The Ultimate day in Rottnest Island: A Guide to Best Food & Beaches

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Located a short distance off Perths coast line lies Rottnest Island. This Island paradise plays host to some of the areas most diverse land and sea creatures along the west coast. Not to mention it is the home of the happiest creatures on Earth the Quokkas!

Why go to Rottnest Island?

The island was originally named after the sighting of its friendly marsupial which were at the time confused for giant rats. These precious animals have now become an icon for the area and for visitors to capture a “quokka selfie”. Please remember that Quokkas are vulnerable animals and that you must never come in contact with them.

Rottnest Island is a great place for everyone! The island has no cars, which makes getting around very relaxing and also great for families wishing to visit with small children.

On the island there are a range of activities from water sports such as snorkelling or surfing and land actives such as hiking, cycling and even skydiving.

Heading to Esperance too? Why not check out Our Guide to Exploring Esperance

How to get there?

There are two ferry companies to be able to get across to Rottnest Island, either Rottnest Express or Sea Link. We took the Rottnest Express to get to the Island as they had a special on for one day week day returns.

The ferries leave multiple destinations around Perth including Perth city, Hilarys and Fremantle (either Rouse Head or B Shed). Crossing from Fremantle is the better of the options as it is only a 30 minute crossing and it tends to be slightly calmer seas however from the other destinations it is around an hour.

If you are short for time on the island you can also organise day return with tour companies that also include your ferry, island excursions including snorkelling, bus tours, and/or bike hire. Check out tours through Viator here

How to get around Rottnest?

There are multiple options to exploring Rottnest, whether you’re looking for a fast or slower paced day. On our last visit to the island it was a very warm day which was the deciding factor for us to take the island bus around as we felt it would be an uncomfortable day however in the past when visiting we have also biked around the island and this is possibly the best way to experience the island.

To explore the island you have the option to:

Hire a bike: this can be done either before departing through your ferry operator or on the island through the islands shop called Pedal & Flipper, located a short walk from the ferry terminal
Bring your own bike: to be able to bring your own bike you need to add this on to your ferry booking
Hire an electric bike: looking to enjoy the island but still cycle around then hire an electric bike from Pedal & Flipper
Buy a day bus pass: explore the island with a hop on hop off bus, this allows you one loop around the island. Tickets can be purchased online or from the bus stop for $25 per person
Walk or Hike around the island: the island itself is only 19 km², this makes walking the island an option

When is the best time to go?

As Rottnest is an Island that has something for everyone there is no perfect day to head to Rottnest. However visiting the Island is usually recommended during the warmer months of October – March. It is advised though to avoid school holidays if possible as the island becomes rather busy and accomodation for these times will need to be booked well in advance. If you can opt for a week day to visit the island as most companies also give discounts to those travelling at off peak times.

Camping, Dormitories or Self Contained Cottages

If your looking to stay in a more self contained cottage which are part of the the islands stays itself. These can all can be booked through Stay Rottnest.

Best beaches:

Little Salmon

This is probably our favourite beach on the island and the one that we headed straight to when arriving on the island. Little Salmon by offers picture perfect snorkelling, with its snorkelling train set up around the bay. Make sure to get there early as the beach itself is only small and fills up very quickly.

Pinkys

If you aren’t looking to move far from the best for a day relaxing followed by cocktails at the bar then make sure to park yourself up at Pinkys for the day.

Salmon Bay

Salmon Bay is Rottnest’s longest beach which is best for sprawling out on a little piece of paradise. Here you can always find a little slice of sand to feel like you’re far enough away from the person next to you.

Where to eat & drink?

As Rottnest Island grows so have the eateries on the island. Depending what you are looking for there is a variety of different types of food.

Hotel Rottnest is a popular spot located in Thompson bay which is a close walk from the ferry, here they serve a full menu of pub classics and signature cocktails to match.

Pinkys Rottnest boast beautiful views out onto the water and the lighthouse below. The menu here is full of locally sourced produce and Western Australian alcohol to match.

Rottnest Bakery is an island icon. It serves up a range of different bakery items, just what you need after a full day around the island.

Since Rottnest is also an island and produce will need to be shipped across you will find that food is more expensive than what you would normally expect to pay. For our day trip we packed a picnic and took it across with us on the ferry, you can also do this when enjoying an extended stay on the island.