The Ultimate Rottnest Island Day Trip Guide (By An Aussie!)
Imagine a place where turquoise waters meet pristine white sands, where you can cycle past stunning coastal cliffs, snorkel in crystal-clear bays, and snap a selfie with the happiest animal on Earth—the quokka.
Welcome to Rottnest Island, a paradise just off the coast of Perth that’s perfect for a day trip or longer.
Are you planning a day trip to Rottnest Island?
As an Aussie who loves adventure, I’ve explored Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, and I want to let you know the best places on the Island to visit to make the most of your time here.
This guide will cover everything—including how to get to Rotto, top tours and must-visit spots.
Rottnest Island Day Trip Overview
Here’s how to maximize your time on the island:
- Take the first ferry of the day to get the most amount of time. It’s worth it!
- Morning: Bike riding, quokka selfies, and swimming at The Basin
- Afternoon: Snorkeling, scenic hikes, and exploring hidden beaches
- Evening: Sunset drinks and a relaxing ferry ride back to the mainland
Let’s break it down hour by hour!
How to get to Rottnest Island
By Ferry
The easiest way to reach Rottnest is by ferry from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys Boat Harbour. Ferries run regularly, and the ride takes 30-90 minutes, depending on your departure point.
Prices start at $80 for an adult; however, look for a midweek departure for a cheaper option. The two main ferry companies are Rottnest Express and Sealink. Both provide a similar service at a similar price.
Book your ferry here and secure your spot early, especially in peak season!
By Scenic Flight (For an Unforgettable View)
For a jaw-dropping aerial view of Rottnest, you can fly there from Perth. This is a pricier but unforgettable experience.
Leave from South Perth Fishing Jetty, which is easily accessible via public transport from Perth and arrive directly onto Rottnest Island.
Book a scenic flight here, but book well in advance as this option sells out fast!
Things to do in the Morning
🚴 Hire a Bike & Explore
Rottnest has no cars, so cycling is the best and easiest way to get around. Hire a bike as soon as you arrive to make the most of the day. Or, to make things even easier, book your ferry transfer and bike hire as a package. This way, you’re assured you’ll have a bike ready for you when you arrive.
There is even a free fitting service included, breakdown assistance, and you get a helmet and bike lock included. Everything you need to keep things simple!
Rent your bike here and get your ferry ticket package here
Swim at The Basin or Pinky Beach
Once you’ve picked up your bike, start your day with a refreshing dip at The Basin, one of the island’s most famous swimming and snorkelling spots. Pinky Beach, just a short ride away, is another stunning choice.
It is a short ride from The Settlement, or you can walk it if you decide not to get a bike. On the way, stop at the Bathurst Lighthouse, where you might even spot a whale during whale season.
There are toilets at both The Basin and Pinky Beach.
🦘 Meet the Famous Quokkas!
No trip to Rottnest is complete without a quokka selfie. You’ll find these adorable little creatures near the main settlement and throughout the island.
If biking your way around Rottnest Island isn’t your thing, jump onto a guided bus tour. This tour includes spotting Quokkas at Thomson Bay, visiting a fur seal colony, lookout points and more.
Join a guided quokka tour here
Things to do in the afternoon
🏝️ Snorkeling at Little Salmon Bay
Rottnest is home to some of the best snorkeling in WA. Little Salmon Bay is a top spot with crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. Little Salmon is one of the most southern tips of the island. It is great for families due to it’s sheltered location.
To truly immersive yourself in the marine beauty of Rottnest Island, jump onboard a snorkelling boat tour with a marine biologist guide. Snorkelling equipment is included on this three hour experience, where you can see more than 400 species of fish and explore multiple shipwrecks. This is highly recommended if you love exploring underwater.
Book your unforgettable snorkelling tour here.
Take a Segway Tour
Want to explore beyond the beaches? Hop on a Segway tour to learn more about the history of Rotto.
The guides will teach you about the history and show you some of the most stunning locations on this island. You’ll also have local knowledge of looking for the famous quokkas.
🔗 Check out the Segway tours here. Book before you arrive on the island as there are a max of 10 people per tour.
Hike to Wadjemup Lighthouse
For incredible island views, hike or cycle up to Wadjemup Lighthouse. It’s one of the best lookout points on Rottnest
Things to do in the evening
🍹 Sunset Drinks at Pinky’s Beach Club
After a day of adventure, relax with a cocktail at Pinky’s Beach Club, right by the sand. Order a refreshing Aperol Spritz and soak in the stunning views.
Best Sunset Spots
If you prefer a quiet sunset, head to Bathurst Lighthouse or West End—both offer incredible ocean views.
Or, jump onto an e-bike tour with Paul’s Eco E Bike Tours, where you’ll get an e-bike, a tour guide who will show a small group of guests the way to Armstrong Bay. It is here you’ll be able to see the Perth skyline on sunset.
Catching the Last Ferry
Make sure you check the ferry schedule so you don’t miss the last ride back to the mainland. Or, read the next part on the best accommodation to stay on Rotto so you can continue exploring the next day!
Want to Stay Longer? Where to Stay on Rottnest
If you decide one day isn’t enough, here are the best places to stay. Accomodation on the island needs to be booked well in advanced as it is a very popular place to stay.
📍 Best Budget Stay: For those who love camping, Stay at Stay Rottnest Campground. There are 43 non-powered sites, camp kitchens, and ablution blocks. This campground is a short walk from The Settlement.
📍 Best Mid-Range Stay: Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island offers top class accommodation on their beachfront resort. Book a room with a view, or go for a luxury tent for something different.
📍 Best Luxury Stay: Samphire Rottnest, located right on the beachfront is the top rated accommodation on Rottnest Island.
Best Tours for Your Rottnest Island Adventure
Here are a few extra tours to consider on your day at Rotto!
- Grand Tour and Historical Train Ride – visit the most interesting locations on Rotto on this half-day sightseeing bus tour. Let the knowledgable tour guides show you around and explain the deep history of Rottnest Island.
- Snorkel and Sail – Explore the coast and snorkle some fantastic locations around the island. Kayaks and SUPs are also available to use.
- Skydive and Ferry Package – For those who love skydiving, why not do a skydive over Rotto! Pair a skydive with a ferry ride over to the island for a day of thrills. I can’t speak from experience on this one, but the reviews look awesome! I would rather stay on the ground! 🙂
How to Get Around Rottnest Island
Since Rottnest is a car-free island, you’ll need to rely on alternative ways to explore. Here are the best options:
Cycling (The Best Way to Explore!)
Riding a bike is the most popular way to get around Rotto. The island has over 22km of cycling paths, and you can easily ride between beaches, lookouts, and attractions.
The main options to hire a bike is to get yourself a ferry ticket/bike hire package deal. Otherwise, Pedal and Flipper is the bicycle store on the island.
Alternativly, you can hire an e-bike from Paul’s ECO Ebike tours and join a guided tour of the island.
Rottnest Island Bus (For a Relaxed Ride)
If cycling isn’t your thing, the Island Explorer Bus runs continuously around Rottnest, stopping at all major attractions. You can hop on and off all day, making it a great option for those who want a more relaxed visit.
Get your bus pass here
Walking
Many key sights are within walking distance from the main settlement. If you’re short on time, you can explore areas like Pinky Beach, The Basin, and Wadjemup Lighthouse on foot.
Always remember to take plenty of water and stay on the trails.
Where to Eat on Rottnest Island
Best Quick Bites
- Rottnest Bakery – Famous for their delicious jam donuts! Grab yourself a sandwich here and take it away to one of the lovely beaches close by.
- The Lane Café – Great coffee and gourmet snacks. Think: fresh juices, acai bowls and more! The Lane Cafe is also perfect for those looking for dietary requirements such as gluten free or vegan.
Great Lunch Options
- Frankie’s on Rotto – For a sit down meal, Frankie’s on Rotto serves lovely Italian inspired meals. Here, you’ll find handmade sourdough pizzes, pasta, salads and more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Rottnest Hotel – If you’re after pub classics, head to the Rottnest Hotel. During the summer, live music will be on stage. This hotel is walk-in only, so grab a table early for a good spot.
Drinks & Dinner
- Isola Bar E Cibo– For beach frontage views, the Isola Bar E Cibo offers a huge selection of Italian food and drinks.
- Pinky’s Beach Club – Amazing cocktails with sunset views. Pinky’s also has a large range of locally made food.
Best Time to Visit Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Summer (December–February) – Best for Beach Lovers
- Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beach hopping.
- Expect hot temperatures (up to 40°C/104°F).
- Book ferries, bike rentals, and tours in advance as this is the most popular time.
Autumn (March–May) – Best for Fewer Crowds & Warm Weather
- Great balance of warm days and fewer visitors.
- Ideal for cycling and exploring the island without the summer heat.
- Still warm enough to swim and snorkel. (Early autumn may still have the occasional very hot day, so be prepared)
Winter (June–August) – Best for Quieter, Scenic Visits
- Cooler temperatures (12–20°C/53–68°F) and fewer tourists.
- Great for hiking, wildlife spotting, and budget travel.
- Not the best time for swimming, but perfect for quokka spotting!
Spring (September–November) – Best for Wildflowers & Mild Weather
- Lush landscapes and stunning wildflowers.
- Comfortable temperatures for biking and outdoor activities.
- A fantastic mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and active wildlife.
No matter when you visit, Rottnest is a spectacular place to visit. Bring your bathers in summer and jumper in winter, and you’ll be set!
FAQs
Can I see all of Rottnest Island in a day trip?
Yes! While Rottnest Island is small enough to explore in a day, you won’t be able to experience everything in just a few hours. If you cycle or join a tour, you can see most of the main attractions, including quokka hotspots, stunning beaches, and scenic lookouts.
However, if you want to snorkel, hike, and truly relax, you might want to stay overnight.
How much does it cost to go to Rottnest for the day?
A day trip to Rottnest can cost anywhere from $100 to $250+ per person, depending on how you travel and what activities you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Ferry tickets: $80-$120 round trip (book in advance for deals!)
- Bike hire: $30-$40
- Snorkel gear rental: $20-$30 (or bring your own)
- Food: Varies greatly depending on what you like, or you can bring your own food.
- Tours: Vary from $50 (walking tour) to $200+ (boat adventures or guided experiences)
🔗 Check ferry prices and book your tickets here (Insert Viator affiliate link).
What do I need to bring to Rottnest Island?
Pack light, but make sure you bring:
- Sunscreen: at least a 50+ sunscreen from a reputable shop. Apply many times during the day. If you’re going to snorkel or enter the water, please make sure that it is safe for coral. It will say on the packaging if it is OK.
- Hat & sunglasses: to keep you safe from the sun!
- Swimsuit & towel: don’t forget a wet bag, or at least a plastic bag to put your wet bathers back in to take home. I like taking my lightweight travel towel so it doesn’t take up much space.
- Reusable water bottle: there are refill stations
- Snorkel gear: optional, but it’s always nicer to use your own gear. (I think anyway!)
- Comfortable shoes: Plenty of options to do some walking.
- Camera or phone: to capture the moments.
- Small backpack: to make it easy when walking or biking.
What is the best time of year to visit Rottnest Island?
The best time to visit Rottnest is from October to April, when the weather is warm, and the ocean is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Winter is best for the views and less crowds.
Our Thoughts
A Rottnest Island day trip is an absolute must for anyone visiting Western Australia. Snorkeling in hidden bays, cycle past breathtaking landscapes, or get that iconic quokka selfie! There is plenty to do for everyone, from the adventurous to the more relaxed traveller.
Our tip: make sure to book your ferry, tours, and accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re planning on visiting during the summer months.
If you have the time, we suggest to stay overnight! While Rotto is great for a day trip, to really experience everything and to slow down, stay overnight.
