Rottnest Island Day Trip: Everything You Need To Know

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Rottnest Island is at the top of many bucket lists when visiting Perth, and ours was no exception. This little island, just a short ferry ride from the mainland, is world-famous for its most adorable residents—the quokkas!

But there’s so much more to Rottnest Island than just quokka selfies! With stunning beaches, scenic walking tracks, and unique history, there’s a lot to see and do—so much, in fact, that a day trip almost doesn’t feel like enough.

If you’re visiting Rottnest for just one day, having a plan is essential to make the most of your time, because you’re not going to see it all in a single day.

This Rottnest Island day trip guide will help you hit the ground running, covering how to get there, transport options, must-see attractions, wildlife encounters, and even accommodation (just in case you decide to stay longer).

We missed the chance to visit Rottnest Island on our first trip to Western Australia, so it was top of the list of things to do in Perth for our second trip. And it did not disappoint!

Getting to Rottnest Island

Since Rottnest Island sits off the coast of Perth in the Indian Ocean, the best way to get there is by ferry. While private boats and even scenic flights are options, most visitors take the ferry as it’s the easiest and most affordable choice.

There are three main Rottnest Island ferry departure points:

• Hillarys Boat Harbour (northern Perth suburbs) – Slightly cheaper but less convenient unless you’re staying nearby. Travel time: 45 minutes.
• Fremantle (B Shed Jetty) – The shortest ferry ride at 25-30 minutes, but may require extra travel time if you’re coming from Perth. There are multiple services including Rottnest Express and SeaLink Rottnest.
• Barrack Street Jetty (Elizabeth Quay, CBD) – The longest journey at 75 minutes, with a scenic Swan River cruise before stopping at Fremantle and heading onto Rottnest.

Since we were staying in Swan Valley, taking the fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour made the most sense. The 45-minute ride was smooth, with plenty of seating, and overall, we had a great experience!

This ferry is often cheaper than other options, but if you’re staying in Perth or Fremantle, it might not be the most convenient choice.

For those prone to seasickness, the Fremantle ferry is your best bet—it’s the shortest crossing, meaning less time on the open ocean. But if you like a more relaxed journey with river views, the Perth CBD ferry is a nice option if that’s where you’re staying.

Insider Tip: Each of the different ferry services have similar but slightly different timetables. If you’ve got the choice of different times to return to Perth, always opt for the latest one. You will easily fill the full day!

Ferry Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Book your tickets in advance – Ferries can sell out, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
• Arrive early – Boarding takes time, and getting a good seat (indoor or shaded) makes the trip more comfortable.
• Prepare for seasickness – The ride can be choppy, especially in windy conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication or sea bands. We always use Kwells and have found them the best for our very prone to motion sickness younger child.
• Pack snacks & water – Food is available on the ferry and island, but bringing your own is more budget-friendly.
• Rottnest Island Admission Fee: This is a requirement for every visitor and is currently around $20 per person. This fee is included in each of the ferry ticket prices.
• Book your bikes with your ferry: Most of the Rottnest ferry service also have their own bike rental and these bikes tend to be in better condition than the bikes you can hire on the island.

How Rough is the Rottnest Ferry?

Before our trip, we saw plenty of videos of rough ferry rides and seasick passengers, which had us a little nervous—especially since both I and our youngest struggle with seasickness.

Luckily, we had a perfectly calm day and felt fine (with our Kwells sea sickness tablets).

That wasn’t the case for some of our extended family, though. Just a few days earlier, they took the ferry in rough conditions, and all four of them got seasick! So, while we had a great experience, the ocean can be unpredictable, and it’s worth being prepared just in case.

How Long Do You Need At Rottnest Island?

This question is best answered while we’re talking ferries! In most cases, each of the ferry services will offer 1-2 different departure times in the morning and afternoon.

When researching our own trip, I was worried we would run out of things to do but every single thing I read said go for the longest possible time on the island! We did and I’m so glad we chose that option.

Rottnest Island isn’t huge, but it’s sizable enough to get around, either by bike or bus, or on foot. There are 63 beaches and 20 bays on the island. You’re not going to see even 1/4 of those in a single day but you want to give it a good crack, so catch the earliest ferry there and opt for the latest ferry back, if you can!

They require you to choose a time so they can guarantee space on the return trip. However, if they do offer an earlier departure, you can often catch this if there is space and it leaves a little earlier than the last ferry.

And if you’ve got an extra day or two to spare and money to splurge, book early and get yourself accommodation on the island so you can see even more of it!

Getting Around Rottnest Island

Once you arrive on Rottnest Island, you’ll quickly notice that cars aren’t allowed, (with the exception of a couple of utility vehicles), which adds to the island’s relaxed and eco-friendly vibe.

But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to get around.

1. Cycling – The Most Popular Option 🚴‍♂️

One of the best ways to explore Rottnest is by bike. The island is mostly flat with well-maintained roads, making it a great place for cycling, even if you’re not an experienced rider.

• Bike hire is available on the island (but can sell out in peak season, so pre-booking is a good idea).
• Many ferry companies offer bike hire packages, letting you pick up your bike as soon as you arrive.
• If you’re bringing young kids, bike trailers and e-bikes are also available for hire.
• The full loop of the island is about 22km, but you don’t have to do the whole thing—there are plenty of shorter routes.

If you’re not a confident rider or don’t love hills, an e-bike might be worth considering—some parts of the island can be a bit of a workout!

We didn’t hire bikes because our eldest can’t ride a bike (total parent fail)… plus it was a really hot day so we went with the bus!

2. Island Explorer Bus – A Great Alternative 🚌

If cycling sounds a bit too ambitious, the Island Explorer Bus is a great option. This hop-on, hop-off bus runs regularly around the island, stopping at all the major beaches, bays, and attractions.

• There are 19 bus stops on the route and they are all worth exploring!
• It runs every 15-30 minutes during peak times and slightly less frequently in quieter months.
• You can buy a day pass and hop on and off as much as you like.
• It’s a great option for families with younger kids or anyone who prefers a more relaxed way to explore.

We loved the bus option. It was around $30 per person or you can get a discounted family pass for the day.

Initially we got off at every stop but soon realised we didn’t have time to do them all so we had to pick and choose the best ones! The bus drivers usually give you a quick rundown of what’s at each stop before you get there so you know if you want to get off.

If you’re short on time or want to see more in one day without the effort of cycling, the bus is a great choice.

3. Walking – Perfect for Shorter Adventures 🚶‍♀️

If you’re sticking to the main settlement area or just visiting a couple of beaches, walking is an easy way to explore. There are several scenic walking trails, including sections of the Wadjemup Bidi, a network of trails covering different parts of the island.

Some of the best short walks include:

• The Settlement to Pinky Beach – A quick, easy walk with great views.
• The Basin to Geordie Bay – A slightly longer walk with stunning coastal scenery.

If you’re visiting for the day, walking alone won’t get you far unless you’re happy sticking to the main areas. But for an overnight trip, exploring on foot is a great way to slow down and take in the views.

4. Segway Tours – A Fun & Unique Option

If you want something a little different, Segway tours offer a guided way to see the island while learning about its history. These tours are apparently easy to ride, even for beginners, and take you along scenic paths past some of Rottnest’s most iconic sights.

Which Option is Best?

• For an active adventure → Hire a bike or e-bike.
• For a relaxed trip → Take the Island Explorer Bus.
• For short visits or budget-conscious → Walk around the main settlement and nearby beaches.
• For something unique → Try a Segway tour.

Whatever you choose, Rottnest is an easy place to explore, and the lack of cars makes it feel like a true island escape!

Arriving At Rottnest Island

As your ferry pulls into Thomson Bay, you will be greeted by crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and the laid-back island vibe that Rottnest is known for.

The main settlement area is just a short walk from the jetty, and this is where you’ll find most of the island’s facilities, bike hire, tour operators, and restaurants. At first it doesn’t look like much, but as you get a little further along the path, there are a lot more facilities.

What to Do First

Pick Up Your Bike or Bus Pass – If you’ve pre-booked bike hire or a bus pass, head straight to the collection point near the ferry terminal. If you haven’t booked in advance, you might still be able to hire a bike on the day, but availability can be limited, especially in peak season. You can get an Island Explorer bus day pass at the main bus stop. There’s a small booth to the side.

Grab a Map – While Rottnest is fairly easy to navigate, a map from the visitor centre can help you plan your route and make sure you don’t miss anything. There was a volunteer handing maps out as we walked by but you can get them inside too.

Check the Free Tour Times – There are several free walking tours offered each day on the island, including a quokka tour. We did this one around 45 minutes after we arrived and it was a nice chance to learn a little more about the quokkas.

Say Hi to the Quokkas – Even before you start exploring, you might spot quokkas around the settlement area. These friendly little marsupials are one of the main reasons visitors flock to Rottnest!

Stock Up on Snacks & Water – While there are food and drink options around the island, having a few essentials on hand (especially water) is a good idea, especially if you’re planning to cycle or visit more remote areas where there are no shops or restaurants. The bakery is perfect for a mid-morning snack!

Facilities at Thomson Bay

The main settlement area at Thomson Bay has everything you need before heading off to explore:

• Visitor Information Centre
• Toilets & Showers
• Cafés & Restaurants
• Bakery
• Bike & equipment hire
• Tour operators & visitor information
• Accommodation

Once you’ve got everything sorted, it’s time to set off and start exploring Rottnest Island!

Ok, But What About The Quokkas?

Okay, I’ll admit it—the quokkas were my number one priority too. I was practically expecting to see the famous smiling marsupials the moment we stepped off the ferry. But surprise, surprise… we didn’t!

Instead, we explored the village area a bit before spotting our first quokka casually roaming near the lodge.

Not quite knowing what to expect, we crouched down, and to our delight, the quokka came right over, sniffing around and even almost climbing into my lap. It was such a cool moment!

During our free quokka walking tour, we learned that the quokkas closest to the settlement are particularly fond of human food (even though it’s not good for them). These quokkas often have rough patches in their fur, which is a sign they have been eating the wrong things.

So, please, don’t feed the quokkas!

It’s tempting, I know, but feeding them human food does more harm than good.

If you do want to interact with them, our guide suggested pulling green leaves from the trees they like to hang around. The quokkas will happily nibble on these, and at least you’ll know you’re offering something that’s good for them.

We spent maybe 2 hours of our day just hanging out with quokkas and it was amazing. You will typically find them in the shady areas, under trees.

Quokkas are nocturnal so many of them will be sleeping during your day trip, but we found they were a lot more active in the afternoon, and you will still find quite a few of them out and about during the day.

Best Things To Do On Rottnest Island

Like we mentioned at the start, there is a lot of things to see and do on Rotto and you’re not going to fit everything into a single day trip! But here are some of the best ways to spend a day at Rottnest Island:

1. Meet the Quokkas

Let’s face it—the quokkas are probably the highlight of most people’s trip to Rottnest Island. These adorable, friendly little marsupials are everywhere, and getting up close with them is a must.

While they’re most commonly found around the settlement area, you might also spot them while exploring beaches and walking trails.

Just look for where a group of people are pointing their phones, and there’s probably a quokka there.

If you’re really lucky, you might even see a baby quokka peeping out of the pouch.

Like other marsupials, quokkas give birth to live young who spend their first several months in the pouch, and as they get older, they might start to come out of the pouch, before they are evicted ready for the next baby to make the pouch their home.

2. Explore the Beaches

Rottnest Island is home to some of the most stunning beaches, and whether you’re into swimming, sunbaking, or just taking in the views, you won’t want to miss them.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Western Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and Rottnest may very well be home to a few of them.

The only thing is, compared to our east coast beaches in Queensland, the water temperature is a little lower. Even on a hot summer day, it can be a little chilly taking a dip and there was a noticeable temperature difference between some of the Rottnest bays and beaches.

Still… if you’ve just ridden your bike halfway across the island, you might be quite eager for a swim, chilly or not!

Also, with 63 beaches and 20 bays, you can bet we didn’t even see half of those. I don’t even know if we saw the best Rottnest Island beaches, but the ones we did see were BREATHTAKING!

Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or sea lions too.

Some of our favourite Rotto beaches and bays included:

Parker Point

This was a quieter area with calm shallow waters that were warmer than many of the other places we swam.

This is a great spot for snorkelling but it would also be a good family-friendly place for the kids to splash about in the shallow water. So incredibly clear. Just take care on the slippery rocks!

Little Salmon Bay

This was one of the most popular beaches we visited (although we didn’t get to some of the really popular ones closer to the village). There were so many people, even though it’s a really small bay area.

There are bigger waves at this bay, making it a little more fun, but not somewhere you want to go if you want your own peaceful stretch of sand like Parker Point. It is beautiful though. It’s also meant to be good for snorkelling.

Salmon Bay

We spent the most time swimming at Salmon Bay. It was so much quieter than Little Salmon Bay and maybe a tad less cold too. It was also really calm and just spectacular.

This is one of many areas that attracts surfers too, although it was very calm when we were there. This might have been my favourite spot of the day.

Henreitta Rocks

This is a great spot for snorkelling as there are some shipwrecks not too far from the beach, but mostly we just enjoyed the beautiful view at this stop. It was very popular, even on a fairly quiet mid-week day.

We didn’t get to all the most popular beaches. After the first few stops, and forgetting to bring snacks with us, we were tired and starving so we headed back into the village for lunch and more quokka time. Rookie mistake!

Recommendations from friends and family:

• Pinkie Beach – Famous for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. It’s perfect for a swim or a picnic.
• The Basin – Known for its incredible snorkelling. You’ll find an abundance of marine life, including colourful fish and even the occasional stingray.
• Geordie Bay – A quieter, more secluded spot, great for relaxing or having a peaceful paddle in the calm waters.
• Little Parakeet Bay – Close to the main settlement and good for snorkelling.

3. Take a Scenic Walk or Bike Ride

With plenty of walking trails and scenic routes, exploring the island on foot or by bike is one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Rottnest.

Some trails take you past historic sites, stunning beaches, and breathtaking coastal views. There are also walking tours you can take for free with a volunteer.

For a longer adventure, you can cycle or walk the 22km loop around the island (it takes around 4 hours minimum), or if you’re short on time, pick a shorter walk like the Bidi trail, which takes you through some of the island’s most striking landscapes.

4. Visit Wadjemup Lighthouse

For those interested in history, a trip to the Wadjemup Lighthouse is worth considering. We did visit the lighthouse, but by this time we were very hungry and decided not to do the tour into the lighthouse.

It’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia and offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. You can either take a guided tour or explore the lighthouse and its surrounds at your own pace.

It is a bit of a walk (or bike ride) up the hill as the bus drops you off at the bottom, but it only takes around 5-7 minutes to walk up the top.

There is an admission charge for the lighthouse.

5. Discover Rottnest’s Rich History

Rottnest Island is more than just a beautiful island—it has a rich history that’s definitely worth exploring.

Rottnest Island has a complex history beyond its stunning beaches. Originally home to the Noongar people, the island was used as a prison for Aboriginal men from 1838 to 1931. During World War II, it served as a military defense base, with gun emplacements still visible today. Now a protected reserve, Rottnest’s past is preserved through museums and heritage sites.

If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s Aboriginal heritage, colonial past, and role during World War II, you can visit some of the historic buildings and sites around the island.

Our quokka guide told us that the street lined with accommodation (formerly residences of the island’s inhabitants) is the oldest streetscape in Australia. Very cool!

There are quite a few museums and points of interest, including the Wadjemup Museum, which we visited towards the end of our day and the pilot boathouse, which is set up with interactive displays to tell the history of the island.

We did not get the chance to do the Oliver Hill Gun and tunnels tour, but there’s certainly plenty to do if you have the time to spare or are more interested in the history than the landscape.

6. Visit The Salt Lakes

This is another thing we didn’t have time to explore up close, but from the bus we did see some of the salt lakes on the island. Some of them are pink, which is very cool to see. Although not quite as impressive as Hutt Lagoon at Port Gregory, further north.

7. Do A Free Walking Tour

You will notice soon after arriving at Rottnest that there are quite a few people wearing yellow shirts – these are the Rottnest Island volunteers!

The volunteers are there to help visitors out with a variety of things, like running the museums and information centre, but they also do a heap of free walking tours each day too.

We only had time to do the quokka tour but next time I’d love to do a few of the other tours as well, as the island has so much history for such a tiny place!

8. Visit The Playground

Right near the village, you will find a modern playground area with swings and other play equipment for the kids.

This is in a great spot right near all the restaurants and cafes and the museum, so it’s a good place to wind down before catching your ferry back to the mainland. If you’re visiting with kids, sometimes they’ve just gotta do their kid thing for a bit.

Insider Tip: Under the wooden platform near the playground you will often find heaps of quokkas sleeping in the shade.

Other Things To Do On The Island

If you are staying overnight or for a few days on Rottnest Island (lucky you), there are quite a few other activities suited more to longer stays.

There’s Rottnest Island Golf Course, if you’re a keen golfer, plus they have lawn bowls and often live music too.

There’s a small movie theatre and mini golf. Or you can try your hand at the many water activities – surfing, fishing, boating.

So there’s actually a lot to do considering the island is only 19 square kilometres in size! Although beaches and quokkas are more than enough to please me!

Where to Eat on Rottnest Island

When it comes to dining on Rottnest Island, you will find plenty of options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Okay, I say different budgets but of course, with any island day trip, the prices are going to be higher than what you expect on the mainland, but they weren’t unreasonable.

You will find fine dining, casual dining, cafes, coffee shops and even an ice cream shop (this is possibly seasonal but it’s a great chance to try some of the many Simmo’s ice cream flavours… a Western Australian icon).

This is what we should have done so we could have enjoyed a few more stops on our bus route before coming back to the main settlement for lunch.

You will notice there are quokka barriers so they don’t come in and steal food.

Tips for a Smooth Rottnest Island Day Trip with Kids

Rottnest Island is one of the best family-friendly day trips from Perth, and a little planning goes a long way!

• Book Early – Ferries fill up fast in peak season (December–January), so secure your tickets in advance.
• Plan Ahead – Know how you will get around (bus, bike, walk) and prioritise must-see spots—the day flies by!
• Pack Essentials – Sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks are a must, especially if exploring beyond the village. You can bring your own lunch too if you want to keep it budget friendly!
• Choose the Closest Ferry – Pick the most convenient departure point from where you are staying, or the shortest ride from Fremantle if prone to seasickness.
• Prepare for Rough Seas – Windy days can mean choppy waters! Pack motion sickness tablets just in case. Better to not need them than to regret not bringing them! Especially with kids.
• Rent Bikes via Your Ferry Company – Island bike rentals can be hit-or-miss, from what our friends and family have all said, so book through your ferry company for better quality bikes.
• Stick to Family-Friendly Beaches – Parker Point, The Basin, and Geordie Bay have calmer waters for kids.
• Join Free Tours – Take a guided quokka walk or another free tour to learn more about the island. Who doesn’t love free things?

A mix of adventure and downtime will make your Rottnest Island day trip itinerary with kids an unforgettable one!

So if you’re at the end of this article and you’re still wondering if a day trip to Rottnest Island is worth it, then here’s your answer – YES! We absolutely loved our visit and can’t wait to go again, hopefully for an overnight stay next time so we can fit more into our visit. The beaches are beyond stunning, the quokkas are so freaking adorable, and apparently, September is the best time to visit Rottnest, because you also get wildflowers and baby quokkas too!

For more inspiration for your WA trip, don’t miss these best places to visit in Western Australia.