Quokkas are the main reason people decide to take a Rottnest Island Day Trip. And who could blame them? Friendly, smiling little creatures with tiny hands, quokkas are one of the cutest animals you’ll ever see. But what else should go on your Rottnest Island Day trip itinerary? Read on for a bunch more ideas and why we think Rottnest Island is the perfect day out from Perth.

Wardan Nara Bidi, the indigenous name for the island, offers a lot more than just running around looking for little animals.

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Is Rottnest Island Worth Visiting?

If you’re considering a Rottnest Island Day Trip, then you probably want to know if it’s worth the effort and expense. What does the island offer that you can’t get on the mainland?

Honestly, quite a lot, from beautiful beaches, to great cycling, and walking tracks and of course quokkas! It is also a great chance to get away from the city.

What are the best things to see and do on Rottnest Island

There are things to do on Rottnest Island that will make everyone happy – from kids to adults. And it’s close enough to the city that travelling there is a pleasure rather than a burden.

Look for Quokkas

Quokkas are adorable, smiley-faced creatures that will be a highlight on your Rottnest Island Day Trip. They’re pretty brave and tame, so they’ll turn up all over the island. This includes at the supermarket, in pubs, and on the beach.

Just remember that they’re wild animals, and you should never touch or feed the quokkas, no matter how cute they are. They really don’t enjoy selfies either so resist the urge!

Find a few of the 63 Amazing Beaches

Rottnest Island has 63 incredible beaches for you to explore, as well as a vast range of activities you can do there. Try snorkeling at Little Salmon Bay or Parker Point; either are good choices.

Take a trip in the glass-bottomed underwater sub explorer if you don’t enjoy snorkelling or swim at the popular beaches at the Basin, Pinky Beach, Salmon Bay, or Little Armstrong Bay.

Try Skydiving

If you’re a thrill-seeker, go skydiving and see Rottnest from the above. This makes a great birthday or special occasion surprise!

If like me you are not quite brave enough to sky dive yet, there are also glorious scenic flights – same view less anxiety!

Do some whale watching

You can join a tour to see whales moving slowly along the coast in April and between August and November.

Take a walk

The Wadjemup Bidi Trails are some of the most popular things to do on Rottnest Island. This network of trails explores the best that Rottnest offers as an A-Class Nature Reserve, including fabulous beaches, bays, flora, and fauna.

Many of the landmarks along the way are culturally significant to the local Indigenous tribe and environmentally significant.

There are five main sections to the trail:

• Wardan Nara Bidi, which is 10km long and takes in the WWII relics on the island 
• Ngank Yira Bidi, which is 9.4km long and travels from Thomson Bay to Oliver Hill
• Karlinyah Bidi, a shorter trail at 5.9km that travels along beaches.
• Gabbi Karniny Bidi, a 9.7km loop from Thomson Bay
• Ngank Wen Bidi, a 7.6km trail that will take you past the best spots for seeing marine life!

These are just some of the things you can do on a Rottnest Island Day Trip. So, decide what you’d like to do and get out there to have some fun!

How to Get to Rottnest Island

The first thing you need to do when planning a Rottnest day trip is to book your transport to the island. Rottnest Island is just 10km or 11 miles off the coast and can be reached by ferry or tour.

Ferries depart from Fremantle, Hillary’s Boat Harbour, and Perth City. They take between 45 and 90 minutes to reach the island, depending on where you leave from.  

You can purchase combined ferry and Rottnest Island ferry tickets online or buy a ferry ticket and pay your park entry on arrival.

There are several ferry companies you can go with, including:

• Rottnest Fast Ferries
• Rottnest Express
• SeaLink Rottnest Island

Each of these companies offers you the chance to package other tours and experiences at the same time. They also provide safe, comfortable, and modern ferries.

While you’re planning, keep these Rottnest ferry tips in mind:

• Book your ferry a few days ahead of time in the peak season.
• The Rottnest Express Ferry offers Cheap Tuesdays, or check local travel brochures for discount coupons.
• If you get seasick, sit on the bottom deck; it’s usually less bumpy there. Or try to stay outside.
• You’ll have to pay an island landing fee once you arrive, so have some money handy.

How to get around Rottnest Island

There are roads on Rottnest Island, but no cars, so you will have to think about your transport options once you get there. Here’s what’s available:

Ride a Bike

Bikes are the most popular way to get around; you can bring yours on the ferry with you for an extra $15. If you don’t have a bike, then you can hire one. Many ferry companies offer combination ferry and bike hire, so inquire before you book your ferry ticket.

Bike hire is usually around $35 a day. Please make sure you check your bike’s condition before you take it out. Some bikes are not in good working order, and you don’t want to end up with one that breaks halfway around the island. If you prefer, you can tour by Segway?

Rottnest Island HOHO Bus

The hop-on-hop-off bus is another popular way to see the island. The Rottnest Explorer bus service leaves every half an hour from the main bus stop. It stops at Rottnest’s best and most popular beaches and attractions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and it’s well worth the price if you don’t want to bike around.

Rottnest Island Day Tours

There are dozens of tours to Rottnest Island, and it’s tough to decide which one to pick. Start by considering if you want a fully escorted experience or prefer an independent package giving you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure.

Three of the best inclusive tours are:

• From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Grand Tour – includes Sealink Ferry, 4 hour island tour including seeing the quokkas and taking a historic train ride. Light lunch also provided. See full day’s schedule here
• From Rottnest Island – Rottnest Island: Lux Seafood Cruise – If your idea of paradise includes a seven course degustation of the freshest seafood served with unlimited drinks this tour is a must – view the menu here

If you like to be independent, these packages include everything you need for a fun day on the island.

• Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bus Tour – If you prefer the HOHO to cycle around the island.
• From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry, Snorkel and Bike Hire – This tour includes everything you need for a fun day on the island.

These tours and packages include 24-hour cancellations, so you can change your mind if this weather forecast is not great.

If you’re looking to get out of Perth for the day, then a Rottnest Island Day Trip is a perfect choice. Close to the city, it offers incredible beaches and some of the cutest animal experiences possible!

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