ROTTNEST ISLAND. THE DAY TRIP YOU WON'T FORGET.

Whether you know the island by name or by its happy inhabitants the Quokkas, Rottnest Island is a staple in Australian culture. An island with a thousand stories, Rottnest Island was believed to have separated from the mainland 7,000 years ago as sea levels rose and fell. From skydiving to touring the island on a speed boat, we’ve compiled a list of everything you can get up to on the island to make the most of your day trip.

Getting to Rottnest Island

There are a few options for getting to the Island with your choice of ferry or air. Expect your travel time to be around 20 minutes depending on which of the 3 ferry locations you choose to utilise. If you’re after a luxurious option, travel in style by Plane.

Island Tours

So, you’ve arrived at Rottnest Island, what now? There are so many activities to do it can be hard to decide what to do first. We highly recommend one of the dedicated tours to help learn about the historical island.

Bus Tour

Exploring the Island on foot isn’t for everyone so why not explore it on a bus tour? The Quokka Coaches Bus Tour runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm and covers 19 different famous and scenic stops including the Wadjemup lighthouse, beaches and many more attractions. View the island from a comfortable seat. Did we mention the Island tour is a hop-on-hop-off bus service with busses coming every 30 minutes? This allows you to easily explore and revisit your favourite destinations at your own pace.

Photography Tours

It doesn’t matter if you’re beginning or a semi-professional photographer, the Rottnest Island photography tours know all the good spots to get the perfect shot. Take your photography skills to the next level with this tour led by a professional photographer. Choose a 5-hour or 3-day workshop to make sure you get that perfect shot.

Adventure Boat Tour

With 2 boat tours on offer, it can be hard to pick which one you want to indulge in. The 90-minute adventure tour is perfect for nature lovers. This tour allows you to get close up to the craggy coastline and secluded spots on the island. However, it doesn’t stop there, there is also a chance to see the adorable Long-nosed fur seals and even in the right season humpback whales between September and November. On the other hand, If you’re after the adrenaline-pumping thrill, jump aboard the high-powered thrill board. Enjoy the coastlines at blistering speeds on this 45 minutes adrenaline-pumping tour.

Aboriginal Tour

Learn about the Islands’ culture and appreciation for Wadjemup (The traditional name of Rottnest Island). Explore the history, culture and stories the island has to share from the aboriginal perspective with a Noongar guide and understand the significance the island holds to the Noongar People.

Natural Activities

So, you’ve finished with your tour or maybe you’ve jumped off the Quokka Bus at one of the many locations, but what activities are there to do on the island? Being surrounded by some of the best island beaches in Australia, there is all sorts of water activities from snorkelling to fishing to surfing. If water activities is not really your style, don’t worry there are tons of other natural activities to explore.

Beaches

Home to some of the finest beaches in the world, the island is host to over 63 secluded beaches for you to adventure around and explore. From Shallow clear waters to some of the best surfing waves off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island is known for its beaches.

Wildlife Encounters

Classified as a class A reserve, Rottnest Island is dedicated to protecting and preserving its natural wildlife. Experience the raw beauty of the wildlife with free guided Quokka walks and whale watching. There’s a variety of other wildlife that call the Island home which you may bump into when exploring.

Arguably one of Australia’s famous animals, the Quokka can be seen around the island mid to late afternoon. If you’re adventuring to the island in the winter months, you might get to see the young joeys peeking from their mother’s pouch or bravely adventuring by themselves in Spring.

Diving/Snorkelling

Explore the hidden world that lies beneath the surface of the water. From snorkelling to guided diving, grab your flippers because you’re not going to want to miss out on this adventure. Diving on the island is an experience in itself with the multitude of marine life, crystal clear water and lush reef caves.

Snorkelling unlike diving is something many can do at the drop of a hat. It’s no surprise that Rottnest spoils its snorkelers with tropical fish, corals, rays and even a shipwreck. With many protected and shelter bays, snorkelling is perfect for all ages and abilities.

Fishing

Being a protected island spear fishing and net fishing are prohibited on the island however, recreational fishing is booming due to the island’s 3 categories of fish, reef dwellers, seagrass inhabitants and migratory species. As a result of this, many love to take a chance at fishing at one of the best islands in Australia. To maintain a sustainable supply of fish for the future all fishermen must adhere to the Department of Fisheries regulations WA.

Island Activities

Island tours and natural activities are fun but now you’re ready to see the last aspect that makes Rottnest Island such an amazing destination. Island activities can take many forms, from skydiving to mini golf, there are little gems ready to be discovered by you.

Barefoot Bowls

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and take off your dancing shoes because barefoot bowls is about to kick off. Grab a drink with some friends or family and enjoy some healthy competition with a side of slick banter. You’ll be competing for the self-proclaimed best barefoot bowls player that has ever stepped foot on the island. Enjoy the ocean breeze, grass between your toes and bowl your way towards greatness.

Skydive

Maybe barefoot bowls are a little slow for your liking. Experience adrenaline with a view as you free fall for 60 seconds at over 200km an hour. There is no better way to experience the full island view and ocean breeze than plummet to the island from 10,000-15,000ft. Strap in as you experience the 20-minute flight over the island and then jump in tandem with your skydiving instructor. At 5000ft your instructor will deploy your shoot and slow time down to enjoy the 5-minute breathtaking descent to a beach landing.

Lighthouse

If walking is more your style, the walks to Wadjemup lighthouse and the Bathurst Lighthouse are a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Constructed in 1896 and 1900 respectively the two lighthouses are a staple of the Rottnest Island adventure. Standing 38 metres tall, the Wadjemup Lighthouse is the 4th tallest lighthouse in Australia. Explore the purity of these locations as they overlook the island and the Indian ocean.

Make the most of your Day Trips

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