Here’s how you can make the most of your trip to Rottnest Island. From history buffs to thrill seekers, there’s something for everyone. Whether this is your first visit or your hundredth, we’re positive you will enjoy these iconic Rottnest Island activities.
1. Explore Rottnest Island by bike
With cars restricted on Rottnest Island, the best way to get around is on two wheels. You can hire a bike with SeaLink or bring your own to blissfully beach hop around the island all day.
You can ride around the entire island if you’re up for the full 22-kilometre long trail. The path hugs the coastline to take you past many of Rottnest Island’s attractions and beaches. If 22 kilometres sounds like a bit too much hard work for a holiday, there are a couple of shorter routes to explore.
2. Unearth Rottnest Island’s history at Wadjemup Museum
From 40,000-year-old relics to contemporary artworks, the Wadjemup Museum showcases artifacts from Rottnest Island’s extensive history. Visit the museum in the Old Mill and Hay Store to uncover the stories of the island through displays and immersive audio experiences.
3. Snap a quokka selfie
From Roger Federer to Margot Robbie, no one can resist a selfie with Rottnest’s most famous resident. To get a quokka selfie, simply wait for one to approach you and get out your camera. They are generally obliging models, but it might take a few takes to get the perfect snap! We've covered the best places to spot quokkas and tips on getting your best quokka selfie here.
4. Discover Rottnest Island’s underwater wonders
The incredible sights of Rottnest Island aren’t only found on land, there is plenty to explore underwater too. Grab a mask and head to Rottnest Island’s best beaches to discover the array of sea life found just below the surface.
The sheltered waters of the Basin and Parakeet Bay are perfect for families and beginners. Snorkel over a wrecked hopper barge that ran aground in 1938 at Henrietta Rocks. Or learn more about Rottnest Island’s unique marine and plant life by following the Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail, a series of 10 information plaques installed in the seabed. Shipwrecks, sea caves and swim-throughs make Rotto a fascinating spot for divers too.
5. See the light at Wadjemup Lighthouse
Constructed in 1896, the Wadjemup Lighthouse is still a beacon for vessels sailing to Fremantle today. It stands 38 metres tall on the highest point of the island, offering incredible 360-degree views over Rottnest. Learn about the operation and history of the lighthouse with a guided tour.
6. Divine dining on the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
If you love fresh seafood, you can’t miss the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise. Over 4 hours, you’ll sail along the coast of Rottnest Island, taking in the incredible coastal scenery and stopping for a swim off the boat. But the best part is the food. After you’ve hauled up your own fresh Western Rock Lobster, you’ll be treated to a tantalising 7-course sit-down lunch. With free-flowing premium drinks and impeccable service, this is a luxury experience not to be missed.
7. Bunker down at Oliver Hills Tunnel
Uncover Rottnest Island’s fascinating military history at Oliver Hill. Here you can view the intact system of tunnels and guns built in 1937 to defend Fremantle Port from a maritime attack. The viewpoint also offers stunning vistas over the south of the island.
8. Catch a wave at Strickland Bay
Surfs up at Strickland Bay! This exposed reef surf break, also known as Stricko’s, offers some of the most consistent waves on Rottnest Island.
9. Serene sunset sailing
Join the Twilight Sail Cruise to sip on a glass of bubbly and snack on antipasti as you admire the changing hues of sunset over the water. You can get involved by hoisting the sails, take a dip in the cooling waters or simply relax on deck and enjoy the views. Pure bliss!
10. Explore the island on a Segway
Learn all about Rottnest Island’s history and natural environment with an off-road Segway tour. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll head to top historical sites, including the Jubilee Lookout and Bickley Battery gun emplacements. Then admire some of Rotto’s famous bays and beaches with a couple of photo stops along the way. It’s a top Rottnest Island tour experience.
11. Experience a bird's eye view
For a unique perspective of Rottnest Island, take to the skies! Choose from a 10, 20 or 35-minute scenic flight for unforgettable views of the island from above.
12. Elevate your adventure with a Rottnest skydive
Scenic flight not quite thrilling? Why not up the ante with a skydive? Admire Rottnest Island from above with a 20-minute flight over the island before leaping out in a tandem skydive. Enjoy up to 66 seconds of freefall before the parachute is deployed and you float safely back to one of Rottnest’s sandy bays. It’s a Rottnest Island activity that’s not for the faint-hearted! Spend a day skydiving over Rottnest Island.
13. Tee-off in tranquillity at Rottnest Island Golf Club
Even locals are surprised to hear that Rottnest Island is home to its very own golf course. Set amongst lakes and almost totally undisturbed by traffic noise, the 9-hole green is one of Australia’s most peaceful courses.
14. Snorkel Rottnest Island’s sunken treasures
The coral reefs that make Rottnest Island such a great place to snorkel have also led to more than a few boats finding a watery grave in the surrounding ocean. There are currently 13 shipwrecks at Rottnest Island, with a handful of them accessible for snorkelling or diving.
While you will need a boat to get out to most of the shipwreck sites, two can be snorkelled just off the coast. Head to Henrietta Rocks to snorkel the wreck of Shark or Point Phillip for Uribes, both found just a few metres below the surface.
15. Connect to Country with an Aboriginal cultural tour
Rottnest Island, known to the Traditional Custodians as Wadjemup, was once linked to the mainland prior to rising sea levels during the last ice age. It holds profound spiritual significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people. Deepen your knowledge of Wadjemup's history on a guided walking tour to discover the island's importance in Nyitting (Dreaming) stories and the Whadjuk Noongar cultural beliefs.
With so many things to do on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, you probably won’t get through them all in one trip. Better start planning the next one!
