It’s the colors of Rottnest Island that you’ll never forget. This glittering, aqua spectacle, where schools of chunky buffalo bream stream through rocky caverns, and pink corals thrive beside swaying seagrasses. Rightly so, many visitors to Perth will visit Rottnest Island (Wadjemup in the local Indigenous Noongar language). But this laid-back, nature-lover’s paradise deserves more than a few token hours. Upgrade your day trip, and this is what 24 hours of must-do activities on Rottnest Island could look like.
Island Introductions
To maximise your time on the island, start in the eclectic port suburb of Fremantle, where two companies run ferries several times a day to Rottnest Island. Take advantage of the ferry company’s luggage delivery service to your hotel by attaching the tag to your bag before embarkation. Now kick back for 25 minutes as you shoot across the ocean to the island’s main settlement at Thomson Bay.
Get your bearings by strolling up to The Mall, where a handful of historic buildings house shops and cafés trading under the dappled shade of fig trees. As you wait for your coffee, you’re likely to spot the island’s cutest residents, the quokkas.
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Courtesy of Carolyn Beasley
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Courtesy of Carolyn Beasley
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Fortress Adventure Tour with Segway Tours WA, Rottnest. Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
The most important of all must-do activities on Rottnest Island is some quokka spotting. Rottnest is home to some 10,000 of these vulnerable, tiny wallabies, and the island is now their main stronghold. Found all over the island, they’re particularly attracted to the settlement by the easy food. It’s important to resist feeding or touching the quokkas, however, it’s bad for their health. Instead, crouch down and give them space, and you may be rewarded as the curious fluff-balls deem you worthy of closer inspection. If you’re falling in love with quokkas, learn more by joining the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association for their free, 30-minute quokka walking tour.
From here, head to the Wadjemup Museum for an important island introduction. Although Rottnest today is a fun-filled wonderland, it has a dark, disturbing history. From 1838 to 1931, the island was used as a prison for up to 3,700 Aboriginal men and boys, many of whom had been community leaders. Treated brutally, they labored to build many of the buildings we see today. Unmarked graves of over 300 prisoners have been discovered in recent decades. Today, the museum is the beginning of a reconciliation process, acknowledging truths of the past, and importantly, plans for a consultative and collaborative future.
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Seaside dining. Courtesy of Isola
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Exmouth prawns at Isola. Courtesy of Isola
Lunchtime Indulgence
By now, you’ll be ready to fuel up for an afternoon of sightseeing. Isola restaurant overlooks sparkling Thomson Bay and serves flavor-packed Italian-inspired local fare. Order the Rottnest Island scallops, caught just north of where you’re seated, and the Exmouth prawns, chargrilled with indulgent crayfish butter and capers. While you wait, take in the bobbing yachts in the bay, as salty-haired kids cycle by, surfboards tucked under their arms.
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Cycling near Longreach Bay, Rottnest Island. Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
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Aerial view of Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse, Rottnest Island. Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Afternoon Adventures
Now you’re ready for more adventurous activities on Rottnest Island, so head over to Pedal and Flipper Hire to pick up your e-bike (tip: the e-bikes are popular, so reserve online in advance). With no cars, cycling here is a dreamy way to feel immersed in the unfolding wild scenery, but if cycling’s not your thing, a hop-on, hop-off bus also circumnavigates the island.
Heading south of the settlement, you’ll come to Parker Point, a great place for snorkeling over healthy temperate corals. Cruising on around the southern coastline, you’ll pass isolated surf breaks, inviting beaches, and high on the hill, Wadjemup Lighthouse.
At the West End, a raised walkway leads to the Cape Vlamingh viewing platform, where you’ll gaze towards the horizon, imagining the distant coast of Africa. It’s a hotspot for ospreys and dolphins, and humpback whales frolic here between June and November. Stroll over to Cathedral Rocks, where a colony of long-nosed fur seals can often be spotted sunbathing or taking a dip, one flipper raised in the air.
Complete your cycling loop around the north side of the island, taking in unspoiled favourites like Little Parakeet Bay and Geordie Bay. Pull up a stool for a cheeky limoncello at Havza, a cute kiosk overlooking swoon-worthy swimming spot, the Basin. Alternatively, rehydrate at glamping resort Discovery Rottnest Island, where the outdoor bar overlooks Pinky Beach.
Evening Chill
It’s time to check-in at Samphire Rottnest, the most luxurious accommodation on the island. There are 80 rooms here with ocean, pool or laneway views. Inside, the color palette is muted, allowing the outrageous hues of sea and sky to sing. Woven jute rugs, light timber accents and gardens of endemic plants complete the calming vibe.
Freshen up, before sinking into an armchair at the hotel’s Beach Club and wiggle your toes into the sand. The sky over the Perth CBD fades to dusky pink, and as the last ferry for the day departs, you’ll be feeling smug with your local gin spritz.
From here, it’s just steps to Samphire’s Lontara restaurant, known for Southeast Asian and West Aussie fusion cuisine. Specialities here include Malaccan black pepper rock lobster, Albany rock oysters with native lime and lamb shoulder rendang curry.
Salty Farewells
Start the morning with a dip in the sea, and like the locals, throw on a towel and head to breakfast still dripping. Dive into Aussie culture at the Rottnest Bakery, choosing a vegemite scroll (the black, salty breakfast spread), a hearty meat pie, or vanilla slice. Take a seat on the shady deck, but look out for mischievous quokkas, they sometimes find their way through the quokka fencing and you’ll be amazed how quickly a petite paw can nab your food!
Bid farewell to your furry friends, but rest assured there’s a final treat in store. At the tiny Rottnest Island airport, strap in for a spectacular airborne departure in a Cessna Caravan seaplane.
About 12 minutes from now, you’ll be on approach to the city, descending past the lookouts of Kings Park, almost waving to office workers in high-rises, before gently skidding onto the Swan River in a plume of sea spray.
But for this instant, savor the experience of witnessing Rottnest from the air. From pink-tinged salt lakes flanked Australian shelducks, to white sandy coves, where cyclists pause for a dip. Rocky reef passageways swirl with aquamarine waters, yielding to deep green over meadows of seagrass. These are the indelible images of Rottnest, the colors that will visit your dreams and keep you coming back.
Getting to Rottnest Island:
From Perth, take the train to Fremantle (30 minutes) and a 25-minute ferry ride to Rottnest Island with Sealink or Rottnest Express from A$59.00 per person one way.
Sealink.com.au; Rottnestexpress.com.au
Swan River Seaplanes operate flights between South Perth foreshore and Rottnest Island from A$195 per person one way.
Cycling activities on Rottnest Island:
Hire an e-bike through Pedal and Flipper Hire (A$71.00 per day). Snorkelling gear, toddler trailers and other accessories available.
Dining on Rottnest Island:
Dine at Isola for ocean views and Italian-inspired local cuisine.
Hotels on Rottnest Island:
Samphire Rottnest has rooms from A$249 per night for two, with Beachfront Super King Suites from A$500 per night for two.
The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Western Australia.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Carolyn Beasley
Carolyn Beasley is an Australian based in Perth, and she has previously spent nine years between Malaysia, ..Read More
