Famous for its unbelievably picturesque beaches, smiling quokkas, and scenic cycling routes, Rottnest Island is a MUST-VISIT for anyone visiting Perth/Fremantle in Western Australia.
I first visited Rottnest Island back in 2017 while on a tourism campaign with Qantas & AlaskaAir, and while I did love my love time on the island – I got rather unlucky with the weather as it rained the majority of the day – which made cycling, swimming/snorkeling, and admiring the coastal views immensely less exciting, as well as the devastating news that my scheduled skydive was cancelled.
I’ve been wanting to get back to Rottnest Island ever since to fully experience this iconic Australian destination, so when I discovered round-trip flights from Bali for only $160 USD (including checked-baggage) I instantly booked it for my next visa-run from Indonesia.
Known as Wadjemup by the Whadjuk Noongar people, is often referred to as “the place across the water where the spirits are”
“Once connected to the mainland, Wadjemup was known as an important meeting place and ceremonial site for the Whadjuk people — a place of transition between the physical and spiritual world. Every visit to Wadjemup should be one of reciprocity and respect.”
I’m stoked to share that my recent trip was a complete success and I got to do ALL the things I missed out on last time + so much more, and it was truly PERFECT day-trip and has got me absolutely obsessed with “Rotto” (as the locals call it).
So here’s a fun little mini-guide to the island with all my personal travel tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your day-trip (or overnight stay) on Rottnest Island.
Getting to Rottnest Island
First things first, let’s get you to paradise!
It’s a super simple and easy process to get yourself booked on a ferry, and there are two major companies that offer transportation: Rottnest Express & SeaLink. They’re both going to offer pretty much the same services and prices so it really just depends on the timetable that fits your preferred travel time – but I’d suggest departing early and staying later in the evening to have plenty of time for swimming/snorkeling at the various beaches and soaking up the sun!
- My Top Travel Tip: Take the ferry from Fremantle! It’s cheaper and 3x faster as it only takes 30-minutes from Fremantle (and the B-Shed ferry terminal is in a super convenient location and you can easily walk to/from. Plus, spending a day or two in Fremantle is incredible as it’s a very different vibe than Perth. Beautiful beaches, pubs, restaurants, and the iconic weekend Fremantle markets can’t be missed.
Hiring an E-Bike: A Rottnest Island Essential
Please, for the love of God – Do not book the hop-on/hop-off bus tour!
I understand that it might be the only option for some travelers, but Rottnest Island is a cycler’s paradise and is best experienced on two wheels as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Plus, it’s SO MUCH FUN to just bike around the well-paved paths along the scenic coastline and pristine beaches.
There are over 63 beaches and 20 bays on Rottnest Island, and having an E-Bike will allow you to make the most of your time while saving precious energy for snorkeling and any other activities you wish to do!
During my first trip to Rottnest Island, I rented a regular bike and (while I must admit, I wasn’t in the best shape) pedaling for long stretched was rather exhausting and didn’t get to see much of the island. Take advantage of the technological advances and hire yourself an electric bike – I think it’s Rottnest Island essential!
Fremantle Bikes
I’m so glad I discovered Fremantle Bikes and secured my electric bike through them to explore Rottnest. They’ve got tons of different bike options available that are in excellent condition and are super affordable, and the staff made the entire rental process seamless.
- Pro E-Bike Tip: I’d recommend getting their combo package that includes snorkel equipment and a waterproof pannier (side-mount bike storage), as you’ll want the extra space for food, water bottle, towel, sunscreen, etc.
I actually ended up getting a 2-day rental which worked out really well as It allowed me to bike around Fremantle, as well as spend a half-day checking out one of their recommend bike rides in the area. The day before I went to Rottnest I cycled down to the Omeo Wreck at Coogee Beach and it was an incredible and worth a visit!
You will have to pay a small fee to bring your own bike on board the ferry to Rottnest, but it’s still cheaper and better quality than booking your E-Bike on the island, as well as saving you time by having your bike rental sorted in advance.
Skydiving Over Rottnest Island
Any other adrenaline junkies out there? There really is no better way to kickstart your day on Rottnest Island then with a burst of adrenaline with Skydive Geronimo! This was the very first activity I did upon arriving to Rottnest Island, but it was easily the highlight of my day!
Not only is the 60+ second free fall from 15,000 ft in the sky an indescribable feeling that must be experienced at least once your life, but the aerial views from the plane while ascending to the jump zone are absolutely stunning and will give you an appreciation for the island you’re about to explore.
It’s a bucket list activity in a bucket list destination.
This was actually my 4th time doing a tandem skydive, and has absolutely reignited my obsession with the feeling as well as my plans to become a certified skydiver — hopefully sometime this year! Take a quick look at my Skydive Video to get an idea of what to expect.
While it’s not the cheapest adventure to embark on, it’s worth every penny! If you’re looking to save some money, I’d recommend checking out their Skydive + RT Rottnest Ferry packages to save some cash.
Cycling & Snorkeling Around the Entire Island
“There is a limited number of vehicles on Rottnest Island. Traffic noise is replaced by the sounds of birdlife, travellers’ voices lowered in awe, and distant waves crashing along the coastline. Cycling has become the main form of transport on the island, allowing visitors to slow down and properly take in the unique landscape.”
After I completed my skydive, my e-bike adventures began and it was always my plan to do complete the entire island route. It is quite the endeavor as it covers pretty much the entire 22 kilometers of road network, but it is well worth it!
You’ll want to plan around 4-6 hours so you have plenty of time to stop at several beaches to relax and recharge (as well as plenty of swimming and snorkeling), but it is such an epic way to spend the day.
While I am glad I made it all the way to the WEST END boardwalk and viewpoints, I also don’t think it’s an absolute must-see if you’re crunched for time. So if you look at the map below, you can save a lot of time by skipping the west end and taking the path between the Strickland Bay & Stark Bay.
My Top 5 Favorite Places on Rottnest Island
While there’s an insane number of places you can visit and just chill on the sand all day, here are my top 5 places I think you HAVE to visit during your Rottnest Island day trip! Plus, all of these spots offer amazing snorkeling.
1) Henrietts Rocks
This was my first stop along my route around the island, and it just offers the complete Rottnest Island package. An easy staircase down to the beach, pristine waters, and a really cool shipwreck ideal for snorkeling around just a minute’s swim off the shore!
2) Parker Point
Just a few minutes cycling away from Henrietta Rocks you’ll find yourself here at Parker Point, which is easily one of Rottnest Island’s most iconic destinations, snorkeling hotspots, and staircase photo opportunities.
This is also a really popular spot for the boating people who sail out to Rottnest Island – a swear one day I WILL be one of those boat people! Until then, I’ll enjoy cycling around the island, lol.
3) Salmon Bay
I’d argue that this may just be the MOST beautiful beach on the island, and admiring that tropical blue of the water at the top of the staircase down to the beach is truly jaw-dropping. Just around the bay is Little Salmon Bay which is also quite popular but can get rather crowded as it’s a bit quite small.
4) Little Armstrong Bay
This is another picture-perfect Rottnest Island beach that will leave you speechless. The water is nice and calm making it IDEAL for snorkeling with coral reefs and diverse marine life that’ll keep you out thoroughly entertained.
5) Parakeet Bay & Little Parakeet Bay
If you’re looking for THE beach to set-up your towel, shade structure, and simply relax – this is it. It’s peaceful and calm, and oh so pretty. I don’t know if I just went at the perfect time or not, but there were barely any people there and it just felt so relaxing. For my next trip to Rottnest (ideally where I spend a few nights on the island), I’ll be spending a ton of time here reading, swimming, and probably flirting with people on boats trying to snag an invite on board.
Quokka Selfies
Rottnest Island is famous for being home to these beloved herbivorous marsupials, Quokkas.
They are known for their friendly and “smiling” appearance, and are honestly just so cute it hurts. While they can be spotted in a few other places, they’re primarily found on Rottnest Island where they are living their best lives due to the absence of natural predators.
While it is illegal to touch or feed them, they aren’t scared of humans and it’s encouraged to get your “quokka selfie” before leaving the island.
Before my first trip to Rottnest Island, I was under the impression that I’d have to go searching for them – but they are SO easy to find – especially around town where the restaurants are. They’re kinda everywhere just hopping around searching for food scraps.
Food & Drink on Rottnest Island
Before you embark on your cycle adventures around the island, I’d recommend grabbing a coffee and sandwich or meat pie at the Rottnest Bakery. I actually ate their twice during my day-trip and everything was SO GOOD. The Shepherd’s Pie meat pie was particularly tasty and will give you plenty of calories to fuel your day.
Rottnest Island Bakery
And after you conclude your day-trip around the island, head over to the Hotel Rottnest (which if you’re unfamiliar with Australian lingo they use the word hotel for a pub) for a pint or two of delicious beer. It’s a lively atmosphere and often have live-music or a DJ spinning tunes, and is the perfect way to finish your time on the island as it’s just minute’s away from the ferry.
If you’re a fellow beer drinker, a pint of Gage’s Road Brewery will certainly hit the spot. Plus, after a pint and you get back on the ferry, you can visit their Fremantle brewery for another beer before grabbing dinner somewhere in Fremantle.
Have you been on a Day Trip to Rottnest Island?
I’d love to hear from you guys on what were your favorite spots on the island and what I need to add to my list for my next trip. After such an amazing 4-day trip out to Perth, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island – I know that I’ll be back again soon!
Thanks so much for reading!
