruise is the perfect blend of excitement and indulgence.
Their experienced boat crew will guide you through an unforgettable interactive experience out on the crystal-clear waters that Rottnest is famous for.
Hot off the barbecue, your lobster catch will be served as part of an indulgent 5-course menu (scroll down for full menu inclusions).
Your adventure begins with canapes and drinks upon boarding.
Then comes a deluxe seafood platter, packed with as much West Australian produce as possible. Includes sashimi salmon, freshly shucked oysters, West Australian king prawns and marinated West Coast Octopus.
Australian barramundi fillets with Asian fusion tartare.
Your fresh-caught lobster then arrives before you, prepared barbecued or sashimi-style.
Finally comes dessert, with tropical fruits, and pineapple and coconut cream bites.
Your exquisite feast is paired with unlimited complimentary West Australian still and sparkling wines from Howard Park, plus quality bottled beers and soft drinks, served as you cruise.
The 3-hour Wild Seafood Experience begins on Rottnest’s waterfront, among luxury yachts moored in Thomson Bay. As you enjoy a drink and canapes on arrival, you pass the famous Bathhurst Lighthouse on the way offshore in search of Western Rock Lobster.
After hauling in your lobster catch, you will travel further along the coastline to find the most beautiful bay on the day (Longreach or Parakeet Bay), where you will moor.
While anchored, indulge in a fresh seafood banquet fit for royalty. Following your feast, we pull-up anchor and make our way back to Thomson Bay.

Rottnest Island Adventure Boat Tour
- [email protected]
- 1300 467 688
- https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/tours-and-services/island-tours/adventure-boat-tour.html
- https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/tours-and-services/island-tours/adventure-boat-tour.html
Jump aboard our purpose-built, high-powered vessel for the adventure of a lifetime as the Eco Express takes you for a 90 minute journey to the island's wild side.
- Open days/Times:Departs daily at 11.15am between mid-September and late April, except Christmas Day.
- Tour Duration:90 minutes
- Tour Price:$33.50 - $67
- Suited For:Adults (18+)
- Type:Tours
Details
- Tour Locations:Rottnest Island
- Open Days:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday
Description
Explore Rottnest's rugged coastline and witness the beauty of its abundant wildlife up close, including the migrating humpback whales (Sept-Nov). This is the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers.
The Eco Express completes a full circumnavigation of Rottnest (weather dependent), giving passengers an unforgettable up-close encounter with much of what the island has to offer. The waters off Rottnest Island are abundant in animal life, including the majestic humpback whales (who migrate through Rottnest's waters during September to November) and the delightful antics of the New Zealand fur seal colony at Cathedral Rocks.

