Located offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve home to the rare quokka marsupials. You can explore the sugar-sand beaches, basins, coves and bays for surfing, sunning and swimming in shallow warm waters.
Things to do in Rottnest Island
Hire a bike to explore the coastline and inner-island paths on Rottnest Island. Join a walking tour or make your own way along Wadjemup Bidi, which reveals charming wildlife and picturesque coastal views.
The island offers more than 60 beaches and 20 bays, with underwater snorkel trails at Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point. Don’t feel like getting wet? You can stay dry while going underwater on the Underwater Explorer vessel. If you’re up for an adventure, take a tour aboard the Eco Express where you’ll see the New Zealand fur seal colony at Cathedral Rocks or spot humpback whales in autumn.
In the centre of Rottnest Island, explore the military remnants and underground tunnels from World War II at Oliver Hill. Take the Captain Hussey train from the Settlement Railway Station to the hill and capture scenic views of the island’s south side along the way.
Getting around Rottnest Island
Bicycles are a popular way to get around Rottnest Island, but hop-on-hop-off buses also offer transportation to many main attractions. The “Bike and Bus” option allows you to drop your rented bike at any bus stop and take the bus back to the station.