Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth and one of the best day trips WA has to offer. Our hidden gem offers some of the best-protected coves in WA, the famous quokka, a car-free island best explored by bike, outstanding coral reefs and some genuinely good eating options. If Rotto is on your list, here is a suggested itinerary for your day on the island.
9 am – Rottnest Bakery and bike hire
When you arrive on Rotto, if you haven't got yourself a bike, the first stop is the hire store to get sorted with some wheels for the day. You can also pick up snorkel sets if you are keen to get close to the local wildlife. After collecting your bike, a visit to Rottnest Bakery is worth building in — it is a short walk from the main jetty in the Thomson Bay settlement and a reliable stop for pastries and coffee before you set off.
10 am – first stop: The Basin
A short ride out of the main settlement brings you to the Basin. This is the spot to get the snorkels out. Here, you can wade out to the edge of the basin to meet some of the best aquatic life on the island. It gets busy, so we recommend visiting earlier in the day before the crowds arrive to secure a spot on the sand.
11 am – cycle through Longreach Bay to Little Parakeet Bay
Another small cove worth the ride is Little Parakeet Bay. Before you get there, you will ride through Longreach Bay, which has a stretch of the classic Rottnest holiday shacks. Little Parakeet Bay itself has a pristine strip of sand, protected from the elements, with clear water. It is a hard spot for boats to moor close to shore, so the water tends to stay quiet. This is a good place to spend a couple of hours and eat the pastries you packed earlier.
1 pm – ride through the salt flats to Salmon Bay
One of the better-kept secrets of Rottnest Island is the salt lakes in the centre of the island, a striking contrast to the turquoise bays around the coast. You may spot a few quokkas along the way — they are used to people, but keep a respectful distance if you are after a photo. The route takes you past Wadjemup Lighthouse, where a guided tour up the stairs gives a 360-degree view over the island.
Back on the bike for a few more minutes and you will reach Salmon Bay, our pick of the best beach on the island. It is well protected from the afternoon sea breeze, so it is a good spot to put a towel down without a fight against the wind. It is a long stretch of white sand, so head to the far end if you want fewer people around.
3 pm – ride back to Thomson Bay
Once you have had enough sun for the day, ride back alongside the cliffs to Thomson Bay. The road is well paved and gives uninterrupted views of the WA coastline. Back in Thomson Bay, Hotel Rottnest is the local pick for an afternoon drink — a large beer garden with views straight onto the water, and live music on some afternoons.
5 pm – dinner at Lontara
After the beach and a few drinks, it is time for dinner. Lontara, the restaurant at Samphire Rottnest, has been serving South-East Asian share-style dining using local produce since opening in 2020. It is worth booking ahead.
8 pm – ferry back to the mainland
Full, tired and maybe a little tipsy, it is time to head back to Perth. Rottnest Island ferries run later departures on most days, especially over summer, so all that is left to do is board the boat back to the mainland.
How to Get to Rottnest Island
You have a few options. If you know someone with a boat, that is one way in. Otherwise, Rottnest Express runs ferries from Fremantle and Perth, and other operators run from Hillarys Boat Harbour, so check current timetables before you book. If you are organising transport for a large group heading across to Rottnest Island, get in touch with our reservations team, who can help coordinate the trip to whichever terminal you are departing from.
