Located just a short ferry journey from Perth, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a popular day trip destination. The island’s compact size means you can explore much of the island within one day. But to fully appreciate the wonder of Rottnest Island, you need to spend a few days on the island. One day simply isn’t enough time to enjoy everything there is to offer.
With extended stay ferry tickets from $90 per adult (much cheaper than a flight to Bali!) it’s worth staying a night on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. There are several accommodation options available on the island, catering to all budgets and travel styles. If you still need convincing that Rotto should be your next getaway destination, here are some reasons why we think it’s worth booking an overnight stay.
1. You’ll have more time to explore Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Yes, you can experience much of what Wadjemup / Rottnest Island has to offer on a day trip. But with 63 beaches, 45 kilometres of walking paths and 22 kilometres of bike trails to discover, you’ll just scratch the surface if you only spend one day. And that’s without even mentioning the historical and cultural attractions.
Stay a few nights and you’ll have more time to explore all sides of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. There are plenty of experiences available on the island to enhance understanding of the island’s history and ecology. Join a photography tour for guidance on capturing the natural beauty of the island. Jump aboard a snorkel tour to explore some of the lesser-known bays to look for interesting marine life. There are stacks of things to uncover when you can take the time to fully immerse yourself in island life.
2. You can enjoy the sunsets and sunrises
Keen to experience a famous sunset at Pinky Beach? You’ll need to stay over on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The earliest ferry arrives on the island at 7:30 am, which is too late to view the sunrise from the beach even in winter. In summer, later ferries depart at 7:00 pm, meaning you’ll be rushing to the jetty as the sun starts to sink.
For a relaxing sunset or sunrise experience on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, book your accommodation to stay overnight. Then pack a picnic, unroll the rug and soak up the spectacular change of colours across the sky without hurry. Bliss!
3. Friends and family can visit for a few days (or even a few hours!)
The ferry to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island takes just 30 minutes from Fremantle. That means local friends and family can easily pop by and spend a day or two if they can't make it for the whole holiday. That’s something that’s much harder to do if it involves a few hours on a plane!
4. Experience the serenity on the island after the last ferry leaves
When the last ferry leaves for the day and the day-trippers all head back to the mainland, something magical happens on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. While you’re only 30 minutes from Fremantle, you’ll instantly feel transported to another world. Life slows down, you can tune into the sounds of nature and you’ll feel a world away from the city. Take the time to stop and appreciate the unique vibe of this tranquil island getaway so close to Perth.
5. There are more opportunities to spot quokkas
Quokkas are nocturnal and most active at night, especially when it’s hot. Stay overnight on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for more opportunities to watch these adorable marsupials go about their business. They may even try to join you on your sunset picnic!
6. Your stay on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island doesn’t have to be expensive
Luxe accommodation options such as Samphire Rottnest offer the chance for an indulgent getaway. But you don’t have to splurge to secure a stay on the island. More affordable accommodation options including the Caroline Thomson Cabins, camping or dormitory rooms at the Kingston Barracks are available for travellers with smaller budgets.
For the best options, reserve your accommodation when bookings open on the Stay Rottnest website. If you miss out, keep an eye out for cancelled bookings (especially 30 days before as this is when users have to pay the balance of their booking and are most likely to cancel). Read more of our tips for booking the best accommodation.
Tips for staying overnight on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
1. Pack warm clothes
Even if you’re visiting in the height of summer, bring something warm to wear in the evening. Once the sun goes down and the sea breeze picks up, it can get pretty chilly!
2. Bring your own bike and snorkel gear
Bike and snorkel hire on the island is charged per day, which can add up if you’re staying for a few days. Bring your own on the ferry and you’ll only be charged the transport fee. Just don’t forget to reserve your bike transport when you book your ferry ticket.
3. Stay at least one night - but more if you can
How many days should you spend on Rottnest Island? We recommend a stay of 3 - 5 days to truly relax into island time and explore the island fully. With all the experiences available, beaches to relax on and walking trails to explore, you won't have trouble finding things to do. But even if you only have one night available to get away, you'll still experience a different side to Rottnest Island. We're sure you'll be planning your next trip over on the ferry home!
4. Pack your swimwear in your day pack
If you’re bringing luggage, it will be delivered to your accommodation. That’s great, until you realise your swimwear is still in your suitcase and you’re waiting for your luggage to arrive instead of swimming. Pack any essential items in your day pack so you can enjoy your first day on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, and the rest will be waiting for you after check-in.
5. Stock up on supplies to bring with you
There are two grocery stores on the island where you can purchase food and drinks. While they are reasonably priced and well stocked, they are still more expensive than the mainland. If you’re planning on cooking, you can save some money by packing a few essentials with you.
6. Bring a head torch
If you’re used to city living where streetlights illuminate everywhere you go, you’ll be surprised how dark it gets on the island once the sun goes down. Bring a head torch (or a regular torch) to help you get around at night.
7. Download a stargazing app to admire the incredible night sky
Away from the light pollution of the city, you can enjoy some unbeatable star gazing at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island on a clear night. There are several apps out there that identify constellations, planets and more to enhance your knowledge of the night sky.
8. Venues on the island close early, so don’t leave dinner too late
There are several top places to dine out on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. But if you plan on heading out for a nice dinner during your stay, we highly recommend making a reservation. Popular places can fill up during busy periods and dinner service usually finishes quite early.
9. Or order delivery to your accommodation
Frankie's on Rotto offer delivery to accommodation between Kingston Barracks and Geordie Bay on Saturday and Sunday evening. Perfect for when you’re beat from a day exploring the island!
10. Book a mobile massage to complete your relaxing experience
Take the opportunity to fully unwind by booking an appointment with the Rottnest Island mobile massage service. The experienced massage therapist will come to you in your Stay Rottnest accommodation, leaving you completely relaxed and ready to bathe in your post-massage glow.
There’s a lot to enjoy on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island and staying overnight offers the chance to further explore and connect to the island. Browse the accommodation options on the island and start planning your next trip!
