This is the perfect day trip Itinerary to Rottnest Island. We have put together the best route for you to get the most out of Rotto on your day trip to this paradise island. This itinerary is suitable for everyone as it includes cycling, buses, snorkelling, beaches and Quokkas!
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After spending 3 months living on this amazing island we feel that we have a good idea of the best places to visit if you are here for just the day. We have included a map of each stop on our itinerary so you can clearly see your route around Rottnest Island.
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Although we have designed this itinerary more for people visiting for the day, it can easily be extended by spending longer at each location. If you are lucky enough to be spending more than a day on the island, then you are definitely in for a treat.
If you would prefer to take a Full Island Tour, instead of figuring it out for yourself. Then you also have that option.
For Rottnest’s Best Bits, click here!
Where Is Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is found on the West Coast of Western Australia. Close to the capital of Perth, the distance from Rottnest Island to Perth is 33kms. The island is on 19km2 which is actually the same size as Fremantle.
How To Get To Rottnest Island
For most people, there is only one way of getting to Rotto and that is by taking the Rottnest Island ferries. Unless you have your own private boat which is the other option, the ferry is going to be the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way of getting to this magical island. The journey from Perth to Rottnest Island will take 30 minutes each way.
Closer to the winter months the sea can get choppy so if you get travel sick like us we recommend sitting at the rear of the boat and taking your medication beforehand.
We recommend booking your Rottnest Island ferry in advance as it sells out quickly in the summer months. When booking your ferry to Rottnest Island you have the option to add on your bicycle and snorkel hire for the day, this can save you time and money.
Queuing up at the Rottnest bike hire store on the island can take a long time.
⛴️ Fremantle to Rottnest – B Shed 30 Mins to Rotto
⛴️ Northport Rous Head Harbour, North Fremantle to Rottnest – 30 Mins to Rotto
⛴️ Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay, Perth – 90 Mins to Rotto
⛴️ Hillarys to Rottnest – 40 Mins to Rotto
A Rottnest Island Map🗺️
Quokka’s on Rottnest Island
First things first there are around 10,000 Quokkas on Rottnest Island and with this itinerary, you will see a lot. We request that you refrain from feeding or touching them, especially at the settlement. After you get back on the ferry, it’s the locals that have to deal with the ill animals.
A Quokka is in the same marsupial family as the Kangaroo🦘 Its basically a combination of a kangaroo and a large rat but it got a great smile. It soared to fame with the hashtag #quokkaselfie which saw these cuties become Instagram famous without them even knowing.
They can only be found here in Western Australia, mainly on Rottnest Island. They have no natural predators so they are not scared of humans.
Quokka selfies are actually really hard to get. It involves you laying on the floor, in their poop and hoping it looks up. We’ve found the trick to it is if someone else holds a leaf above the camera, it will look up and you will get that award-winning smile on camera!
THEY SHOULD NOT BE FED HUMAN FOOD! We can not make this more clear! Their little bodies can not handle our food and it makes them sick. Unfortunately, we are witness to the ‘resident crack head quokkas’ around the shops.
These quokkas are addicted to sugar and are much more aggressive than the others on the island. We have even named one Mad Max that lives outside the bakery because he’s got so many battle scars.
What to bring for your Rottnest Island day trip
With some of the most beautiful beaches, clearest water and the best snorkelling we’ve ever seen, Rotto makes for the perfect beach day.
👙 Swimmers
🥽 Snorkel and Flippers
🚴🏼♂️ Bike
👟 Shoes/clothes to cycle in – Bike shorts are your best friend!
🥾 Wet shoes to explore the rock pools and rough sea bed
🍻 Eske with some beers
🎶 Speaker for music in your room/beach/bike basket
🧴 Suncream
How to get around on your Rottnest Island day trip
↠ The Island express bus 🚌 There are no vehicles on Rottnest Island
You can’t rely on Uber here I’m afraid. The only two ways of getting around are either on the Islands Hop on Hop Off Bus or to cycle. The bus is roughly $20 for the whole day and the best way to explore if the weather is too hot. This bus goes in a clockwise direction and is one way. It takes roughly around an hour to do a full loop on the bus.
↠ Rottnest Island bike hire 🚴
You can rent a bike (Helmets are mandatory) from the ferry companies which are roughly around $30. You can get an e-bike for $60 and $200 deposit. We would suggest bringing your own bike and LOCK, unfortunately, Rottnest is not immune from crime. This way you can save money on bike hire and you know you will have a good bike for the day.
Beware Rottnest is extremely hilly, so a medium level of fitness is recommended for cycling around the whole island. This takes a few hours to complete…not that we have managed to get that far!
TRAVEL TIP↠ If you want to see lots of places and are only here for the day, we recommend just jumping on the bus and saving your self from exhaustion!
The Settlement
The Settlement is the only area of shops on the island.
There is a
- General store (IGA prices)
- Bakery 🧁
- Clothes Store👚
- The Lane Cafe ☕
- Subway 🥖
- Frankie’s Italian🍕
- Dome
- Thompsons and the Hotel.
- There is one more General store and cafe near Geordie Bay but that is it.
If you are headed out all day, please take enough drinking water as most of the drinking taps aren’t always working. As we are writing this blog post we are currently working at the Bakery so we have to include how good the Pies and coffee are!
You can’t come to Rotto without having got your self a morning pie for all the exercise you are about to do 🙂
Rottnest Island Day Trip – Our itinerary
Each stop we have listed is accessible via the Rottnest Island Explorer bus and by bicycle. We highly recommend following this route we have created, because if you aren’t already aware, Western Australia can become very windy in the afternoons.
This means that the south side of the island takes the force of this wind in the afternoon. The sea can become rough and the beaches slightly unpleasant. An example is pictured below, Salmon Bay which is on the Southside in the morning and afternoon.
Thomson Bay Rottnest – Stop 1 🥐
Your ferry will pull into Thompson bay and it is here where you can either hire a bike or purchase a day ticket for the bus. If you plan to cycle we suggest pre-booking your bike hire as you can be waiting for a while in the queue.
If you’re lazy like us, the bus you will need is called the Island explorer Hop on Hop Off ticket. This is $20 for the whole day and you can use it as many times throughout the day as possible. The bus drivers also sell bottles of water!
TRAVEL TIP ↠ Stock up on food and water in the Settlement as there is nothing around the island until you reach Geordie Bay.
Distance between Thomson Bay and Parker Point is 5KM’s
Parkers Point Rottnest – Stop 2🏊🏼♂️
(1 KM in-between )
Your first stop is one of the best places on the island for snorkelling. Parkers Point is a sheltered bay thanks to the limestone reef edge being so far away from the shoreline.
You will find stairs which lead down to a small beach where you can put on your snorkel and head out to explore the magical world under the sea. Parker point has a designated snorkel trail which is clearly marked out in the water with buoys. If you are on the Explorer Bus this is Bus Stop 5
Salmon Bay Rottnest Island- Stop 3
Once finished at Parkers Point head back up to the main road. Take a short walk to Salmon bay along the coastline to relax at our favourite beach. On the way look out for the huge Osprey nest on one of the rocky outcrops.
The water is still, the sand is soft and there is plenty of shade near the rocks. This is also home to some amazing underwater rock formations and holes to swim through! Salmon Bay is stop 6 on the bus route.
Distance between Salmon Bay and Wadjemup Lighthouse 3.3KM’s
Rottnest Island Lighthouse / Wadjemup Lighthouse – Stop 4💡
If you are on the bus jump off at Bus Stop 8 and follow the Wadjemup Walking Trail to reach the lighthouse entrance. Alternatively, those who are on bikes following the curving road up the hill to the top.
There are two lighthouses on Rottnest Island and this is the one you can enter and check out the 360-degree view of the island. (Opening times vary and there is a small entrance. Check all the up to date details at the visitors centre.)
TRAVEL TIP ↠ There is also a new Coffee Truck here called Lexi’s on Rotto
Distance between Wadjemup Lighthouse and The West End 6.4KM’s
The West End Rottnest – Stop 5🎣
If you are on a tight schedule, you might want to give this one a miss. This stop is the furthest point of the island which can be one hell of a cycle. That being said we would highly recommend trying to see this stop if you can.
The landscape is dramatically different and there are some spectacular views. This stop has a boardwalk that looks out over the cliffs and you can look down into Fish Hook Bay.
As you walk back towards the Bus stop don’t forget to take the walking trail out the Cathedral Rocks viewing platform on the left. Here you can see New Zealand fur seals playing around in the water.
Distance between The West End and Geordie Bay 9.3KM’s
Keen to try out a boat trip on Rottnest? Check out our Rottnest Express Adventure Boat review here.
Geordie Bay Rottnest – Stop 6 ☕
You will pass several coves and beaches all of which are unique and have their own features. Once you arrive at Geordie Bay it’s time for a break.
Stop off at the Geordie Bay Cafe for some lunch or a coffee and rest your tired legs. This is Bus Stop 19 the last stop on the circular route.
Distance between Geordie Bay and Thompson Bay 2KM’s
Pink Lake Rottnest – Stop 7
Once you has left Geordie bay you will pass the famous Rottnest Island Pink lake on your right-hand side and Longreach bay on your left. The pink salt lake will only appear pink if there is enough water in it for the chemical reaction to occur.
It can get winding around the lake as the land is flat and exposed. Stick to the track next to Geordie Bay which provides shelter from the Western Australia winds in the afternoon.
The Basin Rottnest Island – Stop 8
The Basin on Rottnest Island is one of the most popular beach. Due to its close location to the settlement where you can find many of the shops and restaurants. The Basin makes for an ideal beach to visit for families with children.
The outer reef provides shelter on the beach and creates huge swimming area, these become extremely impressive at low tide when the water is crystal clear, shallow and warm. The Basin is the perfect place to practise your snorkelling, it doesn’t compare to other parts of the island such as Parkers Point, but its a great place to start.
There is also a toilet block, BBQ’s and picnic benches at the Basin.
Via Long Reach, The Basin, Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse.
Pinky Beach Rottnest – Stop 9👙
Pinky beach is at the foot off Rottnest’s new Glamping experience, Discovery Rottnest Island Parks. Here you can relax on the beach or head into Pinkys for a drink and get the best view of sunset over the Bathurst Lighthouse.
You will be extremely sheltered from the wind and the bays themselves are nice and calm.
Day Trip extras on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Express Adventure Boat Tour
What to expect on Rottnest Express Adventure Tour
Expect to see lots of wildlife and learn a great deal about the history of the island. This tour is on an extremely safe boat which seats around 25-30 passengers. With 900 Horsepower, this vessel can get around the island in no time at all.
Weather permitted, this tour goes all around the island, focusing on the West End where the New Zealand fur seals have permanent residency. On our tour the swell was very big so we did fly through the air, and I did scream a few times. That being said, we felt very safe the whole time.
If you manage to get Dez the tour guide then you are very lucky. He made our tour hilarious and knows so much about the island as he is also a permanent resident on Rottnest Island.
Between September and November, is the season for Whale Watching on Rottnest Island. Get up close and personal with the planets largest creatures.
How much is the Rottnest Express Adventure Tour?
- $67 Per Person
You can purchase your ferry ticket + this trip for a total of $136.
What do I need to bring on the boat?
When getting on the vessel you are given a long rain poncho to stop you getting wet 🧥. You are likely to get wet on this tour so we advise you not to bring anything expensive which can be damaged.
The tour guide will give you the option to leave any bags in a safe area on the doc while you are on the trip. The boat does travel at high speeds and we got very cold while we were travelling between stops so we recommend a jumper.
🤢🤢🤢
If you get seasick then we advise you wear the travel sickness wrist bands or have a supply of ginger biscuits! During our tour we stopped to watch a huge pod of dolphins and the boat did rock enough to make a few people sick.
Things to know before you go
A few key point to check before you head out on the Rottnest Express boat tour. Whilst we do our best to keep times and dates up to date, we recommend checked with the tour operator in case departure times have changed.
- Operates daily departure is at 11.15 am between mid-September and late April, except Christmas Day.
- Departure Location is Berth 0, Main Jetty on Rottnest Island
- Tour duration is for 90 minutes.
Our personal opinion on Rottnest Island Boat Trips
Having lived on the island for a few months, we can safely say we would highly recommend this boat trip on Rottnest Island. It was the perfect balance of adventure, information and encounters with wild animals.
We absolutely loved being so close to the seals and then suddenly being surrounded by a pod of Dolphins. It was an amazing day and a great way to see the island’s coastline.
The guides made us feel safe, even if Milly was terrified during parts. However, they kept us at ease that we were perfectly safe. Dez was hilarious and we highly recommend doing the trip if he is working!
Rottnest Island Accommodation 🏠
We would highly recommend spending a few days on Rottnest Island purely because there is so much to see here. We warn you, the accommodation is stuck in the past and looks like something from the ’80s but hopefully, you won’t be spending too much time in the room!
To see all the up to date prices for the accommodation on Rottnest Island Click on the accommodations below.
Rottnest Island Samphire Resort
The newest and most luxurious accommodation on the island. This resort is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. The rooms are modern and spacious. You have a choice of locations including poolside and beachfront.
Discovery Rottnest Eco Resort – Pinkys
Fyre festival meets Rottnest Island. Just kidding, its a brand new Eco Glamping experience on the island!
Probably the best place to stay if we are honest! With a bar, pool and multiple accesses to the beach from your doorstep.
Rottnest Karma resort
This was the top place to stay on Rottnest before the Discovery Eco Beach resort was built.
The accommodation is clean and serves its purpose but is dated. Located in the centre of Thompson bay next to the main shopping area it is in the perfect location for a short stay on the island.
Camping on Rottnest Island
Located close to the Main Settlement and just a short stroll from The Basin, one of the Island’s most famous beaches.
The campground offers:
43 non-powered sand-covered sites accommodating up to a maximum of 6 people and 2 tents
Ablution block
Modern communal camp kitchen with cooking facilities including 4 BBQ plates and troughs
Drones on Rottnest Island
Flying a drone without a permit is not permitted on Rottnest. The rangers and Police on the island will give you a fine if you are caught filming without a permit.
The application for the Drone permits can be found here. The application for one day is $50
Our Rottnest Island day trip Itinerary Conclusion
Once back in the main shopping area at Thomson’s Bay, there is still loads to see and do.
↠ Check out our Rottnest Island BEST BITS for all the best places to eat and watch the sunset.
We hope you enjoyed our itinerary for a day trip on Rottnest Island and found it usefully. If you are staying for longer or want to check out Rottnest Islands hidden Gems, then you can find them here.
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