Prepare to fall in love. One look into the meltingly beautiful brown eyes of Rottnest Island’s resident quokkas, and you’ll be hooked. These endearing marsupials are just one of the attractions which keeps locals and visitors returning to Rottnest Island over and over again.
Perth’s favourite playground ‘Rotto’ is easily reached by ferry from the city or Fremantle or Hillarys Boat Harbor. This picturesque island is car-free so visitors can get around on the local bus, or hire a bicycle at the ferry terminal and get pedalling!
Enjoy lazy picnics on beautiful beaches, snorkel or swim in crystal clear waters or join a tour to see the island’s abundant plants and wildlife – from the quokkas to seals; whales to soaring seabirds. Rottnest is a haven for birdwatchers attracting numerous species of coastal birds including breeding populations of fairy terns. Humpback whales are regularly seen during migration season and bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted.Book your ferry here and find out what tours are available.
Photos by Tourism WA
Getting There:
There are ferries leaving from Perth, Fremantle and Hillary's that will take you across to the island for a day or extended trip. Many will offer packages that might included bike hire or a tour on the island. Bike hire is a great way to make sure you can get around the island easily. There are 3 ferry companies that provide transfers to Rottnest Island:
- Rottnest Express - Departing Perth and Fremantle
- Sealink Rottnest Island - Departing Perth and Fremantle
- Rottnest Fast Ferries - Departing Hillarys
You can package on island activities with ferry tickets with all 3 ferry companies.
You can also travel to Rottnest on a incredible scenic flight, even taking off from the Swan River via a Seaplane!
What do to:
Rottnest is an island paradise, so it is not surprising that there is no shortage of beaches and bays to explore around the island. All of them vary in what they provide, but you can be sure to find some great spots for chilling on a beach, or swimming, snorkelling or even diving. Don't forget the Quokkas. No trip to Rotto is complete without a Quokka Selfie.
There are a number of tours and activities you may do on the island, from a walking tour to skydiving onto the island or a day cruise. All these tours will help you better discover Rotto. Find all the options and book a tour on or to Rottnest island below.
An Island that leaves it's holiday-goers spoilt for choice with 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays. Boasting picturesque aqua shades of ocean with limestone reefs, warm sandy beaches and rugged cliffs you will be delighted with something new to experience at each stunning spot whether you choose to swim, fish, snorkel, surf or just sit and admire the view.
Have a look at our top 10 beaches to start you off on your next Island discovery...
