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A Local’s Guide to Rottnest Island’s Sky-High, Aquatic, and Furry Wonders
- Where is Rottnest Island?
- How to Get to Rottnest Island
- How to Get Around
- Where to Stay
- Samphire Rottnest
- Caroline Thomson Cabins
- Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
- Where to Eat
- Frankie's on Rotto
- Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery
- Lontara
- Things to Do
- Go on a quokka quest
- Take the plunge at Little Salmon Bay
- Time travel at Wadjemup Museum
- Venture into the depths of Oliver Hill’s gun and battery tunnels
- Freefall with Skydive Geronimo
- Zoom across the waves with Rottnest Express
- See the inner workings of the Wadjemup Lighthouse
- Ride the waves at Strickland Bay
The magic of Rottnest Island doesn’t only hinge on its 20 bays and 63 beaches. Oh no, our little slice of paradise has wonders galore, from cute camera-shy quokkas to tunnels straight out of Indiana Jones.
Restos and crash pads here are also every bit as good as the CBD’s, whether you’re into basic or bougie. Our guide below spills the tea on these spots, so you don’t have to endure hunger pangs or C-grade mattresses while on the island.
Rottnest Island can be a lot to handle, but our local know-how will make it easier for you.
Where is Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island is located 19 km west of Fremantle and 33 km west of Perth’s City Center.
How to Get to Rottnest Island
By Ferry: The most popular way to travel to Rottnest Island is by ferry. Three ferry operators offer service, namely SeaLink Rottnest, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and Rottnest Express.
By Air-Taxi: For a faster and more scenic way to reach Rottnest Island, consider booking a ride with Rottnest Air Taxi, Swan River Sea Planes, or Major Blue Air. They have several options, ranging from 10 to 30-minute flights.
How to Get Around
By Bus: You can explore the island through various bus tours, like the Quokka Coaches Bus Tour, or take the daily shuttle bus for a quick ride between Kingstown, Thomson Bay, and Geordie Bay.
By Bike: You can bike around the island. The 3 ferry providers actually rent out bikes, but you can also rent some from Pedal & Flipper Hire, a better option for multi-day or e-bike rentals.
By Private Transfers: Tourists can also hire the Quokka Hopper, a convenient seven-seater electric cart service for private transfers around the island.
Where to Stay
Samphire Rottnest
From samphirerottnest
Address: Corner Parker Point Rd and, McCallum Ave
Contact Details: (08) 9292 5011
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Pricing: $$$
Website
From its breathtaking panoramas to the welcoming rooms, Samphire Rottnest perfectly captures the island’s easy-going atmosphere. Every dig doesn’t drown in over-the-top colors, plus the airy layout feels like an extension of the raw surroundings.
Exemplifying the hotel’s philosophy is the 57-sqm Signature Beachfront Room, an option that boasts a furnished balcony, a super king bed, and unobstructed bay views. The wood features add to its charm, perfectly complementing the neutral color scheme.
The 30-sqm poolside digs feature the same rustic wood paneling and soft color palette, but these rooms overlook lagoon-style pools instead of the shoreline.
Caroline Thomson Cabins
From k.rae_11.11
Google Maps
Contact Details: 1800 111 111
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $
Caroline Thomson Cabins nails simplicity while ticking all the boxes for a comfortable stay.
You’ll find this gem in Rottnest’s Main Settlement, where shade and peace are all around. Guests of up to 6 can stay inside their cedarwood cabins, each with 1 double bed and 2 sets of bunks for comfy sleeping arrangements.
The said cabins also feature kitchenettes, toilets, shower rooms, and essential appliances. A notable downside, unfortunately, is that there are no televisions since reception is practically nonexistent.
Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island
From discoveryrottnestisland
Address: Strue Rd
Contact Details: (08) 6350 6170
Check-in: 10 am
Check-out: 2 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
Glamping on Pinky Beach’s picturesque dunes is Discovery Resorts’ specialty, offering a stylish twist on the classic beach escape.
There are no boring hotel rooms in sight here, just 83 high-end eco tents that could pass as fashionable city suites. Each tent has all the bells and whistles, too, from separate bathrooms to compact kitchenettes.
Guests can pick their level of luxury—standard, superior, or deluxe tents, sleeping around 2 to 5. Breakfast is also covered no matter what you opt for, but your fur baby has to stay home.
Where to Eat
Frankie’s on Rotto
From frankiesonrotto
Address: 342 Somerville Dr
Contact Details: 0431 735 090
Pricing: $$
Website
We personally know people who travel to Rottnest Island just for a taste of Frankie’s on Rotto’s fare. This isn’t a shocker to us, as this beachside joint has Italian and Aussie staples worth riding a ferry for.
Their pizzas win us over every time, sticking to classic Italian roots with enough twists to make them stand out. The Fisherman, with clams, mussels, snapper, and mozzarella, is a prime example of this delicious approach.
On our last outing, though, we opted for their iconic beer-battered fish and chips, served with basil aioli. As expected, it was a chef’s kiss, particularly when paired with the roasted cauliflower and chickpea salad.
Geordie’s Cafe & Art Gallery
From geordiescafe_rottnest
Address: Katemeraire Rd
Contact Details: 0402 990 870
Pricing: $$
Website
Geordie Cafe & Art Gallery’s knack for delivering drool-worth southwest Australian bites is a big reason why Rottnest Island draws so many foodies.
Breakfast and brunch here are an indulgent affair, with options like sweet and savory croissants, bacon benedict drenched in hollandaise, and toasts paired with avocado or caramel.
For dinner, expect substantial dishes such as lamb shank with red wine jus and crumbed chicken parmi with cheesy Napoletana sauce. Most pair these with a mocktail, but we recommend having a glass of French rosé or Margaret River white from the bar.
Lontara
From lontararottnest
Address: McCallum Ave
Contact Details: (08) 9292 5011
Pricing: $$
Website
Lontara is a must-stop on Rottnest Island for spiced-up Asian cuisine. Chef Russel Blaikie’s world-class dishes, like fiery salt soft shell crab tempura and charred Fremantle octopus, simply make this golden resto unforgettable.
Even the small plates are impressive, especially the Exmouth prawn dumplings and pork belly skewers. The dumplings offer a sweet umami kick with a spicy edge, while the skewers pop savory essences with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Popular drink choices include cocktails like spice and pineapple margaritas. Bottled and rotating tap beers are also available, alongside an extensive wine selection.
Things to Do
Go on a quokka quest
From wonderlauri89
Garden Lake
The Basin Trail
Bovell Way
Rottnest Island’s abundance of quokkas, small marsupials that always look cheerful, is no secret. In fact, finding one doesn’t demand you to channel your inner Steve Irwin.
You can spot several at Garden Lake, a peaceful area from the main bus stop. Quokkas here rest under the trees and are often more energetic during sunrise and late afternoon.
The Basin Trail also hosts these cuddly critters, and you’ll see them interacting in their natural habitat near the eco-tent village of Discovery Resorts.
Bovell Way towards Stark Bay is another spot brimming with quokkas. Along this route, they make homes among the tall fig trees and date palms.
Take the plunge at Little Salmon Bay
From campfires.and.marshmallows
Almost every family that has visited Rottnest Island will agree that the naturally sheltered Little Salmon Bay offers crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for a fantastic swim.
Additionally, sea lions start lounging around Little Salmon Bay towards the end of winter, though spotting one isn’t a sure thing. If you’re fortunate enough to see this sea doggo, keep your distance. The “lion” part of their name is not just for effect.
Little Salmon Bay’s underwater world is also a snorkeler’s dream, and it’s easy to navigate courtesy of the marked trail. In terms of wonders to see, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscopic plethora of tropical fish and corals—all while staying right in the shallows.
Time travel at Wadjemup Museum
From rottnestislandwa
Address: Digby Dr
Contact Details: (08) 9372 9730
Website
Beyond its beaches and quokkas, Rottnest Island is home to the Wadjemup Museum, which showcases 40,000-year-old artifacts, WWI memorabilia, and seaweed collages crafted as far back as the 1800s.
Furthermore, the museum features exhibits like vintage podcasts, modern artwork, whale bones, and even the old lighthouse keeper’s jacket. Kids can also interact with the displays via touch screens designed for hands-on learning.
To top it off, you can experience limited-run displays such as “Survivors of Wadjemup,” which runs until October 17, 2024. We visited last July, and the exhibit’s focus on Aboriginal prisoners was truly eye-opening.
Venture into the depths of Oliver Hill’s gun and battery tunnels
From stephaniethurgood
Address: Defence Rd
Contact Details: (08) 9372 9730
Website
Military and history buffs won’t want to miss the Oliver Hill gun battery and tunnels. This heritage site’s wartime history and subterranean stories are a sure-fire way to be intrigued.
The 9.2-inch naval gun, Australia’s last intact example, is the first relic that will leave you speechless here. A guide will cover its history and operation as you enjoy sweeping island vistas.
Things will heat up even more once you reach the engine and supply room. This room’s highlight is definitely the Ghost Engine, a model of the machine that once powered the formidable artillery you’ll learn about on the surface.
Freefall with Skydive Geronimo
From helloperth and skydive.geronimo
Address: Rottnest Island Airport, Brand Way
Contact Details: 1300 449 669
Website
If you believe Rottnest Island’s waters are the only dive-worthy attraction, think again. Skydiving with Skydive Geronimo is equally majestic, flaunting a view of the island in all its glory.
For your landing, you can choose Bickle Bay Beach, Thomson Bay, or Salmon Bay Beach. All are favorites for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers, ensuring a fantastic time after you touch down.
Just brace yourself for the cost, as skydiving can be a bit of a splurge. Fortunately, Skydive Geronimo often has discounts to soften the blow on your wallet.
Zoom across the waves with Rottnest Express
From rottnestexpress
Address: B Shed Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Contact Details: 1300 467 688
Website
Rottnest Island may be expansive, but you can experience its top attractions swiftly with Rottnest Express’ Thrill Boat Ride. The name fits. This high-powered, purpose-built vessel is a quick way to see the island’s best sights and wildlife.
The duration varies by time of day: it’s a 45-minute jaunt in the afternoon and a 90-minute exploration in the morning. As for the fare, it’s a wallet-friendly 59 bucks per passenger.
A few restrictions apply, though. For their safety, passengers with a pre-existing back injury, those in wheelchairs, expectant mothers, and kids under 4 are not permitted.
See the inner workings of the Wadjemup Lighthouse
From whereyoubin
Address: Wadjemup Rd
Website
Built in 1896 to save ships from nautical disasters, the 38-meter Wadjemup Lighthouse stands as one of the island’s most significant historical icons.
Centuries after its establishment, the lighthouse still performs its duty, now with modern, brighter lights that reach up to 26 nautical miles.
Tourists can also now tour its interior to discover its mechanics and history. There’s also a viewing platform, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree island views and a chance to observe quokkas from afar.
Ride the waves at Strickland Bay
From camdjar
Strickland Bay, better known to locals as “Strickos,” is a surfer’s paradise. Why? The breaks here are reliably epic, thanks to the southern side of the isthmus providing consistent swells.
The prime time for catching consistent and clean waves is during winter, with June being the best month for rideable swells and light, offshore winds.
However, Strickland Bay is better suited for advanced surfers. For a more beginner-friendly experience, Stark Bay and Mary Cove are excellent alternatives.
