in Western Australia, Australia
Rottnest Island
Car-free island paradise famous for adorable quokkas, pristine beaches, and turquoise bays. Cycle around the island, snorkel in clear waters, and take selfies with the world's happiest animal.
Rottnest Island — Wadjemup in the Noongar language of the Whadjuk people — lies 18 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle in Western Australia, accessible by ferry from Perth or Fremantle in 25–90 minutes depending on the departure point. The island is 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres wide. Private motor vehicles are prohibited, meaning all movement is by bicycle, foot, the island's shuttle bus, or hired golf cart — a restriction that gives Rottnest a distinctly unhurried character absent from most Australian coastal destinations.
The island is internationally famous for quokkas, small marsupials related to wallabies that evolved on Rottnest without natural predators and are consequently unafraid of humans. Quokkas are commonly encountered at Thomson Bay, around the Quokka Arms Hotel, and near bus stops along the main road. They should not be fed or touched, but they approach curious visitors freely and have become the subject of a widespread 'quokka selfie' phenomenon across social media. The island's quokka population numbers approximately 10,000.
Rottnest has 63 named beaches and 20 bays. The Basin, on the sheltered western side of the main settlement, is a shallow tidal pool with flat sandy bottom — ideal for families and non-swimmers. Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point on the eastern shore are the most highly regarded snorkelling sites, with healthy coral gardens and diverse reef fish in clear, warm water. The Sunken Ark is a mapped snorkel trail around an artificial reef structure. Cycling the island's 22-kilometre circuit road takes approximately 2.5–3 hours at a comfortable pace and passes the lighthouse at Wadjemup Hill, the island's highest point, all the major beaches, and the salt lakes that host migratory wading birds.
Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty in the Perth CBD, Elizabeth Quay, and Fremantle. Bikes are available for hire at the Thomson Bay settlement for approximately AUD $40 per day. Accommodation on the island — ranging from camping and heritage cottages to a hotel — books out months in advance in summer. Day visits from Perth are fully feasible: an early Fremantle ferry allows 8–9 hours on the island before the last return service.
Hours: Island accessible during daylight; ferries from 7:00 AM
Best for: wildlife lovers, beach enthusiasts, cyclists, photographers
Location
Access from Perth or Fremantle by ferry
-32.0059, 115.5361 — View on map
Highlights
- Quokka encounters at Thomson Bay settlement — the island's marsupials are unafraid of humans and freely approach visitors for photographs
- 63 named beaches and bays including The Basin's sheltered tidal pool and Little Salmon Bay's coral snorkelling garden
- 22-kilometre circuit road navigable by hire bicycle in 2.5–3 hours, passing all major beaches and the heritage lighthouse
- Car-free island environment with no private vehicles — all movement by bike, foot, or shuttle bus
- Sunken Ark artificial reef snorkel trail and Parker Point coral gardens, with clear visibility year-round
Tips
- Rent bikes at settlement to explore 63 beaches
- The Basin and Little Salmon Bay best for swimming
- Never feed quokkas - let them approach naturally
FAQ
How do visitors get to Rottnest Island?
Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty (Perth CBD), Elizabeth Quay, and Fremantle. The journey is 25 minutes from Fremantle and around 90 minutes from Perth. Return fares are approximately AUD $85 for adults and $38 for children, with a separate island admission fee payable on arrival.
Is Rottnest Island feasible as a day trip from Perth?
Yes — an early ferry from Fremantle (from approximately 7:30 AM) allows 8–9 hours on the island before the last return service. Day visitors can comfortably cycle the island circuit, visit several beaches, snorkel, and have lunch. Advance ferry booking is essential in summer.
Can visitors bring their own bikes?
Yes, bikes can be transported on the ferry for an additional fee. Hire bikes are also available at the Thomson Bay settlement for around AUD $40 per day. The island's circuit road is relatively flat along the coast, making cycling accessible for most fitness levels.
Accessibility
Thomson Bay settlement has sealed paths and accessible visitor facilities, but much of the island's beach access involves sand tracks and uneven terrain. The island shuttle bus is accessible. Mobility equipment and adapted bikes are available through Rottnest Hire. Visitors planning around mobility limitations should contact the Rottnest Island Authority to plan their visit.
When to visit
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer comfortable temperatures, good swimming, and smaller crowds than the summer peak. Avoid public holiday long weekends in December and January when ferries and island accommodation sell out weeks in advance. Morning arrivals avoid the larger midday ferry crowds.