Rottnest Island

Travel Guide
Rottnest Island featuring marine life
Enjoy the beautiful waters, the stunning wildlife and the rich heritage of this fascinating island just off the coast of Perth.

Lying less than 20 kilometres from the mainland and set in the mesmerising waters of the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island is a popular destination with holidaymakers who come to see the local flora and fauna, go for a swim, and laze under the sun on its white sandy beaches.

A small island of just 11 kilometres by 4.5 kilometres at its longest and widest points, it nonetheless has plenty to offer. You can get around the island by renting a bicycle of taking the shuttle bus from the ferry stop and see the key destinations dotted around. The main settlement is built around Thomas Bay, and the further you tread the quieter and more secluded the island becomes.

There are so many ideal spots to swim all around the island. If you’re a keen snorkeler you can delve into the water to see the coral and fish. You can also go shore diving or dive off a boat and see the nurse sharks and rays in the waters around the island. Surfers can also ride the waves at Strickland and Stark Bays. Or for a marginally drier experience, get on board a glass-bottom boat to see the coral at its finest.

Among the wildlife unique to the island are quokkas, small marsupials which the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh discovered here back in the 17th century. Thinking they were rats, this is what led him to name the island 'Rottnest', or ‘Rat’s Nest’. The Aboriginals, However, who had lived here for the better part of 6,500 years before the Dutchman arrived, called the island 'Wadjemup'. You can find out more about all this and the island’s history and discovery by European settlers at the Rottnest Island Museum.

For a great view of the ocean you can climb up to the top of the Bathurst Lighthouse. Several ships have struck the island’s reefs over the years and sunk on the shore you can see plaques dedicated to them and signalling the wreckages.

You can reach Rottnest Island by boarding a pedestrian ferry from the docks in Fremantle, the jetty in central Perth or from Hillarys Boat Harbour. If you’re planning to stay over to explore more of the island, make sure you find somewhere to stay in advance.

Novotel Perth Murray Street
Novotel Perth Murray Street
3.5 out of 5
388 Murray Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$191 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$191
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"Parking was difficult and $50 for one night, nowhere else to park"

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2023

Novotel Perth Murray Street
Discovery Rottnest Island
Discovery Rottnest Island
2.5 out of 5
Strue Road, Rottnest Island, WA, 6161
The price is S$269 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$269
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this beach holiday park in Perth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy beds in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"I liked that we were at Pinky’s Beach, the guy playing singing was excellent. Drinks at bar was good, but service was poor, took so long to order and receive drinks and having to go up to enquire a few times saying that the order receipt was not passed to the maker?? Weird? Staff at the food ordering ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2023

Discovery Rottnest Island
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
5 out of 5
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough, WA, 6019
The price is S$212 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$212
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Bed comfortable,good minibar,incredible view. Extremely good shower"

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2023

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Fremantle
Quest Fremantle
3.5 out of 5
8 Pakenham Street, Fremantle, WA, 6160
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the quiet ...
9/10 Wonderful! (639 reviews)
"Handy location,helpful staff"

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2023

Quest Fremantle
Quest Kings Park
Quest Kings Park
4.5 out of 5
54 Kings Park Road, West Perth, WA, 6005
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and a business centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (282 reviews)
"Wonderful service and super clean and well appointed apartment"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2023

Quest Kings Park
Adina Apartment Hotel Perth - Barrack Plaza
Adina Apartment Hotel Perth - Barrack Plaza
4.5 out of 5
138 Barrack Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,189 reviews)
"The location is so good. The staff is friendly. The property is a bit old sound insulation is not good."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2023

Adina Apartment Hotel Perth - Barrack Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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