Day Trip to Rottnest Island

One Day in Rottnest Island. Touring the island on a bike

A day trip to Rottnest Island from Perth is an amazing way to explore the beauty of Western Australia. The island is a short ferry ride away from Perth and is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife.

Touring the island on a bike is a great way to see the island’s picturesque landscape at your own pace. With no cars on the island, it’s a peaceful and relaxing ride. Plus, you can stop at any time to take in the stunning views or snap a photo with the famous Quokkas.

The ferry ride to Rottnest Island from Perth takes approximately 90 minutes, and there are several options to choose from, including high-speed ferries and slower options with onboard cafes. The journey is part of the experience, with breathtaking views of the coastline and the Indian Ocean.

Once on the island, you can rent a bike from several providers and start exploring. The island is home to several historical sites, including lighthouses and World War II gun emplacements, making for an exciting day out. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and plenty of water, and enjoy your day on Rottnest Island!

Currency (in the country)

  • AUD

Budget (for 1 day):

  • 150 AUD - 200 AUD

Average Basic Expenses per day:

  • Transport (Ferry + Bike Rental): 120 AUD
  • Food: 50 AUD

Itinerary:

  1. Thomson Bay Settlement
  2. Henrietta Rocks
  3. Salmon Bay
  4. Nancy Cove
  5. Narrow Neck
  6. South Point
  7. Cape Vlamingh
  8. Lady Edeline Beach
  9. Armstrong Bay
  10. Geordie Bay

Rottnest Island is a true gem of Western Australia, boasting a unique and stunning landscape that draws visitors from all over the world. The island’s natural beauty is unrivaled, with breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of unique wildlife.

Quokkas are one of the most popular attractions on Rottnest Island and are often spotted around Thomson Bay. These small, friendly marsupials are native to Western Australia and are known for their friendly and curious behavior.

Quokka

Quokka

Thomson Bay Settlement

Starting at Thomson Bay Settlement, visitors can enjoy the island’s main hub, complete with restaurants, shops, and amenities. The bay’s turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling, and there’s a stunning boardwalk along the waterfront.

Visitors to Thomson Bay are likely to spot quokkas roaming around the island’s main hub, often coming up close to visitors in search of food. While it’s important to note that feeding the quokkas is not allowed, visitors can still enjoy observing these unique animals in their natural habitat.

The quokkas on Rottnest Island are known for their relaxed and friendly nature, and they are often referred to as the world’s happiest animals due to their smiling facial expressions. The island is one of the few places in the world where quokkas can be found in the wild, and it’s an incredible opportunity to witness these unique creatures up close.

A Sleeping Quokka

A Sleeping Quokka

Rottnest on a Bike

Rottnest on a Bike

Henrietta Rocks

A short bike ride away from Thomson Bay Settlement, visitors can find Henrietta Rocks, a rugged and dramatic coastline perfect for exploring. The rocky outcrops are a great spot to take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Pathway to Henrietta Rocks

Pathway to Henrietta Rocks

Salmon Bay

Little Salmon Bay and Salmon Bay are two of the island’s most popular beaches, boasting crystal-clear waters and white sand. They are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, and are often visited by playful dolphins and sea turtles.

Ospreys build large nests made of sticks and other materials, which they place on high structures such as trees, poles, or platforms. Wedge-tailed shearwaters dig burrows in sandy areas of the island to make their nests, and these burrows can often be seen along the island’s coastlines at Salmon Bay.

Pathway to Little Salmon Bay

Pathway to Little Salmon Bay

Salmon Bay

Salmon Bay

Osprey Nest

Osprey Nest

Salmon Bay Beach

Salmon Bay Beach

Nancy Cove

Nancy Cove is a secluded and tranquil bay with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The cove is also a great spot for fishing, with an abundance of fish species found in the area.

Green Island from Nancy Cove

Green Island from Nancy Cove

Narrow Neck

Narrow Neck is a unique natural feature that connects the island’s north and south sections. The narrow strip of land offers stunning views of the ocean on either side and is perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

East Coast of the Island at the Narrow Neck

East Coast of the Island at the Narrow Neck

West Coast of the Island at the Narrow Neck

West Coast of the Island at the Narrow Neck

South Point

At South Point, visitors can witness the island’s rugged and wild coastline, with dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops that offer stunning views of the ocean. The area is also a great spot for whale watching during the migration season.

South Point Beach

South Point Beach

Cape Vlamingh

Cape Vlamingh is the island’s most western point, and it offers a stunning panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can spot migratory whales, seals, and sea lions, and the area is also home to a historic lighthouse.

Cape Vlamingh

Cape Vlamingh

Seals at Cathedral Rocks

Seals at Cathedral Rocks

Ning

Ning

Lady Edeline Beach

Lady Edeline Beach is a secluded and tranquil bay with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach is surrounded by native flora and fauna, and it’s a great spot for birdwatching.

Lady Edeline Beach

Lady Edeline Beach

Armstrong Bay

Armstrong Bay is a picturesque and secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, and visitors can often spot dolphins and sea turtles in the area.

Armstrong Bay

Armstrong Bay

Geordie Bay

Finally, Geordie Bay is a lively and vibrant beach with plenty of amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a popular spot for families, with plenty of activities for kids, including playgrounds and water sports.

Geordie Bay

Geordie Bay

Lake Baghdad

Lake Baghdad

Overall, Rottnest Island is a true natural wonder, with stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and an abundance of natural beauty that is sure to leave visitors in awe.

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