Rottnest Island Guide and FAQs

You can reach Rottnest Island by ferry or private boat. Ferries depart from various locations in Perth, such as Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour and Barrack Street Jetty. Using a ferry to reach Rottnest Island is often preferred for its convenience, accessibility from multiple locations, cost-effectiveness, safety regulations and the added benefit of guided tours.

The ferry ride duration depends on the departure point. It typically takes around 25-45 minutes from Fremantle, 45-mins from Hillarys and about 90-minutes from Perth. When you travel with Rottnest Fast Ferries, you can get to the island in 45-minutes. If you’re staying in the Perth CBD, Rottnest Fast Ferries offer the fastest travel route to the island. By booking our complimentary hotel transfer, your round trip will be quicker than departing from Perth or Fremantle.

Rottnest Island offers a year-round appeal, with summer being the peak season for beach exploration, while the period from September to April provides favourable conditions for water-based activities; additionally, the winter months (June – August) present an excellent opportunity for various land-based experiences, including hiking and wildlife encounters.

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer milder weather while Summer (December to February) is also popular but can be hot.

Yes, there are accommodations ranging from basic cabins to upscale resorts. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times.

Learn more about the available accommodation choices by clicking on this link.

There are several restaurants, cafes and pubs on the island serving a variety of cuisines. Some popular places to eat and drink on the island include:

Frankie’s on Rotto

Located in the centre of the Main Settlement, Frankie’s is a family-owned restaurant serving pastas, pizzas and a great atmosphere.

Hotel Rottnest

This iconic pub offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves a range of pub-style meals. The beer garden is a great spot to unwind with a drink.

The Lane Café

Located near the Salt Store, The Lane Café is perfect for a casual coffee or light meal with a selection of sandwiches, salads and pastries.

Geordie Bay Café and Art Gallery

Overlooking Geordie Bay, this café not only offers delicious food but also features an art gallery showcasing local talent.

Lontara

Experience the best of island life at Samphire’s; Lontara. Enjoy West Australia’s finest land and sea produce, prepared to mimic the flavours of the archipelagos of South-East Asia.

Rottnest Island Bakery

For a quick bite or a takeaway snack, the Rottnest Island Bakery is a popular choice, offering a variety of pies, pastries and baked goods.

Isola - Bar e Cibo

Laze back and take in the views of Thomson Bay while enjoying high quality Italian cuisine. Serving local seafood, pastas and pizzas alongside Italian cocktails, spritz and WA wines.

Pinky’s

Located within the Discovery Parks eco-tents, Pinky’s offers views of the bay and Bathurst Lighthouse. Enjoy a menu with a strong emphasis on locally produced seafood and refreshing cocktails.

The General Store

This is a one-stop-shop for groceries and takeaway meals, making it convenient for picnics or grabbing something on the go.

Remember that dining options on Rottnest Island can vary, and it's a good idea to check the latest information or make reservations, especially during peak times. Whether you're looking for a leisurely dinner, a beachside snack, or a caffeine fix, Rottnest Island has something to suit every taste.

You can bring your own food to the island. There are also general stores where you can purchase supplies.

Make sure to stay within your weight limit when boarding the ferry and be aware that, like the rest of Western Australia, consuming alcohol in public spaces is strictly prohibited.

Yes, camping is allowed on Rottnest Island. There are designated camping areas on the island where visitors can set up their tents and enjoy a camping experience.

Offering 43 sandy tent sites, each accommodating up to six people across two tents, the campsite is conveniently located near the Thomson Bay Settlement, providing easy access to cafes and restaurants. Just beyond the dunes lie Pinky Beach, and for those seeking the iconic Rottnest Island experience, continue onward to reach The Basin.

It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times.

There are 3 main options available:

Cycling: Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation on the island. You can bring your own or rent one on the island. To rent a bike, follow this link.

Bus: The buses provide a convenient mode of transportation for visitors, allowing them to explore different parts of the island. The bus service covers key locations and attractions, offering an alternative to bicycles and walking for those who prefer a guided tour or an easier way to get around. Find out more about our bus and ferry package.

Quokka Hopper: The Quokka Hopper on Rottnest Island provides on-demand private transfers, offering a flexible transportation option for visitors exploring the island's scenic attractions. Click here for more info.

The island offers a multitude of activities, including swimming at pristine beaches, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, cycling around to explore scenic views and of course taking selfies with the friendly quokkas. There are also historical tours that provide insight into the island's rich past.

Discover the best activities by reading our blog article “The top things to do on Rottnest Island”.

Yes, Rottnest Island offers an array of guided tours that cater to a variety of interests, providing visitors with enriching experiences and the opportunity to delve deeper into the island's unique ecosystem, rich history and stunning landscapes. These tours are designed to offer something for everyone, whether you're interested in the island's natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage.

Rottnest Fast Ferries enhances the experience by offering comprehensive day tour packages that allow visitors to explore the island's highlights through carefully curated itineraries. These packages often include round-trip ferry transportation, making them a convenient option for day-trippers and those looking to maximise their time on the island.

Discover our Day Tour Packages.

Quokkas, known for their friendly nature and photogenic smiles, are synonymous with Rottnest Island and are a must-see for any visitor. These adorable marsupials are found across the island, but there are specific spots where you have a higher chance of encountering them:

The Main Settlement Area: This is the most common place where visitors spot quokkas. They are often seen roaming around the cafes and shops, looking for shade or a quiet place to rest. The quokkas in this area are accustomed to human presence, making it easier for visitors to observe them from a respectful distance.

The Basin: A popular swimming spot, The Basin also tends to attract quokkas, especially in the quieter hours of the morning and late afternoon. They can be seen exploring the area's bushland or even venturing close to the beach.

Rottnest Island Golf Course: While enjoying a game of golf, you might spot quokkas along the fairways and greens. They are attracted to the open spaces and grassy areas, making the golf course a frequent hangout spot.

Guided Tours: Participating in a guided walking or cycling tour increases your chances of seeing quokkas, as the guides know the best spots and times to find them. These tours also offer the opportunity to learn more about the quokkas' habits and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Quokkas are more active during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. During these times, they are more likely to be seen foraging for food or enjoying the cooler temperatures.

Remember, while quokkas are friendly and accustomed to human interaction, it's important to respect their natural behaviour. Always observe them from a distance, avoid feeding them and be mindful of their wellbeing. Capturing a selfie with a quokka can be a highlight of your visit, but ensure it's done responsibly, without disturbing the animal.

Visitors to Rottnest Island are required to pay a landing fee, which contributes to the conservation, heritage and visitor facilities of the island. This fee is often included in the price of your ferry ticket.

Rottnest Island is committed to conservation and sustainability. Efforts include habitat restoration, wildlife protection programs and reducing human impact through waste management and water conservation. Visitors are encouraged to participate in these efforts by respecting wildlife, using water wisely and disposing of trash properly.