Rottnest Island is situated 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth. Getting to the island is easy as ferries depart regularly from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty, Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour - or you can get there by air with a seaplane, air taxi, or helicopter.
Rottnest Island offers visitors a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and a rich cultural heritage to discover, find out why the local Noongar people called the island Wadjemup which means ‘place across the water where the spirits are’.
Cycling is the best way to get around the island or there’s a hop-on/hop-off bus service that regularly runs around the island, stopping at some of the more secluded beaches and surf breaks.
With 63 of the prettiest beaches you’re likely to see anywhere, 20 beautiful bays, and many coral reefs and wrecks, Rottnest Island is a marine paradise. You can spend your days exploring some of the most spectacular swimming spots, diving, and surfing breaks in the world, and a must-do is exploring the snorkel trails, with over 135 species of tropical fish and 25 species of coral to discover.
There’s plenty to experience out of the water too, from meeting the world-famous Quokka to exploring the excellent bike and walking trails that traverse the island. You can also discover the island’s military history, as you explore underground tunnels, the lighthouse, Oliver Hill, and Bickley Battery. There are tours on the island which include a tour by bike, boat, or Segway, offering insightful experiences, from wildlife encounters to learning about Aboriginal heritage.
Rottnest is a bike-friendly island! Rottnest Express customers can hire adult and child bikes, purpose-built for the easy-going island terrain. With sunny days, easy-going terrain, and many miles of roads and trails to explore, Rottnest is a bike-riders paradise.
Experience Rottnest Island’s stunning coastline on a thrilling 90-minute high-speed boat adventure with Rottnest Express. Explore hidden beaches, limestone formations, and secluded bays as you zip through the island’s waters. Spot dolphins, seals, and even humpback whales during migration season, while learning about Rottnest’s unique marine life from your expert guide. This cruise is perfect for adventure seekers, offering an exciting way to discover the island’s natural beauty from the water.
Explore the beauty and history of Rottnest Island with the Discover Rottnest Bus Tour. This comprehensive, guided tour takes you around the entire island, offering spectacular views, fascinating commentary, and plenty of opportunities to capture those picture-perfect moments. You'll learn about Rottnest’s rich cultural heritage, its stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife, including the famous quokkas. Relax in comfort aboard an air-conditioned coach as you journey past pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and historic landmarks, making this the ideal way to explore all of Rottnest Island’s must-see highlights in a single trip.
Sip on bubbles, fine Margaret River wine, and chilled local beers while a private executive chef and crew craft fresh seafood delicacies and local produce into a 7-course long deluxe lunch. Relax onboard as you visit one of the finest fisheries in the world to catch your very own Western Rock Lobster before it is prepared for you on deck; the freshest seafood you could ever eat. While anchored in a pristine turquoise bay, choose to swim, float, or simply relax on board, taking in the outstanding views from one of the three decks. Welcome aboard your Luxe Island Seafood Cruise.
This fascinating tour takes in all of Rottnest’s must-see locations cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history to future developments. It begins with an informative ride up Oliver Hill, passing some iconic and historical landmarks on the Island. Upon arriving at Oliver Hill, you will be taken on a guided 1-hour tour through the stunning tunnel system that once played a crucial role in Australia’s military defense in World War II. After that, you will enjoy a guided coach tour around the Island. Learn about shipwrecks and maritime history, the iconic lighthouse, and Noongar history. You will see Rottnest Island’s flora, fauna, and sea life on Rottnest Island’s most western point.
Rottnest Island is the “Emerald Isle in a Sea of Sapphire”, only 19km off the mainland coast promising to leave a lasting impression. Enhance your Rottnest experience with this unique offering of a historic train ride and a behind-the-scenes tour of Rottnest’s little-known WWII fortifications.
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping 45-minute Thrill Boat Cruise around Rottnest Island with Rottnest Express. Hold on tight as you speed along the island’s rugged coastline, experiencing high-speed turns, spins, and wave riding. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery and keep an eye out for marine life, including playful dolphins and seals. This heart-racing adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a fun and exhilarating way to explore Rottnest’s crystal-clear waters.
Witness the annual southern migration of the Humpback Whales on a scenic 2-hour whale-watching cruise departing from Fremantle. Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the majestic whales annually. From September to the end of November, these gentle giants can be sighted frolicking in the waters off the Sunset Coast. Get up close to the magnificent marine mammals aboard an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art vessel and enjoy the best possible view of the majestic whales from one of three viewing decks. Take advantage of a large open deck space to capture spectacular close-up photographs. You may even hear the beautiful songs of the whales on a hydrophone!
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If you are planning a trip to Australia, you can rely on the expertise of a team of Australian specialists to help you design the perfect itinerary. Whether you are interested in exploring the Whitsunday Islands, Tasmania, the Red Centre, Perth, or any other part of the country, they can assist you in finding the best options to suit your interests, preferences, and budget.
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Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the team can help you create an itinerary that meets your needs and interests. They will work with you to ensure that you get the most out of your trip, and provide you with up-to-date and honest advice to help you make the best decisions.