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Who knows Wadjemup / Rottnest Island better than anyone? Perth locals! Many of them have been visiting the island their whole life and they are excited to share their expert knowledge with other travellers and visitors. Recently, we asked locals to share their best tips for visiting Wadjemup / Rottnest Island we received over 400 enthusiastic responses.
We loved reading the replies and getting a sense of the deep connection many Perth residents feel to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Here are the top tips from locals to help you make the most of your trip to Rottnest Island.
1. Explore the whole island, not just the main township
Peter M
Get a bike or go for a walk. It’s not the mainland and there is so much to explore outside of the township.
Get a bike or go for a walk. It’s not the mainland and there is so much to explore outside of the township.
When you step off the ferry at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, you'll arrive in Thomson Bay, the main settlement on the island. This is where most of the restaurants and facilities are located, and it's easy to while away a day in the area. But to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of Rottnest Island, locals encourage you to head out of the settlement. Hire a bike, hit the hiking trails or jump on the bus to discover the pristine beaches and unique environments found all over the island.
2. Don’t miss the West End - it's a lot quieter
West End Boardwalk. Image credit: Rottnest Island Authority
Located at the far end of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, the West End is often overlooked for closer, protected bays around the island. But Perth locals know if you skip the West End, you’ll miss out on some of the best coastal scenery on the island. Not to mention the colony of long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions found around Cathedral Rocks.
3. Be kind to the quokkas - they may look happy but don't be surprised if you're declined for a selfie
quokkas on grass
Perth locals want you to remember that despite their friendly nature and happy reputation, quokkas are still wild animals. While getting a quokka selfie may feel like an essential experience on the island, it's not worth harassing a quokka to get the perfect snap. Let them approach you and never feed them.
4. Look for the volunteers in yellow t-shirts - always nice to see a friendly face
Anne D
The volunteers are amazing and always willing to chat.
The volunteers are amazing and always willing to chat.
Whether you’re looking for tips on exploring Wadjemup / Rottnest Island or want to learn more about the island’s history, look for the people in yellow t-shirts. These volunteers who man the visitors centre and conduct tours offer a wealth of information about the island.
5. Pre-book your bike hire - it's a popular activity on the island
Cycling Rottnest Island. Image credit: Rottnest Island Authority
Bikes are the main mode of transport on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, so you don’t want to miss out on hire during busy periods. Book your bike hire when you book your SeaLink ferry and your bike will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive on Rottnest Island. This also saves you time getting your bike on the day, giving you more time to explore on your trip!
6. You don’t have to cycle to enjoy the island - walking around the island is equally rewarding
The full circuit around Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is 22 kilometres and takes between 3 – 5 hours on a bike. With plenty of hills to climb, it can be a challenging ride! Thankfully, there are alternative options for those travellers who don’t want to feel their glutes burn for days after. Choose from guided tours or the hop-on-hop-off bus to make your way around the island without working up a sweat.
If you still want to ride, but need a bit of an extra push, e-bike hire is available from Pedal & Flipper. Or take your time exploring on foot along the 45 kilometres of hiking trails of the Wadjemup / Bidi.
7. Understand and appreciate the island’s history - acknowledging the past is a step toward healing
Wadjemup museum
Perth locals acknowledge Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s disturbing role in Western Australia’s colonial history, and they want visitors to be aware of it too. The island was a place of incarceration for Aboriginal boys and men for nearly 100 years. Locals understand that recognising the island’s dark history is part of the way forward for reconciliation and healing with the Aboriginal people. Visit the Wadjemup Museum to learn more about this dark part of the island's history.
8. Check the wind direction - it will help you pick the right beach to explore or relax
Deirdre R
You need to pick a beach based on the wind direction and knowing where to go really helps.
You need to pick a beach based on the wind direction and knowing where to go really helps.
Perth locals know picking the best beach depends on which way the wind is blowing. Usually, the southern beaches are more protected in the morning, while the afternoon is better for beaches on the northern side of the island.
9. Stay a while - so you can enjoy the island in all its glory
Despite being just a 30-minute boat trip from the mainland, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a popular getaway destination for Perth locals. Heaps of people told us that the best way to enjoy the island is to stay overnight and spend a few days exploring. Once the day-trippers leave, a certain serenity descends on the island. Enjoy the sunset, listen to the sounds of the island and soak up the relaxed island vibe.
10. Don’t give up on getting accommodation - these tips will help
sunset over Pinky Beach
The Rottnest Island Authority accommodation is now booked online, making it easier for anyone to book than when it was a lottery system. Cancelled bookings are rereleased for booking, so keep an eye on the website. And new providers including Samphire Rottnest and Discovery Rottnest Island have also expanded the availability of accommodation on the island.
There are accommodation options to cater to all budget types so check our tips for booking the best accommodation on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island to plan your trip.
11. Anytime is a good time to visit Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Areal view of Rottnest Island
While summer is the most popular time of the year to visit, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is worth exploring any time of the year. Perth locals recommend visiting in the spring to see quokka joeys and from August - November to spot whales on their annual migration. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a cosy getaway and experience a quieter, wilder side of the island.
12. Stock up before you leave the settlement - water and food
Be sure to fill up your water bottle and pack some snacks for your adventure around Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Once you leave the settlement, there isn’t much available to keep you hydrated and well fed. But if you do get peckish or thirsty on your ride around, there are food vans at Wadjemup Lighthouse and the West End selling snacks and drinks.
13. Perth locals love the Rottnest Bakery - a hidden little gem
Naomi D
The cinnamon scrolls from the bakery are the best
The cinnamon scrolls from the bakery are the best
Rottnest Bakery came up A LOT as one of Perth locals’ favourite things about Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Despite the recent editions to the island’s restaurant offerings, most people can’t go past the simple food and homemade favourites of this institution.
14. What to bring
What do Perth locals recommend you pack for a trip to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island? Something warm if you’re staying overnight, comfortable shoes and plenty of sun protection. If you’re visiting in summer, bring a flynet. But leave the fancy clothes and makeup at home.
15. Experience something new - perhaps some bucket list experiences
Scenic Flight over Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Image: Rottnest Island Authority
From Segway tours to scenic flights, Perth locals enjoy seeing Wadjemup / Rottnest Island in new ways with the range of experiences found on the island.
16. Unwind to island time - you deserve the time off
It's like stepping back in time to when places felt safer and life was unhurried. You have plenty of time to stop and admire the turquoise waters, smell the salty air and delight in the warmth of the sun.
It's like stepping back in time to when places felt safer and life was unhurried. You have plenty of time to stop and admire the turquoise waters, smell the salty air and delight in the warmth of the sun.
More than anything, Perth locals love the relaxing vibe and undeveloped nature of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. They want visitors to unwind and appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature. So get ready to enjoy the simple things on your next trip to Rottnest Island!
