Rottnest Island WA

Things to do on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, Western Australia's holiday island just twenty kilometres off the coast of Perth. She has been attracting thousands of holiday makers annually since 1917. The Rottnest Island Authority has endeavoured to retain the unique holiday atmosphere developed during the last half century.

Rottnest Island – an adventure beckons

Today it is a place where a family can enjoy an inexpensive holiday, removed from the pressures of life.

Hotel Rottnest, affectionately called the "Quokka Arms" was built between 1858 and 1864, became a hotel in 1953. It has been extensively renovated in recent years.

Thomson Bay, is the harbour for the island. The creamy surf of the transit reef just outside the bay, is a popular sport for surfing and catamarans.

Check out the Rottnest Wreck Heritage Trail. Underwater and land plaques are now positioned giving details of the shipwrecks around Rottnest Island.

The Basin, is a unique swimming spot with clear waters reflecting the white sandy bottom.

The Salt Lakes are a natural phenomena unique to Rottnest. The lakes are grouped in the north east section of the island and are named Government House Lake, Serpentine Lake, Herschell Lake, Garden Lake and Lake Baghdad. Because of natural seepage, there are many pools of fresh water. It is estimated that here, you'll find half the total wildlife on the island.

In the west end is Cape Vlamingh. Here you can gaze down at the rollers of the Indian Ocean foaming over the reef. There is no solid land mass between this point and Madagascar, 6,436 kilometres away.

Explore the Oliver's Hill Heritage Trail. The concrete gun emplacements, underground tunnels, magazines, engine rooms and plotting rooms are some of the best examples of a World War II defence system.

Discover Rottnest Island by bike

Discover Rottnest Island and its 63 beaches and bays by bicycle is the best way to travel around the island. This will also bring a big smile to your family! Did you know Rottnest Island essentially has no cars? So cycling is one of the best ways to get around the Island.

Free guided walking tours of Rottnest's Colonial architecture and relics brings the island's rich history of prisoners and pioneers to life. Tours are conducted in the morning and afternoon and leave from the
Rottnest Island Information Centre.

Diving at Rottnest Island

The waters around Rottnest Island off a wide diversity of fish, coral species and shipwrecks making it one of the most fascinating dive sites to be found in such close proximity to Perth. For this reason, many dive operators based on the mainland conduct day trips and dives at Rottnest Island.

Snorkelling at Rottnest Island

The marine environment just off shore and surrounding Rottnest Island offers some amazing snorkelling destinations. Popular snorkelling spots include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay and Little Armstrong Bay. A very useful publication on snorkelling at Rottnest Island is available from the Rottnest Island Information Centre. Snorkelling gear can be hired on the island.

Skydive over Rottnest Island

Check out our skydiving product below for more info. Essentially, skydiving over Rottnest Island is the only island skydive in Western Australia. This unique experience will definitely get the adrenaline rush some of you need!