Rottnest Island in Western Australia offers quokkas, pristine beaches, and a relaxed, car-free atmosphere.
It doesn’t take too long for plans to be abandoned on Rottnest Island. I wanted to go all the way across to the western tip, to see the sea lions that hang out there. It would be 11km from the ferry jetty – all very manageable on a bike when the ground is pretty flat. And I could stop at some World War II defences on the way should I wish.
However, the Rottnest Island vibe takes over very quickly. Nobody walks or pedals particularly fast on this Western Australian island, 19km from the port city of Fremantle by ferry and a smidge further from downtown Perth. It’s car-free, extremely laid-back and has just enough distractions for those who want them.
Activities and attractions on Rottnest Island
Go one way, and it’s Segway tours, a museum and skydives. But head along the coast, beyond the lighthouse, and suddenly the Rottnest Island beaches start looking mighty tempting. Some have small boats moored – anyone with a yacht will come over from the mainland on a sunny day. But then there’s Little Parakeet Bay, a near-perfect cove with white sand and water that plays up to all the Indian Ocean stereotypes.
The seals in the west can wait for another day. I’m abandoning the bike and opting for the snorkelling instead. Big schools of tiny fish are darting around the banks of sea grass, and I’ve got the beach to myself. If this isn’t living the dream, then you’ve got the dream all wrong.
Why book the Rottnest Island Bike & Snorkel Tour?
- 🚤 Includes round-trip ferry transfer from Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island
- 🚴 Bike hire is provided so you can explore the island at your own pace
- 🤿 Guided snorkeling session with gear provided (mask, snorkel, fins)
- 🌊 Swim in clear reefs and secluded bays, spotting marine life and underwater beauty
- ⏱ Typically a full-day experience (often 8–9 hours) including transfer, biking, snorkeling, and return
- ⭐ Highly rated — praised for scenic views, marine life, and flexible self-guided portions
- ✅ Mobile ticket accepted; check cancellation policy and seasonal departure times
Meet the quokkas on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island has long been Perth’s favourite escape. But it’s the local residents that get the most attention. Quokkas are medium-sized, incredibly cute marsupials that look somewhere between a wallaby, a gopher, a mouse and a squirrel.
They’re hard to find elsewhere, even in Western Australia. They tend to live in rural areas and can be quite shy. But the Rottnest Island quokka population is wonderfully inquisitive.
These quokkas gave Rottnest Island its name – the first Dutch explorers to land there thought they were rats. They have no natural predators on the island, and don’t seem to think humans are a threat either.
Where to find quokkas on Rottnest Island
Plenty can be found scuffling around in the leaf litter by the roadside on the way to Little Parakeet Bay. But, like kangaroos, they love a golf course. Nosy around on the fairways of Rottnest Island Golf Course, and you’re pretty sure to find some.
In truth, though, you don’t even need to go that far. Plenty hang out around the shops and cafés in the main settlement near the ferry jetty. Often, they’re tucked up and asleep next to a flower bed. But when they wake up, they bounce around, or come up to investigate what’s in bags.
These quokkas have been marketed as the happiest animals on earth and it’s not difficult to see why. They’re inquisitive, they’ve no shortage of people willing to feed them leaves, and they seem quite content to smile for the camera.
5 great things to do in Perth
- 🚲 Take the ferry to Rottnest Island – then cycle to the beaches and quokkas.
- 🌌 Dine in the desert and go stargazing – on an evening Pinnacles tour.
- 🐬 Swim with wild dolphins – on a wildlife adventure to Rockingham.
- 🍷 Combine a Swan River cruise with wine-tasting in the Swan Valley.
- 🏟️ Go behind the scenes – on an Optus Stadium tour.
Visitor information for Rottnest Island
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I get to Rottnest Island? | Take the Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle or Perth. Return fares start from $84.50 |
| Can I hire bikes on the island? | Yes, although you’re best off booking a ferry plus bike hire package and taking your bike straight from the boat. Prices start at $120.50. |
| Where can I stay near Rottnest Island? | The Quest Fremantle offers modern, fully kitted-out apartments in a historic building from |
| How do I fly to Perth from the UK? | Singapore Airlines is among the airlines flying from Heathrow and Manchester to Perth (in this case, via Singapore). |
| Where can I find more information about Rottnest Island? | Visit Western Australia’s official tourism site for detailed guides, attractions, and planning tips. |
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