Rottnest Island is one place you can’t miss on a visit to Perth, or even to Western Australia in general. This stunning island is a spectacular destination: superb white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling, dreamy coastal views, and cute wildlife (quokkas!), too. Here’s how you should spend one day on Rottnest Island.
How to Get to Rottnest Island
There are two main ferry companies that travel to Rottnest Island: SeaLink and Rottnest Ferries. Both can be easily accessed right from Perth – there is (paid) parking available at the departure points. I recommend booking tickets online in advance. The journey to Rottnest Island takes about half an hour. The staff on the SeaLink ferry came around and offered us all complimentary ice pops!
How to Get Around Rottnest Island
There are two options for getting around Rottnest Island: bike or bus. Bike rental typically costs $30 AUD per day at Pedal & Flipper, which includes your helmet/lock. E-bikes are available, at a higher price, but I’d recommend booking those in advance. You can book a bus tour that will take you around the main sites on the island. But I’d recommend taking the hop-on hop-off bus (Rottnest Island Explorer), which is $25 AUD per day. I rented a bike, but I actually wish I’d have taken the bus. It was a lot of cycling, and I was very tired by the end of the day! If you only have one day, you’ll probably want to see all of the island – I cycled around the entire island, which is about 22km. These are the most popular tour options for Rottnest Island!
What to See on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is home to exceptional beaches – some of the best in WA, and in Australia! Hopefully, you’ll visit when the weather is good, and you can spend most of your time outside exploring! Here’s what to see on Rottnest Island in one day.
Thomson Bay
Thomson Bay is the main settlement on Rottnest Island. It’s where the ferry terminal is, and where you’ll find most of the facilities. Most of the accommodation on the island is clustered around here, too. It’s also where you’ll likely see a quokka for the first time! About 10,000 of these cuties are found on Rottnest Island, and the ones in Thomson Bay are pretty used to humans!
Henrietta Rocks
Whether you’re cycling or on the bus, Henrietta Rocks will be one of the first stops to make after leaving Thomson Bay. This is a top snorkel spot, which includes a shipwreck. The view here was amazing!
Parker Point
This isn’t necessarily a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, but it makes for a great view. Be sure to stop here as you travel around the island.
Little Salmon Bay
Little Salmon Bay was my favorite snorkel spot on Rottnest Island! The water is so blue here, and visibility was great under the water. It was fairly busy – the beach isn’t that big, so it did feel crowded. But there was plenty of room to snorkel in the water.
Salmon Bay
The view over Salmon Bay might just be my favorite on Rottnest Island. The reefs and the blue water here, mixed with the bright white-sand beach, is a shot begging to be photographed. If there are too many people at Little Salmon Bay, head over to Salmon Bay where you can spread out.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
This lighthouse is one of the top sights on the island – you can see it from so many different angles, as it’s right in the middle. It was built in 1896, and today you can take a tour inside and climb up to the top! I wish I’d have had time to do this on my trip.
Rocky Bay
Another superb beach on Rottnest Island is Rocky Bay. This beach is closer to the west end of the island, on the isthmus that leads to the far end (which is called Narrow Neck). There were only a few people here when I biked past, as it’s further away from the busy sights!
Cape Vlamingh
Cape Vlamingh is the most westerly point of Rottnest Island. Unfortunately, it was closed for construction when I visited, so I didn’t get to go all the way and see the view. If you’re short on time, I’d say this could be one spot you could skip – especially if you’re biking, and wanting to conserve your energy.
Cathedral Rocks
Cathedral Rocks is the best place to spot the island’s seal colony! I didn’t see any when I went, but I also wasn’t trying very hard to be honest. This is a pretty section of the coast – if you’re coming out to the west end, don’t miss a stop here.
City of York Bay
Maybe it’s just because I lived in the city of York for 6.5 years, but I thought this beach was just stunning! There was not a single soul when I was there – so if you’re after a quiet beach day, where you’ve got the whole place to yourself, City of York Bay is an excellent choice.
Little Parakeet Bay
Snorkeling paradise! Little Parakeet Bay is a small inlet, with calm, shallow water. I spent an hour swimming and snorkeling here – it was perfection. It’s surrounded by rocky cliffs. Don’t miss this spot on Rottnest Island.
Lakes
Rottnest Island is home to several different lakes, which are in the center of the island. There are 12 salt lakes here, and interestingly, they are four times saltier than the water in the sea! There are walking trails around the lakes you can do, but if you are running short on time, I’d advise skipping it.
Geordie Bay
Geordie Bay is another white-sand beach on the island – and there’s actually accommodation here, right on the beachfront, if you’re wanting to stay overnight! It’s a popular beach, but big – so it won’t feel too crowded.
The Basin
This is another top choice for snorkeling on Rottnest Island. It’s calm and protected, so a great spot for beginner snorkelers. It’s also a popular spot for quokkas! I saw several quokkas here, which was such a cool experience.
Pinky Beach
Shallow waters, lighthouse views, and easy access from the Discovery Parks resort – Pinky Beach is a stunner. It’s great for families, and you don’t want to miss snapping some photos from the lighthouse, looking out over the island. It’s only a short walk from the main settlement. This was the last beach I swam at on my one-day adventure on Rottest Island, and I feel like I finished off with a good one!
Planning Your Trip to Rottnest Island
The closest airport is Perth – I always use Skyscanner to book my flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Interested in taking a tour? Check out tour options below!
Where to Stay on Rottnest Island
Decided you want to extend your stay on island paradise? Rottnest Island may be small, but there are a few different options for accommodation. Most accommodation is located around the main settlement at Thomson Bay. If you’re looking to camp, the main campsite is Rottnest Island Campground, near the Basin. Prices start at $41 AUD per night. Here are a few other options on Rottnest Island:
- Budget: Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms – the most budget-friendly accommodation on the island, located in Kingstown Barracks
- Mid-range: Discovery Rottnest Island – the main resort, with everything from basic family tents to deluxe and eco tents
- Luxury: Samphire Rottnest – truly luxe accommodation, with a beach club, lagoon-like pool, and top-notch service
Where to Stay in Perth and Fremantle
If you’re just visiting Rottnest Island for the day, you’ll probably be staying in Perth or Fremantle.
- Budget: Spinner’s Hostel (Perth) – clean rooms and common areas, in a convenient location
- Budget: YHA Fremantle Prison (Fremantle) – sleep in actual prison cells in this historic building
- Mid-range: Art Series the Adnate (Perth) – beautiful artwork and cozy rooms in Perth CBD
- Mid-range: The National Hotel (Fremantle) – super-central location and comfortable rooms
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth – a luxurious experience from start to finish, boasting incredible views over Elizabeth Quay (and an outdoor swimming pool)
- Luxury: Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets – a five-star hotel with heritage accommodation in Freo
You can still see a lot on Rottnest Island even if you only have one day. You’ll want either a bike rental or a hop-on hop-off bus ticket to see as much of the island as possible. It’s a truly spectacular place – with amazing beaches for swimming and snorkeling! Don’t miss a visit to here if you’re in WA. I hope this guide helps planning a one-day itinerary on Rottnest Island!
Have you been to Rottnest Island? What were your favorite spots?
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