Plan your summer, your way, with the ultimate escape to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. With its turquoise bays, friendly quokkas, and endless outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend stay, we’ve rounded up 20 top things to do on Rottnest Island this summer.
Explore from the water: Rottnest’s best water activities
Discover Rottnest by land: trails, tours, and top views
Escape the heat: refreshing spots to relax, eat & explore indoors
Kid-friendly fun: for the whole family
Evenings on Rottnest: stay, sip, and watch the sun go down
Explore from the water: Rottnest’s best water activities
1. Snorkel underwater wonders
Grab your snorkel gear and head to Parker Point or Little Salmon Bay for self-guided snorkel trails. These spots offer vibrant reefs, marine life, and interpretive signs underwater. Dive along one of the 13 shipwrecks around the island, or book a guided snorkelling tour.
2. Beach and bay hop around the island
With over 60 beaches, Rottnest is made for exploration. Spend your day hopping between serene spots like Parakeet Bay, The Basin, and Geordie Bay. Or plan your next visit by finding out which beaches are the favourites among Perth locals.
3. Surf Rottnest’s best breaks
Rottnest is home to some of WA’s most consistent surf. Strickland Bay is the go-to spot for experienced surfers, offering powerful swells and clean breaks. Beginners can try their luck at smaller waves around Salmon Bay.
4. Dine on the water with a seafood cruise
For a unique island experience, book a Luxe Island Seafood Cruise. Enjoy freshly caught Western Rock Lobster prepared onboard while cruising the island’s coastline in style.
Discover Rottnest by land: trails, tours, and top views
5. Hire a bike and ride the island loop
With no private cars allowed, cycling is the best way to explore. Choose your distance from the 22km loop or opt for a shorter route through scenic highlights. Read our guide for more in-depth tips.
6. Join a Segway Tour
Prefer wheels without the workout? Segway tours are a fun and easy way to learn about Rottnest’s military history, coastal geology, and native flora.
7. Climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse
Get a 360-degree view of the island from the top of this historic lighthouse. It’s the perfect photo stop and a great spot to take in the scale of Rottnest.
8. Walk the Gabbi Karniny Bidi Trail
The Gabbi Karniny Bidi is part of the island’s Wadjemup Bidi trail network. This 9.5km loop takes you through salt lakes, woodland, and cultural landmarks. It's a peaceful, immersive walk at a moderate difficulty.
Escape the heat: refreshing spots to relax, eat & explore indoors
9. Grab an ice cream and cool off at Geordie Bay
Take a dip, then savour an ice cream from the Kuld Creamery summer pop-up at Geordie Bay. Try their special Rottnest Island flavour, the Quokka Traxx.
10. Enjoy a long lunch with ocean or lake views
Book a table at Hotel Rottnest, Isola Bar e Cibo, Pinky's Rottnest Island or Lontara for a relaxing lunch with delicious food and sea breezes. Or dine at Sunsets Bar & Dining for inland views of the salt lakes.
11. Discover the Wadjemup Museum
Step inside the Wadjemup Museum to escape the heat and uncover the island’s rich past. Explore engaging exhibits that share stories of the Whadjuk Noongar people, early European settlement, and dramatic shipwrecks that shaped Rottnest’s history. It’s a cool, quiet space to reflect and connect with the island’s deep cultural heritage.
12. Step Back in Time at the Pilot Boathouse
Tucked away near the main settlement, the restored Pilot Boathouse is a hidden gem. Learn about Rottnest’s maritime history and see the replica pilot boat.
Kid-friendly fun: for the whole family
13. Play a round of mini golf
Perfect for families and friendly competition, mini golf at the Family Fun Park is a summer must-do. Putt your way through colourful obstacles and enjoy family time along the way.
14. Start a game of beach cricket
Grab a bat and ball and hit the sand! Many of Rottnest’s bays, like Longreach Bay or Geordie Bay, are perfect for an impromptu game of beach cricket. It's a laid-back way to enjoy the sun, sea, and sandy fun with family or friends.
15. Meet the famous Quokkas
No visit to Rottnest is complete without meeting its most iconic residents. Keep a respectful distance, but a cheeky selfie with a smiling quokka is a must!
16. Beat the heat with Arcade Games
Step inside the Family Fun Park’s arcade and let the kids enjoy classic and modern games in air-conditioned comfort. From claw machines to racing games, it’s a fun way to cool off and keep everyone entertained.
Evenings on Rottnest: stay, sip, and watch the sun go down
17. Watch the sunset at Pinky Beach
Pinky Beach offers one of the best sunset views on the island, with the lighthouse in the background and the sky ablaze in colour. Admire from the beach, at a table at Pinky's Rottnest Island or from another viewpoint around the island.
18. Book an overnight stay at Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Experience the magic of Rottnest after dark with a stay at Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island, where luxury glamping meets coastal tranquillity. Nestled behind Pinky Beach, the eco-friendly tents offer plush comforts, ocean views, and easy access to Pinky’s for sunset dining by the beach.
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
19. Camp Under the Stars
For a more budget-friendly and adventurous option, the Rottnest Island Campground is just a short walk from the main village and offers a great base for exploring.
20. Wine and dine
Take advantage of SeaLink's late departures from the island in summer and stay a little longer for dinner or afternoon drinks as the sun dips below the horizon.
