There's something special about immersing yourself among nature during the island's quiet season. Enjoy the stillness as you cycle from bay to bay among the thriving landscape, to the comfort of warming local meals. Whale migration season has begun, and joeys can be spotted in their mother’s pouches.
Whilst the mainland of Perth can have lots of rain and cooler days, Rottnest Island maintains mild winter weather.
1. Catch a wave at the West End
Surfing on Rottnest Island is best in the winter months as this is when the largest swell comes rolling through. The waves are quietest and you won’t need to compete with other surfers when the set rolls in. The swell generally picks up around 7 am or 8 am in winter which brings a slower start to the morning. Strickland Bay has consistent waves throughout winter with the swell coming from multiple directions allowing varying wave conditions. Surf breaks can also be found on Rottnest Island at Chicken Reef, Mary Cove, Rotto Box, Stark Bay and West End. Be sure to check what wave you're up against with varying conditions suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. Surfboards can be transported over on the SeaLink ferry.
2. Hiking
Embrace the mild temperatures of the off-season and fully immerse yourself in nature without the hindrance of intense sun rays with a hike through the Wadjemup Bidi. The Wadjemup Bidi is made up of 5 interconnecting trails which cover 45 kilometres of walking paths across the island. The Wadjemup Bidi trails are separate from the bus and bike paths, taking you to areas that are inaccessible on wheels with thriving landscape. Hike through the islands stunning inland salt lakes, past Wadjemup Lighthouse or roam along the coast from Thomson Bay to Geordie Bay.
Not sure where to start? The Ngank Web Bidi (7.6 kms) is one of our favourite routes for a Day trip, taking you all the way around the West End past the Cathedral Rocks Seal Viewing platform. Read our full guide to hiking on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for tips and information about all the tracks.
Tip: Pack a rain jacket to stay dry, ponchos can be purchased from the General Store on the island.
3. Wildlife interactions
In the cooler months, Rottnest Island becomes a haven for native wildlife, offering opportunities to witness nesting activities, joeys appearing for the first time, and oceanic migrations. This season seems tailor-made for unforgettable wildlife encounters, where visitors can observe a myriad of bird species gracefully skimming the water's surface. Mother quokkas tenderly cradling their precious joeys within the safety of their pouches. If you’ve timed your trip towards the end of winter keep an eye out to encounter majestic humpback whales as they migrate north. Whether it's the sight of majestic birds, migrating whales or the adorable sight of quokkas, winter on Rottnest Island promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.
4. Cycling
With only a few vehicles on Rottnest Island, cycling has become the chosen mode of transport. Cycling offers visitors, the freedom to explore the island at their own pace. Experience the tranquillity of quite open roads as you embark on leisurely rides, with the refreshing winter breeze invigorating your journey and enabling longer outings. Save time in the cooler months and hire your bike with SeaLink to collect your bike off the ferry as you arrive at Rottnest Island.
5. Indoor dining
Winter dining on Rottnest Island offers a unique blend of coziness and coastal charm. As temperatures drop, finding a warm and inviting restaurant becomes paramount, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking ocean views while staying snug indoors. Rottnest Island boasts a variety of venues perfect for savouring decadent local produce amidst the soothing sounds of the sea. Isola Bar e Cibo, Hotel Rottnest and Lontara are a few of the venues to stay cosy indoors if it starts to rain. Additionally, there are plenty of takeaway spots to choose from for those embarking on hiking expeditions, providing sustenance for outdoor adventures around the island.
6. Admire the night sky on Rottnest Island
Clear winter nights offer the perfect conditions for stargazing. Being separated from Perth by 19 km of Indian Ocean, offers minimal light pollution at Rottnest Island. A short walk from the main settlement is Vlamingh Lookout where you can gaze at the stars without any interruptions. Spend your evenings marvelling at the twinkling stars above and catch a glimpse of constellations like Orion and the Three Sisters, and watch orbiting man-made objects stretching across the night sky.
7. Cosy accommodation with an overnight stay on Rottnest Island
There's a sense of serenity being wrapped up in warm blankets, listening to the waves crashing and rain emerging over the headlands. Rottnest Island boasts cosy accommodation options for the colder and wilder days. Want to know the best part? Being the islands quiet season you won’t have to compete as much for a place to stay. Keep an eye out for winter specials to sweeten your stay.
Tip: If you’re staying overnight, it’s worth a visit to the Samphire Rottnest Beachfront fire pits.
