Rottnest Island Day Trip: Best Beaches, Food & Things to Do
If you’re looking for a unique, one of a kind day trip from Perth, then have a look at Rottnest Island. Getting there by ferry is easy, but it’s also part of the Rottnest Island adventure.
It’s one of our favourite day trips from Perth, right up there with a sunset session at Cottesloe Beach on the mainland.
While you can easily spend the full day at Rottnest Island, it’s hard to fit in everything – as you’ll see from this guide! But, if you’re limited for time, have a read and choose which sections of the island you’ll see first.
This guide will cover everything from how to get to Rottnest Island, the best places to eat, see and what to do while you’re there.
Enjoy 🙂
– Book your day tours here: Viator.com
– Book your camper hire here: StarRV.com.au
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
Rottnest Island Day Trip Overview
To make the most of every second on the island, here are a few tips and one option for a daily itinerary:
- Take the first ferry of the day to get the most amount of time. The early morning is worth it!
- Morning: Bike riding, quokka selfies, and swimming at The Basin
- Afternoon: Snorkelling, scenic hikes, and exploring hidden beaches
- Evening: Sunset drinks and a relaxing ferry ride back to the mainland
How to get to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island sits about 18 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle, and the only way to get there is by ferry, private boat or small plane. For most visitors, it’s the ferry.
By Ferry
The two main ferry companies are Rottnest Express and Sealink. Both provide a similar service at a similar price. They run multiple departures daily, though timetables shift depending on the season, so check current schedules before you book.
You can depart from three mainland points: Fremantle, Perth city (Barrack Street Jetty), or Hillarys Boat Harbour in the northern suburbs. Fremantle is the most popular and has the most frequent sailings. The crossing takes around 25 to 30 minutes from Fremantle, closer to 90 minutes if you’re coming from the city.
Return ferry tickets typically run between $60 and $90 per adult, depending on the operator, departure point, and time of year. Book in advance in summer and school holidays.
Book your ferry here and secure your spot early, especially in peak season!
A quick tip: Fremantle is easy to reach from Perth city by train, which makes the Fremantle departure the simplest option if you’re coming from the CBD. Park in Fremantle, grab the ferry, done.
By Scenic Flight
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can fly there from Perth. This is pricier but way fancier, and would make a great story!
Leave from South Perth Fishing Jetty, which is easily accessible via public transport from Perth cbd, and arrive in style right there on 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 Island 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
Snorkelling at Little Salmon Bay
Rottnest is home to some of the best snorkelling in WA. Little Salmon Bay is a top spot with crystal-clear waters and colourful marine life. Little Salmon is one of the southernmost tips of the island. It is great for families due to its sheltered location.
For the best experience, I would recommend jumping on board a snorkelling boat tour with a marine biologist guide. For a highly rated tour, I enjoyed the tour from Rottnest Snorkel. It’s a comfortable 17-meter boat, you get all snorkelling equipment included – which means you don’t have to carry anything across to the island! It’s a 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 snorkelling tour here for some first class fish spotting!
Take a Segway Tour
Want to explore beyond the beaches? Hop on a Segway tour to learn more about the history of Rottnest Island.
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. I think 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. Tip: Order a refreshing Aperol Spritz and soak in the stunning views. Make sure you allow plenty of time to just sit and enjoy.
Best Sunset Spots
If you prefer a quiet sunset, head to Bathurst Lighthouse or West End, both of which 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. Accommodation on the island needs to be booked well in advance as it is a very popular place to stay.
Best Budget Stay:
For those who love camping, check out 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 at 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 booking for your day on Rottnest Island. Just make sure you book them ahead of time as it can get busy.
- Grand Tour and Historical Train Ride – visit the most interesting locations on Rotto on this half-day sightseeing bus tour. Let the knowledgeable tour guides show you around and explain the deep history of Rottnest Island.
- Snorkel and Sail – Explore the coast and snorkel 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 most common way to get around.
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 are to get yourself a ferry ticket/bike hire package deal. Otherwise, Pedal and Flipper is the bicycle store on the island.
Alternatively, you can hire an e-bike from Paul’s ECO Ebike tours and join a guided tour of the island.
Rottnest Island Bus
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 of 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 doughnuts! 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 pizzas, 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 beachfrontage 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, snorkelling, 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.
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 snorkelling. 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. Snorkelling 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 staying overnight! While Rotto is great for a day trip, to really experience everything and to slow down, stay overnight.
