Rottnest Island: The ultimate trip from Perth

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is a must visit for those who are travelling around Perth. It is very popular for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and the adorable quokkas (which are always smiling). To get there you need to go on a short ferry ride across the ocean. There are many ways you can get around the island, and so many things to do. Whether you’re planning a fun day trip or a relaxing overnight escape, this guide has everything you need to know. Get ready to discover useful tips and plan your dream visit to the Rottnest Island.

Where do I catch the ferry to Rottnest Island?

You can catch the Ferry to Rotnest Island from from three main departure points in pert, Fremantle Port, Perth City (Barrack Street Jetty) and Hillarys Boat Harbour (Northern suburbs):

1. Fremantle

Located in the south of the river in Perth, the Fremantle Terminal is one of the most popular to visit Rottnest island because of its closeness. The main companies that operate in this Terminal are Rottnest Express & Sealink.

• Parking : Paid parking is available near B Shed terminal, or nearby secure lots. you can book online on peak seasons. We paid $12 for a whole day parking.

• Ticket Price: is Around $60–$70 return (adults), plus an island admission fee $20 for adults, $10 for Children and $53 for a family group.

• Timetable: The ferries from Fremantle will depart from 7:00 am onwards and return up to 16:30, however there is a ferry that leaves the island at 17:00hrs on Wednesdays.

2. Perth City (Barrack Street Jetty)

The Perth City Jetty is another option if you are closer to the city. although it can be very convenient for some, it is our least favourite due to the parking options and ticket fare. the main companies that operate Rottnest Express & Captain Cook Cruises

• Parking: Public car parks nearby or Wilson Parking lots. Be prepared for city parking fees.

• Ticket Price: Around $95–$110 return (includes scenic Swan River cruise)

• Timetable: The Ferry departs from 8:45 am and return up to 4:30pm

3. Hillarys Boat Harbour (northern suburbs)

Ideal for people staying in the North of the river. It is also very common and convenient. The main company operating there is Rottnest Fast Ferries

Parking: Free parking is available at Hillarys Marina — very convenient!

Ticket Price: The tickets are around $75–$90 return for adults on the same day. If you want to extend your stay in Rottnest island your Island Fee will increase.

Timetable: The Ferry leaves Hillarys at 7:30am 10:00am 15:00hrs. The return times are 8:30 am, 11:30 am and 16:30 hrs.

What should you take to Rottnest Island?

Rottnest island offers lots of facilities for people of all ages to enjoy, especially in the Ferry Terminal, however, when you are going around the island your options get limited. Here there are some advice on what to bring to make the most of your experience on the island.

Food

• Bring snacks, plenty of Water.
• Some people like to bring picnic food, (we do not recommend this as it can be heavy and uncomfortable whilst travelling).
• You can also dine at local cafés, food trucks, or buy groceries at the General Store by the Ferry Terminal.

Please be mindful of the waste you produce. There is a single-use-plastic ban in the island. If you have waste, do not leave it there, take it with you and discard it at home.

Clothes

• Swimwear.
• Towel, light layers, a hat, and a windbreaker.
• Comfortable shoes if you’re hiking or cycling.

Accessories

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Camera
• Snorkel gear (you can rent it as well)
• Fishing road.

How to go around the Rottnest Island?

1. Island Bus

We believe that going around the Rottnest Island by bus is by far the best option. You can choose between the Hop-on/Hop-off bus or a Tour bus to visit the best spots of the coast and lighthouse. This is also the best choice in case you are travelling with elderlies, small children or if you have snorkeling or fishing gear.

• Hop-on/hop-off Bus
  • Ticket is around $25 per adult (day pass)
  • Timetable: Runs every 30 minutes during peak times.
  • Bookings: https://www.australianpinnacletours.com.au

• Tour Bus
  • Ticket Price: From $59 per person.
  • Duration: 90-minute tour bus with commentary, where you can visit the best spots in the island. You will Learn more about the flora and fauna of the island as well as discover stunning hidden gems.
  • Bookings: https://rottnestexpress.com.au

2. Bike/ Electric Bike Hire

Another great way to visit the spots in the island is by bike. The roads are perfect for bikers, remember to wear you helmet and protective gear.

• Price: From $30–$50 per day for a standard Bike and $80+ for electric bikes.
• How to Hire: Book online or rent upon arrival from Pedal & Flipper or bike hire stalls at the Ferry terminal.
• Can I Bring My Own Bike? Yes! Most ferries allow you to bring your own bike, however, expect to pay an extra free with is about $15 return.
• How longs does it take to bike around Rottnest Island? there are short trails you can do. The longest Trail is the 22km loop which can take up to 5 hours.

3. Walking

there are numerous walking trails you can do in Rottnest island. some of them can be challenging due too uneven ground. it isn’t possible to do all the walks around the island in one day but you can always choose the ones that you like the most and enjoy in your own pace.

Make sure you bring good walking shoes, snacks, hat, and a small first ais kit.

there a different walsk you can do but according to Sea link blog the most popular are:

4. Boat Tours

Boat tours are a great option to have a relaxing and luxurious time as well as reach pristine waters to see the most beautiful snorkeling sites. The prices might vary depending on the type of experience you want6 to enjoy. You can go around in a fast boat, the tour is normally 90 minutes and you will be able to see the local wildlife.

• Price Range: $60–$150+
• Options: Choose from wildlife cruises, snorkeling tours, or sunset sails, catamaran and cruises.

5. Island Train

The historical Rottnest Island Captain Hussey Train Ride is a great way to find great scenarios and have a more relaxing experience. You will have the opportunity to take as many pictures as you like on the way. the is a stop in the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels attraction where you can enjoy of a 45 minute guided tour.

Accommodation in Rottnest Island

Staying in the island is a great way to get to know hidden spots and enjoy of the night sky in a pristine water paradise. There are different options to spend the night in the Rottnest island. you can book a camping site, stay in a cabin, bungalows, luxury cottages and hostel. The prices also vary from season and type of accommodation. you should also pay a longer entrance fee in the island and keep the place as litter free as you can.

To book your accommodation at Rottnest Island Authority, some agencies will give you a package that includes the ferry tickets, entrance fee and accommodation of your choice.

Where can I buy food in Rottnest island?

There are different places where you can find food and drinks, please find your options below:

General Store: If you did not bring snacks from home, there is a great general store in the Ferry Terminal in Rottnest, where you can find a great range of fruit veggies and drinks for a reasonable price. you can also find all the toiletries and basic first aid items to take with you in case you forgot painkillers or band aids.

Coffee Shops & Restaurants: if you want to relax and enjoy the great food in the island, you can visit the restaurants and coffee shops around the Terminal. they have a great view, great atmosphere and you can also see the Quakkas walking under the tables.

Food Trucks: When you go around the Rottnest island, the main place to find fresh food and drinks is in the Food Trucks. There are options to get your coffee and toasties as well as bakery items and ice cream. Some of them offer water refill options and they are located near the main bus stops. There are also some tables and places to shelter from the sun around the vans. We stop in two of them, one was located by the lighthouse called Kalli’s on Rotto and the other in the following stop called Lexi’s on Rotto they belong to the main company Frankie’s on Rotto in Rottnest island.

More things to do in Rottnest Island

Snorkeling

Rottnest boasts some of Western Australia’s best snorkeling spots, with crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and abundant marine life, while some beaches can be a bit wavy, depending on the weather and the location, you can find pristine calm waters, where people from all levels can practice their snorkeling skills. Among the most popular snorkeling spots are:

• Little Salmon Bay is a calm, family-friendly cove with shallow waters and plenty of fish — perfect for beginners.
• The Basin is incredibly popular, just a short walk from the main settlement. It features naturally formed swimming holes and great snorkeling right off the beach.
• Parker Point our favourite of all times!! This is part of a protected marine sanctuary zone and offers an underwater snorkel trail complete with signs beneath the surface.

Tip: Bring your own gear or rent from shops near the port. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen!

Swimming

With over 60 beaches to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re after secluded bays or lively swimming spots:

• Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay are great for families.
• The Basin is ideal for a quick dip.
• For something quieter, Little Parakeet Bay is a hidden gem.

Please make sure you have sun protection and are responsible for your safety, have fun and take care of yourself.

Diving

Diving is a common activity for people going on boats, there are plenty of spots you can visit and lots of shipwrecks, limestone caves, and reefs teeming with marine life. the beauty of its diversity makes it a great destination for underwaters lovers.

You can book an scuba diving day trip from $190 dollars, some tour will include the equipment where in other you might have to add the scuba equipment hire.

To dive in the Rottnest Island you need to be an Open Water certified diver and you need to prove you have had at least one dive in the past 12 months.

Best diving months: October to April.

Skydiving

If you love adrenaline you can opt for having the thrill of a lifetime, skydive over Rottnest Island and land right on the beach. You will see amazing views of the coastline and Perth in the distance. to do skydiving you do not need any previous experience, you will be attached to the instructor with a harness and they will basically jump for you. The only thing you need to do is follow clearly their instructions and enjoy the views.

There are normally two options of jumps

• Tandem 1000ft with 30 seconds freefall aprox from $400 aud
• Tandem 15000ft with 60 seconds freefall aprox from 550 aud

You have the option to purchase the videos and pictures after the landing and there are packages you can buy for special occasions such as engagements proposals or birthdays.

Our Rottnest Island Highlights

Rottnest island is a very rich place full of diversity and great energy, there are lots of beautiful beaches, nature and more. Here we tell you our favourites of all time and I hope you enjoy them.

Quokkas

These adorable little marsupials are native only to Rottnest Island and have become internet-famous for their camera-ready smiles they look so natural and are very inquisitive.

• You’ll find them all over the island, especially near the settlement and walking trails.
• They’re curious and unafraid of humans, but remember: look, don’t touch or feed.

Lighthouse

Rottnest has two historic lighthouses:

• Wadjemup Lighthouse in the central high point of the island: Offers panoramic views and guided tours explaining the island’s maritime history. You can go inside the house and have a tour, learn about the functioning of the lighthouse and its history.
• Bathurst Lighthouse : Beautiful to photograph, especially at sunset.

Underwater Wildlife

There is more than 400 species of fish, lots of reef caves, signed panels around the corals and lots of shipwrecks to explore. During your snorkeling, diving and swimming you might spot:

• Colorful fish, stingrays, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles.
• The marine reserve areas are full of life and diversity, so keep and eye and do not step in the coral or disturb the ecosystem.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Rottnest Island, make sure that you follow the fishing guidelines in the following link Rottnest Island Authority. Make sure you bring your gear, check the weather and plan your perfect spot.

• West End and Salmon Bay are popular fishing spots.
• You can fish from jetties or book a fishing trip as well as fishing from shore.

Important information : make sure you do not do any fishing activity if you are in a Maritime Sanctuary area.

Final thoughts

Our trip to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) from Perth was unforgetable, we had great experiences and enjoy of the crystal clear waters. Rotnest island is a great place to visit no matter your age. there are different ways you can discover the island however we believe that the hop-on and hop-off bus is the most onvenient.

Among our favourite activities were hiking, snorkeling and swimming. remember to make sure you are in an area where you can swim and be responsible for your safety and the one’s who are around you. Keep the island litter free and plan your trip in advance to get better deals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, for more exciting adventures continue on here to read more content, see you soon !!!