When did you last escape to Rottnest Island?

This autumn, SeaLink is offering two new deals as part of its 'Go Blue, Go SeaLink' campaign. So, if you were looking for a sign that it's time to jump aboard a ferry and scoot over to Perth's favourite island paradise – this is it!

Planning ahead has never been so rewarding. Save on your next trip to Rottnest Island by taking advantage of SeaLink's book ahead discount. In addition to receiving a 20% discount, SeaLink also accommodates parents travelling with young children with its free ferry fares for kids. For a limited time only, every full paying adult will receive one child fare free of charge. It has never been more affordable to create special childhood and family memories at Rottnest Island. 

SeaLink is the fastest and easiest way to get to Rottnest Island. SeaLink ferries are industry leaders when it comes to safety, passenger comfort and experience, and sustainability. 

Surrounded by secluded beaches and bays, Rottnest Island feels a million miles away. But once onboard a SeaLink ferry, it's just 19 kilometres away, with the journey taking around 30 minutes from Fremantle.

So, what are you waiting for? There's a bunch of cute, little furry marsupials awaiting your visit these school holidays.

While the cooler autumn weather is beginning to settle in, Rottnest Island is a destination that can be enjoyed 365 days a year. Its temperate Mediterranean style climate with sheltered bays and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at the shore creates the perfect environment for an ocean dip all year round. 

To help you plan ahead and experience island life to the fullest, we’ve created the ultimate itinerary for a Rottnest Island family day trip adventure. To build your own itinerary, why not checkout the latest timetable or give SeaLink a call!

9:00am | Let's go! Hop aboard the 9am (or 7am if you're into super early morning starts) ferry to get the most out of your day at Rottnest Island. Don't stress if you're running behind, SeaLink has multiple morning ferries operating between 7am to 11am daily. Remember to book ahead and save! Once onboard, sit back, relax and settle into dreamy island time – where everything feels just a little bit slower.

9:30am | Arrive at Rottnest Island. A trip to Perth's slice of island paradise would not be complete without visiting the Rottnest Bakery. An island icon, the bakery offers fresh new flavours plus all your old school favourites, from sausage rolls and meat pies to sweet, tasty treats. 

10:00am | It's time to get equipped for some exploring! The best way: a bike on the land and a snorkel in the sea. Head to Pedal and Flipper to collect your choice of bike and snorkelling gear. You will also be provided with helmets, locks, island information and all the cycling advice needed for your day on two wheels.

To save time, line up at the dedicated SeaLink Rottnest Island queue. Love to be extra organised? Hire your bike via the SeaLink website ahead of your trip. Bringing your own bike? Simply add it to your ferry booking for just $15 per person. Before you set off, check out the island’s interactive cycling maps.
 
Prefer a guided bike tour? Check out the Rottnest Island Electric Bike Tour. This 4 hour eco-friendly tour spans 35 kilometres of stunning views of beaches and bays, plus visits to key historical locations, including Kingstown Barracks and the West End. The guided tour provides commentary on the surrounding natural environment and landmarks, including an insightful description of the island's rich 7,000 year old history.
 
If you'd prefer to explore by foot, discover the local flora and fauna (yes, quokkas!), unique landscapes and natural features along the Wadjemup Bidi, a 45 kilometre series of intricate walk trails around the island. There are five themed trails to explore. Each trail offers something a little different, but all have the collective goal to raise awareness of Rottnest Island's environmental and cultural history and values. Visit the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre for more information.

Now, let’s get back to the itinerary. 
 
10:30am | After collecting your bike and snorkel, cycle to one of the island's many snorkelling, swimming or sunbathing destinations: The Basin, Parker Point or Salmon Bay are just a few of the easily accessible favourites. It's time to explore Rottnest Island’s underwater playground! 
 
Float or paddle at your own pace along one of the many snorkelling trails or frolic in the shallow rock pools. With unique marine life and more than 400 species of fish, 20 types of tropical coral and multiple historic shipwrecks to explore - there is always something new to find underwater.
 
Swimming and snorkelling at Rottnest Island is safe for beginners and families – there are countless sheltered and protected bays to explore and coral reefs which create a natural barrier from the swell.
 
If you'd prefer a guided snorkelling experience, step onboard the Rottnest Snorkel 3-hour family-friendly adventure departing from Thomson Bay. The tour is run by qualified snorkel guides who will lead you to the most idyllic locations within the island's marine reserve. 

12:00pm | Lunchtime! You're spoilt for choice when hunger sets in on Rottnest Island. Enjoy sweeping ocean views while you enjoy lunch at Hotel Rottnest, Lontara, Isola or Pinky's Beach Club. Or grab a casual bite at one of the more laidback island favourites.
 
1:00pm | After lunch, cruise around The Settlement and discover the island's rich cultural, heritage and spiritual significance to the traditional landowners, the Whadjuk Noongar people. The name for Rottnest Island in the Noongar language is Wadjemup, which means 'place across the water where the spirits are'. 

To add more cultural learning to your day, visit historical buildings such as the Wadjemup Museum or climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island.

2:00pm | Challenge the family to a round of mini-golf at Rottnest Island's very own Family Fun Park. After putt-putt, get your nostalgic fix playing classic arcade games inclusive of retro pinball machines.
 
3:00pm | Enjoy a relaxing afternoon dip at one of the island's 20 calm bays or 63 stretches of white sand beach before returning your bikes and snorkelling gear to Pedal and Flipper (which is, in fact, the largest bike hire facility in the Southern Hemisphere).
 
4:00pm | It's time to depart paradise and make your way back to reality. As you watch the island fade into the distance, let the unique magic of Rottnest Island linger in your mind. And hold that thought. With SeaLink's 20% discount on fares for booking ahead and free fares for kids – now is the perfect time to book your next island adventure. 

Not ready to leave? We get it. Being situated so close to the Perth mainland, Rottnest Island is the perfect spot for a day trip. SeaLink’s latest offers are valid for both one-way, return and extended return trips. There's so much to see and do – why not stay a few days? The island offers a broad range of accommodation styles for families, from campsites, cabins and bungalows to apartments, hotel rooms and eco-luxe glamping tents.
 
The school holidays are upon us and there's no better time to visit WA's premier island destination. Discover the best attractions and activities on Rottnest Island via the Destination Perth website.