A Must-See Destination: 24 hours at Rottnest Island
If you're looking for a picturesque and unique getaway close to Perth, Rottnest Island ticks all the boxes! Located just a short ferry ride from Perth, this stunning island is famous for its turquoise water and adorable inhabitants, the quokkas. We recently visited Rottnest Island for 1 night and had a blast exploring all that the island had to offer - which is a lot. And it really does have something to offer for everyone - even if you’re not an athlete bike rider.
Day 1:
Our journey to Rottnest Island kicked off with a quick early morning ferry ride on SeaLink Rottnest, which we had booked online prior to our trip for $154 return for 2 adults. When we arrived at the ferry terminal, we were relieved to find long-stay parking right next to the terminal for $10 per day - a bargain. We also felt relieved knowing our car was parked safely for the night.
The ferry ride to Rottnest Island takes 25-minutes from Fremantle. We were pleased to find that the island was relatively quiet at this time of the day, and we would highly recommend booking the first ferry over to experience the island before the crowds arrive. The bonus also being that there are quokkas everywhere in the morning but the crowds tend to scare them off throughout the day.
Our first stop was fueling up at Rottnest Island Bakery with a much needed coffee and butter chicken pie. It’s no surprise that this is where we spotted our first quokka of the day as they roamed around in the hope of finding scraps left behind from visitors.
Note: The quokkas that hang out near the eaterys are used to human interaction so they don’t mind posing for a photo. Keep in mind that they can get spooked easily so please give them enough space to wonder freely.
We dropped our overnight luggage off at our accommodation, Discovery Parks, and took back packs around with us for the day. Next, we visited the bike hire shop!
Walk, Cycle or Catch a Ride around Rottnest Island
Getting around Rottnest Island is easy and there are plenty of options depending on your mobility, fitness and what you’d like to explore. We choose to cycle our way around Rottnest Island - the most popular transport method on Rottnest Island.
Note: Hiring bikes on Rottnest Island can easily be done with Pedal & Flipper Hire which is located behind Rottnest Hotel and opens at 8:30 am - 5:30pm. Make sure you get there early as the line gets very long…very quickly. If you book online prior there is a shorter queue, however, not all electric options are available online.
The biggest benefit of catching the early ferry was that we beat the queue at Pedal & Flipper hire. Hiring bikes was a very easy and quick experience, in the end we chose to hire eBikes for the day, and we’re so glad we did! It cost $71 per day for an eBike which included helmet hire and a battery charger. Rottnest Island is larger than most people think, the total distance to cycle around the whole island is 22km. And for us we could’ve completed that on a push bike but we wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as we did getting assistance for the eBike.
We completed the Island Ride track which takes you around the entirety of Rottnest Island, and takes about 3-5 hours to complete depending how many times you stop and take photos. We took our time and really appreciated the stunning landscape as we rode all the way to the West End (Cape Vlamingh). Here are our top stops along the way:
Parker Point / Little Salmon Bay
Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay are renowned for being the top snorkeling spots on Rottnest Island. Both spots are sheltered with calm conditions, crystal clear waters and lots of sea life that call it home - it’s no wonder it can get busy here.
Salmon Bay
Salmon Bay is close by Little Salmon Bay making it easy to squeeze a snorkel in at both locations, or if you’re rushed for time you can see both before you decide where you should snorkel.
Cape Vlamingh
We all hear about the Quokkas on Rottnest Island, but did you know that Rottnest Island is home to a large colony of New Zealand Fur Seals? If you make it all the way to the West End and reach Cape Vlamingh you might be lucky to catch a few lazing around in the sun.
Cape Vlamingh also boasts a food truck cafe! We stopped here for a while to regain some energy and have a cold drink.
Rocky Bay / Stark Bay
Stark Bay is an ideal spot to catch a wave if you had enough room to pack a surfboard. The exposed reef creates a surf break that’s suited to experienced surfers.
Little Armstrong Bay
Little Armstrong Bay is the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the southerly and easterly winds. It’s perfect for families with young children as it’s shallow too.
Keep an eye out for Lake Baghdad on your way out from Little Armstrong Bay. Lake Baghdad is one of the 12 salt lakes on Rottnest Island, and is one of the largest. Lake Baghdad is one to put on the top of your list to visit at Sunset as the sun starts to dip over the horizon it reflects the stunning colours onto the lake.
The Basin
The Basin was our last stop on the Island Ride track. It’s located a short 10-minute walk from central accommodation, restaurants and cafes. It’s one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest Island due to it’s great snorkeling, facilities and also ice cream!
With a bit of daylight left, we circled back to Lake Baghdad to watch golden hour over the lake. Exploring the island as the sun sets is a captivating experience we strongly recommend.
We opted for an overnight stay at Discovery Parks - Rottnest Island. Their glamping tents are perfect for those looking for comfort with a touch of wilderness charm to connect with the island’s unique atmosphere. We discovered during the late afternoon and early mornings Quokkas roam freely around the tents.
Day 2:
The next day we woke nice and early, benefiting from our inclusive breakfast at the accommodation. Post-breakfast, we made a beeline for the Lane Cafe for a much-needed coffee - while the morning brew left much to be desired at the accommodation, rest assured, the food was excellent.
Our next destination was the Wadjemup Museum to discover the rich history of Rottnest Island, including the stories of imprisonment, natural history, and arts and culture. It stands as a crucial must-see place when visiting Rottnest Island to comprehend the island’s significance in Western Australian history.
Returning our eBikes to Pedal & Flipper by the 10am deadline, we devoted the remaining time on Rottnest Island capturing the iconic quokka selfies and unwinding at The Basin. The advantage of Rottnest Island extends to the convenience that all accommodations, cafes, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance from the ferry terminal.
Boarding the ferry back to Perth, we reflected on our unforgettable 24 hours at Rottnest Island. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, avid cyclist, or just seeking a relaxing escape, Rottnest Island deserves a prime spot on every Perth visitor’s itinerary.
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Rottnest Island is located just 19 km from the coast of Fremantle or 33 km from Perth! Most visitors traveling to Rottnest Island take a ferry from Fremantle as it’s quick and easy with trips ranging from 25 to 90 minutes. Transfers across to Rottnest Island can be booked through 3 providers: SeaLink Rottnest, Rottnest Fast Ferries and Rottnest Express.
Booking ahead is recommended in peak summer periods.
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Rottnest Island is great year-round, but weather and water activities are most favourable in the summer months from December to February. However, these are also the busiest months so make sure to book ahead.
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Yes, quokkas are abundant on Rottnest Island. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to spot a quokka out and about. However, throughout the day they can also be seen sleeping and resting under shady bushes.
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Certainly! There are accomodation options catering to all budgets including hotels, self-contained cabins, hostel, glamping tents and camping.
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Absolutely! Rottnest Island offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual cafes and seaside bars to more fine dining choices.
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Opting for a day trip is common, given its short ferry ride from Perth. Your choice depends on your holiday style; a high-energy day suits those with stamina, covering the entire island quickly, while a more relaxed pace allows for a one-night, two-day stay.
For enthusiasts of snorkeling or surfing, we’d recommend extending your stay to one night and two days to fully indulge in these activities at Rottnest Island without feeling rushed.
Our preference aligns with slower travel—our perfect blend included exploring up to Cape Vlamingh on day one and savoring a leisurely second day with glamping, buffet breakfast, and quokka encounters.
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Walk, Cycle or Catch a Ride around Rottnest Island! There is an option for all fitness levels. Bikes can be hired at Pedal & Flipper Hire which is located a short walk from the ferry. The hire shop is open from 8:30 am - 5:30pm. Make sure you get there early as the line gets very long…very quickly. If you book online prior there is a shorter queue, however, not all electric options are available online.
If you’re only heading over for the day, we’d recommend looking into the Ferry and Bike combo deals which most ferry operators offer. Ferry and Bike combo deals usually include same day return ferry transfers, admission fee to Rottnest Island and all day bike hire with helmet and a lock.
There is an Island Explorer Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus if you’d like to explore Rottnest Island from the comfort of your seat. This service operates Monday to Sunday between 9 am and 3 pm and stops at 19 different locations around the island.
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No, private vehicles are not allowed. Biking and walking are the main modes of transportation on Rottnest Island.
There is also an Island Explorer Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus if you’d like to explore Rottnest Island from the comfort of your seat.
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Absolutely not! And we strongly advise against lugging unnecessary items around the island, especially if you’re eager to explore on foot or by bike. For overnight stays, consider leaving your luggage at your accommodation while you venture out with a backpack.
If you’re on a day trip and need storage, check the lockers near the Information Centre, the first building upon departing from the ferry. We stored our items there on day two, easily retrieving them before boarding. Locker prices vary by size; we paid $12 for a generously sized one.
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We strongly advise against visiting without essential items: sunscreen, water, comfortable clothing, and a camera for that iconic quokka selfie. Given the potential heat during cycling or walking, pack accordingly.
For those eager to go for a swim in the turquoise water, don't forget your snorkel, swimwear, and a towel.