Rottnest Island
Located off the coast of Perth, Rottnest is not a resort island in the traditional sense. No mega hotel chains, no glitz or bean-shaped swimming pools. While buses and tours circle the 11-km long island, all visitors arrive on foot, and the primary means of transport is a bicycle. When Dutch sailors first explored the island in the early 1600’s, they named it rotte nest, confusing the abundant quokkas for rats. Today, the quokkas are famously friendly and getting a #quokkaselfie is a must. Rottnest boasts 63 beaches and nearly two-dozen bays, many secluded and quiet enough to own for the day.
Length of Trip : From a day trip or several days
Cost :
Click here to see the latest day tour and ferry packages from Rottnest Express.
Best time to go : Open year-round, but Autumn and Spring has ideal weather.
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
There are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops on the island, and a grocery store if you are self-catering.
Official Site :
Rottnest Express Day Tours
Rottnest Island
Where to Stay :
Click here for the different accommodation options available on Rottnest Island.
In Perth, we recommend staying at the the central and modern Attika Boutique Hotel
Getting There :
The crossing from Fremantle to Rottnest is renowned for being one of the roughest in the southern hemisphere. We recommend going with Rottnest Express, who have a fleet of three high-speed, ocean-going ferries specifically designed to counter these conditions, making for a smooth, fast and safe crossings in any conditions. Once you've arrived, rent a bicycle to get around, or hop onto an island coach tour or use the hop-on, hop-off buses that circle the island.
Note from Robin :
Authorities strongly advise visitors not to pet, feed or make fun of the quokka, which is detrimental to conservation, and probably hurts its feelings. We parked our bikes at the Settlement Railway Station and hopped on board a train to the Oliver Hill Heritage Site. During World War II, the Allies installed two massive 9.2 inch artillery guns on Rottnest that could fire a huge 178kg shell. History and war buffs will love the tunnels and gun tour, but Rottnest is really one for nature lovers.
