A history buff’s guide to the perfect historical Rottnest trip
Whether you’re a golfer, fitness fanatic or history buff, Rottnest Fast Ferries is here to facilitate the ultimate in day trip adventures to WA’s most iconic island. With an array of Rottnest island packages, you’re bound to find the right one for you!
Whether you’re already fascinated by Rottnest history or you’re looking for an experience that’s truly unique, here’s our guide to the perfect historical Rottnest day trip.
Rottnest History: An overview
Western Australian history is exceptionally rich, and Rottnest Island forms an integral chapter of that story. This extraordinarily interesting destination is just a half-hour ferry ride away from Perth with direct transport leaving from Hillarys Boat Harbour daily, courtesy of the team here at Rottnest Fast Ferries.
If you’re looking to take a deep dive into Rottnest history (as well as a dive into the beautiful turquoise water surrounding the island), we’d highly recommend our ferry package that includes a train ride and a guided tour of Rottnest’s military tunnels as well as a Grand Island Tour.
These tours will expose you to all of the major areas of Rottnest’s varied history. From the interesting natural formations of the island itself, to its far reaching Aboriginal history, there’s a ton to take in. You’ll learn about the colonial settlement of generations past, as well as the recreational and military history of the site. Not to mention the memorable historic buildings, preserved in extraordinary detail.
The best historic sites to visit on Rottnest
Once you’ve booked your Historical Train & Tunnel Rottnest Island package with us, you’ll probably be itching to begin putting together your itinerary for your day trip. To help you narrow down and order your tour, here's a brief summary of some of the best historical sites on the island.
1. Wadjemup Museum
The Wadjemup Museum is an excellent place to kick off your exploration of Rottnest’s history. Newly renovated, the large range of exhibits will take you back in time with authentic displays of ancient artefacts, vintage documents, artwork throughout the various periods and even some mesmerising sculptures.
The museum itself tells the story of Rottnest Island from the time of its traditional owners, the Wadjemup Aboriginals to more recent colonial history. Recent updates have even included the use of the island as a COVID-19 pandemic quarantine centre in 2020.
Beautiful theatrettes, visual and audio experiences make this museum a vibrant place to explore and with some astonishing exhibitions, such as preserved whale bones and a lighthouse keeper jacket from hundreds of years ago, visiting the Wadjemup Museum is a captivating experience.
2. Lomas Cottage
Lomas Cottage is a popular destination for history buffs taking day trips from Perth to Rottnest. Originally built for its namesake, John Lomas, it perfectly encapsulates the history of the island in one building. Lomas–an ex-convict–was provided housing by the government and in the time since it has been used in a variety of different ways. Nowadays, this historical attraction brings the vivid life of Lomas to life once again, and paints a sprawling picture of the history of Rottnest through the eyes of one man and one building.
Visiting Lomas Cottage is a fantastic way to learn more about Rottnest history and perfectly complements visits to the series of museums and galleries elsewhere on the island.
3. Pilot Boathouse
No history buff travelling to Rottnest can look past the island’s fascinating maritime history and that history is preserved in the Pilot Boathouse. Built in 1846 for the pilots guiding ships to safe passage through the reefs around Fremantle Harbour, the Boathouse has witnessed much of the island’s recent history and stands testament to Rottnest’s strategic significance in the wider history of WA.
A visit to the Boathouse will bring you face to face with everything from historical photographs to replicas of the pilot boats in intricately detailed recreations.
4. Wadjemup and Bathurst Lighthouses
At the highest point of Rottnest Island and at the centre of its land mass, you’ll find the striking Wadjemup Lighthouse. While the fantastic views afforded to visitors of the island and even Perth City are reason enough to make the tour by foot, bike, or bus to the lighthouse, the structure itself is also steeped in Rotto history.
Originally 20 metres when constructed in 1896, this once-functioning lighthouse was replaced and rebuilt, now measuring at 38 metres. This makes it the fourth tallest lighthouse in the state and a must-visit destination during your travels to Rottnest Island.
5. Additional historical sites
Depending on your time and level of hunger (more on that in just a moment), there are plenty of other historical sites to visit.
In no particular order, we recommend any and all of the following:
Signal Station
Battery Observation Post
Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service Building
All three of these buildings are located in the Wadjemup precinct and can be found through the handy signage that dots the island.
Arranging Your Day Trip to Rottnest
Getting around Rotto is easy! With options of travelling by bus, foot, bike or train and a selection of Rottnest packages courtesy of Rottnest Fast Ferries, it’s easier than ever to turn your dream of visiting the island into reality.
While you’re travelling back in time through history, don’t forget to keep you and your loved ones happy and full in the present. Rottnest Island offers plenty of watering holes for coffee, meals and even a quick frothy, if you have the time.
Explore the island’s cafes and coffee shops here, or check out its bakeries, and have a look at the multiple restaurants and bars.
Book your trip with Rottnest Fast Ferries
Rottnest Fast Ferries is so named for a reason. We’ll get you ferried to Rottnest fast! As the most affordable method of getting straight from Perth City to this fantastic destination, our all-inclusive Rottnest Island packages ensure everything you need is taken care of. Whether you’re staying at a hotel in the city centre and need a complimentary hotel transfer to our Hillarys port, we can facilitate everything you need.
Want to find out more or ready to book? Head to our booking form or get in touch with our team today.