Rottnest Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Rottnest Island
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Perth showing a sandy beach

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.

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
2.5 out of 5
Strue Road, Rottnest Island, WA
The price is S$216 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$216
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach holiday park in Perth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (455 reviews)
"Staying in the glamping tent was very comfortable and the facility had very good amenities."

Reviewed on 31 May, 2025

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Duxton Hotel Perth
Duxton Hotel Perth
5 out of 5
1 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA
The price is S$205 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$205
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"River view room. Spacious enough for a 1 night stopover."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Duxton Hotel Perth
Oaks Perth Hotel
Oaks Perth Hotel
4 out of 5
305 Murray Street, Perth, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$167 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$167
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Staff were lovely."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Oaks Perth Hotel
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.
Be. Fremantle
Be. Fremantle
4.5 out of 5
43 Mews Rd, Fremantle, WA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (831 reviews)
"Good and nice location"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Be. Fremantle
Ramada VetroBlu Scarborough Beach
Ramada VetroBlu Scarborough Beach
4.5 out of 5
48 Filburn Street, Scarborough Beach, Scarborough, WA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (422 reviews)
"Nice property"

Reviewed on 15 Jun, 2025

Ramada VetroBlu Scarborough Beach
Quest Fremantle
Quest Fremantle
3.5 out of 5
8 Pakenham Street, Fremantle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Perth. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (890 reviews)
Another Great Stay
"4th stay at the Quest. It’s very comfortable, clean and close to the center of Freo, the station and the port."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Quest Fremantle
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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Reviews of Rottnest Island

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I could have easily have gone for 5 nights instead of 2. So much to see and do with a mix of chilling as well.