Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Perth coastline on the other, this tiny island is home to sunny beaches, rocky viewpoints, and is an A-Class nature reserve. Fun fact: the island gets its name from 17th century Dutch explorers who saw the native quokkas and named the island "Rat's Nest", thinking them to be a large species of rats! And while these adorable "rats" are reason enough to visit Rottnest Island, you will love the dazzling beaches, wildlife, and history too.
Keep reading to see what you can do on this family-friendly island, and check out all the tours we have curated for you to explore this little haven.
The waters at Rottnest are known to be as clear as glass! With beaches and bays all over the coastline, you could spend the whole day just going from one to another. Simply enjoy the waves, go on a boat cruise, snorkel, or spot whales in the distance while you're there.
Don't miss: The Basin, Salmon Bay, Parakeet Bay
The island has a rich and fascinating history that spans military bunkers, shipwrecks, and the ancient beliefs of the Noongar people. For the ultimate history lesson, we recommend going on a guided tour where your tour guide will fill you in on the lore of the island.
Don't miss: Wadjemup Museum, Oliver Hills Gun & Tunnels, Wadjemup Lighthouse
The entire island is a wonderful mix of ecosystems that are home to various exotic birds, lizards, marsupials, trees, and shrubs. Explore the woodlands, wetlands, the ocean, and coastal areas of Rottnest.
Don't miss: Salt lakes, scrub heaths, Thomson Bay
The island has plenty of food options to choose from: grab-and-go food trucks, fine dining restaurants, or better yet, dine by the beach eateries. You'll leave a happy camper if food is your passion. Head out to a lunch cruise for an extravagant but worth it, seven-course food tour of the island.
Don't miss: Dome Cafe, Frankie's on Rotto, Lontara
Keeping up with the adventurous spirit of Australia, you will find several adventure activities to enjoy on the island. Try your hand at surfing, snorkeling, biking, and best of all, skydiving in Rottnest Island!
There are several ways to explore Rottnest Island. Choose between ferry tours, bike tours, guided tours, and lunch cruises, depending on your budget and travel preferences. You also have the option to choose between three starting points: Perth, Freemantle and Hillarys.
Our curated tours are suited to all budgets. Ferry tours are the overall budget-friendly option, with prices starting at AU$84. Guided bus tours are the most affordable option if you prefer a comprehensive tour of the island, with prices starting at AU$134. These tours also give you spare time to explore the island on your own. If you do not have any budget restrictions, the luxury seafood cruise starting at AU$379, will give you a tour on the coasts of Rottnest Island and a seven-course lunch & drinks onboard.
Most Rottnest Island tours will include a ferry pick-up and drop-off to the mainland. Other inclusions will depend on the type of tour you choose. They can include bike rentals, guided tours, skydives, and lunch cruises. Please note: the lunch cruise starts from Rottnest Island and does not include return transfers to the mainland.
Yes, there are! There are various types of guided tours including bus tours, Segway tours, and Grand tours. Bus tours are a good pocket-friendly option for families visiting the island, with prices starting at AU$134. These tours go up to 2 hours long, and give you extra time to explore the island on your own. Segway tours are more expensive, but are great for younger folks who want a 1.5-hour guided tour of the island; these tours start at AU$253. A good mid-budget option is the Grand tour which starts at AU$180, and includes a detailed 4-hour tour of the island.
Certain tours like the lunch cruise, grand cruise, and skydives can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience. Please recheck the cancelation policy before you book your tour to avoid last minute surprises.
Rottnest Island is easily accessible by ferries from Perth, Fremantle, and Hillarys. This is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach the island. Alternatively, you can also book a private boat or a scenic flight to the island. There is no way to drive down to the island.
Absolutely! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Rottnest Island is a small but picturesque island, just off Perth. Visitors get to dive into clear blue waters, explore underwater caves and shipwrecks, discover unique wildlife and chill out on sandy beaches.
Rottnest Island is open all year long, and the best time to visit will depend on your priorities. If you want the best weather for water sports, Summer is the best (and busiest) time to visit. If you want to explore the island without the crowds and don't mind the cooler temperatures, Winter months are the best option. If you want to spot baby quokkas and whales, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Rottnest Island.
You can cancel these tickets up to 6 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
