Your guide to enjoying Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island / Wadjemup is one of Western Australia's most iconic destinations, famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and, of course, the adorable quokkas.

Located 19km off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island is an easy ferry ride away and a great place to visit any time of the year. If you're visiting Rottnest for the first time, this is your guide to help you make the most of your trip, get your perfect quokka selfie, and respectfully explore the island’s unique environment and cultural significance.

Getting to Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is accessible by ferry and scenic flight from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour.

By sea

• Rottnest Express
• SeaLink Rottnest Island
• Rottnest Fast Ferries

By air

• ​Rottnest Air-Taxi
• Corsaire Aviation
• Kookaburra Air
• Fly Perth

Quokka Encounters

Where and how to spot quokkas
For many visitors, seeing the local quokkas up close is a highlight of the trip. These friendly small marsupials primarily inhabit Rottnest as the island is free of predators that can be typically found on the mainland. They can be found all over the island, but some of the best places to spot them include:

• The main settlement area – You don't have to venture far. Right near the shops, cafes, and ferry terminals, you'll often find the most sociable quokkas largely unbothered by the buzz of activity around them.
• Garden Lake - If you're looking for somewhere a little more peaceful to do some quokka watching, head to Garden Lake. Here you'll often find quokkas gathered on the grass, resting under the shade of the surrounding trees.
• Under the trees along Wadjemup Road - On your way up to Wadjemup Lighthouse, you can often spot quokkas under the clusters of trees lining the trail. Especially in the early morning or late afternoon when they're more active.
• Near the Basin - As you make your way to the Basin at the north-east of the Island you'll frequently come across quokkas exploring around the bushlands. Whether you're walking down the trail from Joan's Hill or coming past the Eco-village, the shady paths border the golf course and are a frequent area for quokkas to gather.

Do's and don'ts for quokka encounters

• DO take photos – you may even be lucky enough to get that famous “quokka selfie".
• DO observe them from a respectful distance.
• DON'T feed them – human food can be harmful to them.
• DON'T touch or pick them up – it’s strictly against the rules and can stress them out.
• DON'T chase after them – while some quokkas are very curious around humans, some have no interest in humans and it's important to leave them be.

Bring home a quokka keepsake
After spotting these adorable island icons, you can take home your very own reminder of the experience. Blessimo Quokka Plush Toys are available to purchase from the Rottnest Island General Store. Bring home a Blessimo Quokka Plush Toy as a memorable souvenir or keepsake to remember your visit to Rottnest Island.

Must do activities on Rottnest Island

Explore the island by bike or bus
One of the best ways to experience Rottnest Island is on two wheels. You can hire bikes when booking your ferry journey with Rottnest Express, Sealink and Rottnest Fast Ferries or rent directly from Pedal & Flipper once you arrive on the island. If cycling isn’t your thing, the Rottnest Island Explorer Bus offers hop-on, hop-off services to major attractions.

Experience Rottnest by sea
For a different perspective of the island, consider exploring Rottnest by catamaran. Charter 1 offers full-day sailing and snorkelling cruises, allowing visitors to discover secluded bays that are difficult to access by land. Their guided snorkelling experiences include equipment, water activities and opportunities to experience some of the island's best marine environments. Sunset sailing cruises are also available, combining spectacular Indian Ocean views with drinks and shared antipasto as the sun sets over the island.

Swim, snorkel and surf
With more than 60 beaches and 20 secluded bays, Rottnest Island is home to some of Western Australia's best swimming, snorkelling and surfing. The warm Leeuwin Current brings more than 135 species of tropical fish to the island's waters, along with the chance to spot green turtles, making every underwater adventure memorable.

Some of the island's best spots include:

• The Basin – One of Rottnest's most popular snorkelling spots, with calm, shallow water and protected reefs just a short walk from the main settlement. Ideal for beginners and families.
• Little Salmon Bay – Home to vibrant coral, colourful tropical fish and crystal-clear water, this sheltered bay is one of the island's premier snorkelling locations.
• Parker Point – Follow the island's underwater snorkel trail, where interpretive plaques introduce the diverse marine life found beneath the surface.
• Henrietta Rocks – Snorkel over The Shark shipwreck, visible just offshore, while exploring one of Rottnest's most diverse reef systems.
• Fish Hook Bay – A secluded bay known for its crystal-clear water and abundant marine life. Access requires a short rock scramble or arriving by boat, rewarding adventurous visitors with a quieter snorkelling experience.
• Parakeet Bay and Little Armstrong Bay – Sheltered, family-friendly bays with calm conditions, excellent visibility and plenty of colourful fish to discover.
• Pinky Beach – Better known for its stunning white sand and views of Bathurst Lighthouse, Pinky Beach also offers calm, clear water for swimming and relaxed snorkelling close to the main settlement.

If surfing is more your style, Rottnest Island is also home to some of Western Australia's most renowned surf breaks. Strickland Bay is considered the island's premier surf location, attracting experienced surfers when the swell is up, while smaller conditions provide a more accessible ride. Salmon Bay is another favourite, particularly for bodyboarding. If you're hiring equipment, Pedal & Flipper offers bodyboards and bike racks, making it easy to explore the island's surf beaches.

Go skydiving
What better opportunity to skydive than over crystal clear blue water and landing on an island beach with Skydive Geronimo. They have a team of trained and experienced skydive instructors to help you feel safe and comfortable throughout your experience.

Where to eat and drink on Rottnest Island

• Sunsets - sip on a cocktail with panoramic views over Garden Lake.
• Pinky's Beach Club - stunning sunset views and a relaxed vibe.
• The Lane Café - a great stop for coffee and a quick bite.
• Frankie's on Rotto - delicious woodfired pizzas.
• Rottnest Bakery - famous for its jam donuts and pies.
• See more here!

Staying on Rottnest: accommodation options

• Samphire Rottnest – a luxury beachfront resort with a laid-back island feel.
• The Lodge Wadjemup - a tranquil retreat where modern comfort meets island heritage.
• Stay Rottnest - for camping and self-contained cottages.
• Discovery Rottnest Island - for glamping accommodations near Pinky Beach.

How to enjoy Rottnest responsibly

Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve, so it’s essential to respect its flora, fauna, and cultural sites. Here are some simple guidelines to always keep in mind:

• Stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing conservation efforts and native plants and animals.
• Take all your rubbish with you or dispose of it properly in the bins provided.
• Be mindful of the island’s Indigenous significance – Visit heritage sites with consideration.
• Do not touch the wildlife – Touching or petting wildlife is not permitted and runs the risk of spreading illness and can even cause mothers to abandon their young due to unfamiliar scents.
• Ride your bikes with care – To avoid accidents and hazards for wildlife keep your eyes on the road and stick to the paths.

Planning your Rottnest Island experience

If youre planning a visit to Rottnest Island for a larger group, special occasion or simply want a seamless, stress-free experience, it can help to work with a specialist who understands the island inside and out. Two Feet & a Heartbeat is the only company with a concessional agreement to provide destination management services on Rottnest Island, offering a true one-stop shop for planning island experiences.

They can assist with coordinating ferry transfers, guided experiences, accommodation, dining and activities, making them a great option for corporate groups, incentive travel, weddings or visitors wanting everything organised in one place. For those travelling independently, this kind of support can also be useful when planning more complex itineraries or multi-day stays on the island.

Rottnest Island is an unforgettable destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, snapping a selfie with a quokka, or exploring the island’s rich history, following this guide will ensure you have an amazing time while keeping Wadjemup pristine for future generations. Start planning your trip today and experience the magic of Rottnest Island for yourself!