How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Rottnest Island in Australia

Visit for a chance to hang out with quokkas – the cutest animal in the world! Read on for everything you need to know about planning a Rottnest Island day trip.

Rottnest Island, or Wadjemup, is a small island off the coast of Western Australia and is best known for its population of quokkas (a small marsupial – only the cutest animal ever), as well as pristine beaches and swimming spots.

The island got its name from a Dutch captain who mistook the adorable quokkas for giant rats, and gave the island its name of “rotte nest“, meaning “rat nest” in Dutch.

The island has also served as a penal colony, army barracks and prisoner of war camp, but is now a popular holiday destination. I first heard about Rottnest Island after seeing a “quokka selfie” on Instagram – chances are, you’ve seen this photo before and thought to yourself, “oh that looks like a small rabbit/large rat”.

Ever since seeing one photo of a quokka, I have been, simply put, obsessed, with these animals, and have traveled to Rottnest Island twice for the opportunity to observe these marsupials hop around and nibble on greens.

The Perth to Rottnest Island journey is easier than you might think as Rottnest Island can be easily reached by ferry from several different ports around Perth. Read on for quick tips on visiting Western Australia and everything you need to know about planning a Rottnest Island day trip!

You may also like: Perth is the gateway to Rottnest Island – here is my Perth city guide

Important things to know before visiting Western Australia

✈️ The main international airport in the state of Western Australia is Perth International Airport. An Uber from the airport to the city center costs approximately 50 AUD and takes about half an hour (there are dedicated rideshare pick-up bays at the airport, a surcharge applies for airport pick up), or you can also take a metered taxi which will cost slightly more. We usually opt to rent a car from Perth airport, as demand is high you should book your rental vehicle in advance!

🛂 You may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. You can download an app or use ImmiAccount to lodge the application. Read more about the ETA and eligibility requirements here.

💱 The currency is the Australian Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately US$1 to 1.4/1.5 AUD, though most places accept credit card (Visa and Mastercard are often preferred over American Express). Credit card payWave/Apple Pay in particular is widely accepted and a convenient way to pay in Australia.

📱 Stay connected and pre-buy a local SIM card. Prepaid tourist SIM cards can be purchased at Perth Airport in the arrivals hall once you have cleared customs.

How to get to Rottnest Island

🗺️ Where is Rottnest Island? The island is about 18 kilometres west of Perth, and getting to Rottnest Island from Perth is fairly straightforward: there are 3 ferry operators that operate ferries between Rottnest Island and Perth: Rottnest Express, Sealink and Rottnest Fast Ferries. Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty at Elizabeth Quay in the CBD, North Fremantle (Rous Head), Fremantle (B-Shed at Victoria Quay) and Hillarys Boat Harbour in north Perth.

📆 What is the ferry timetable to go to Rottnest Island? Ferries from Perth to Rottnest Island operate 6 to 7 times every day in the off-peak season and 10-12 times a day in the peak season from December to February. Make sure you check the websites for updated Rottnest ferry times as they do change throughout the year.

Here is the Rottnest Express timetable for departure and return from Perth city Barack Street Jetty, Fremantle Northport and Fremantle B-Shed.

Here is the SeaLink Rottnest timetable for departure and return from O’Connor Landing in Fremantle and Perth city Barack Street Jetty.

Here is the Rottnest Fast Ferries timetable for departure and return from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

📆 How long is the ferry ride to Rottnest Island? The ferry ride varies from about 25 minutes to an hour and a half depending on where you depart from – in my experience, the B-Shed in Fremantle and Hillarys offer the most convenient and quickest rides between Perth and Rottnest Island. If you are driving, there is (limited) overnight parking for $10 a day (near the C and D sheds) in Fremantle, and free parking at Hillarys.

💵 How much does the Rottnest Island ferry cost? You can buy your Fremantle to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here, or book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here (including free hotel pick ups and drop offs). Same-day return Rottnest Island ferry prices range between AU$78-89 for adults depending on which company you go with, time of year you travel in and where you choose to depart from.

If you’re planning a Rottnest Island day trip, make sure you book your Rottnest ferry tickets online ahead of time as ferries do fill up fast. If you are bringing luggage it will cost $3 per bag and you will need to make sure there is space in the luggage hold – there are also weight and size restrictions. Those who are prone to seasickness might want to pop a Dramamine before hopping on the ferry as the ride can be fairly bumpy.

Wondering how to get to Rottnest Island? Pre-book your same-day return Rottnest Island ferry ticket in advance here – you can travel to Rottnest Island via Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay (ferry ride is approximately 90 minutes) or via B-Shed Victoria Quay in Fremantle (ferry ride is approximately 30 minutes).

You can also book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here – the ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes and departs at 10 AM from Hillarys, returning to Perth at 4:30 PM.

How to get around Rottnest Island

When you pre-book your Rottnest ferry tickets, you can also book a bicycle from the ferry operator. Cycling is the best way to get around the island once you’re there. If you forget to pre-book a bicycle, don’t sweat it as there is a Rottnest Island bike hire shop on the island: once you hop off the ferry, just turn left and follow the signs to Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper.

The daily bicycle rental rate is approximately AUD$30 for an adult bike, AUD$41 for an adult bike plus child seat on the back, or AUD$71 for an e-bike (cheaper for multi-day rentals). The daily rate includes a helmet (mandatory) and a lock. You can also rent an additional gel seat for a more comfortable ride, or basket to store your belongings in.

There are tons of different bike sizes ranging from small to extra large, as well as a limited number of e-bikes (I recommend booking ahead if you want the electric variety). You can also rent snorkeling gear and wet suits to explore some of the marine life around Rottnest.

If you do not wish to cycle or are looking for accessible options, there are also local hop-on, hop-off buses that operate around the island. As of December 26th 2023, a 1-day adult pass will set you back AUD$30, and a child pass costs AUD$22.

How much time to spend on Rottnest Island

We have traveled to Rottnest Island several times and stayed overnight as well – if you are planning a Rottnest Island day trip, you will want to stay on the island for a minimum of 3-4 hours. This gives you enough time to spot quokkas in the wild, cycle around the island, pick up some lunch from the local bakery and go for a swim at The Basin.

If you only have enough time for a day trip to Rottnest Island from Perth I would recommend trying to catch a ferry at 9 or 10 AM in the morning and returning to Perth at 3-4 PM in the afternoon.

Planning your Rottnest Island day trip? Pre-book your same-day return Rottnest Island ferry ticket in advance here – you can travel to Rottnest Island via Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay (ferry ride is 90 minutes and departs at 8:45 AM, returning at 5 PM) or via B-Shed Victoria Quay in Fremantle (ferry ride is 30 minutes and departs at 9:30 AM, multiple return times available).

You can also book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here – the ferry ride is approximately 30 minutes and departs at 10 AM from Hillarys, returning to Perth at 4:30 PM.

However, if you have more time you might want to consider staying overnight to explore the island to the fullest. Read on for more details and recommendations.

Where to stay if you’re visiting Rottnest Island

If you are staying overnight in Perth for your day trip to Rottnest Island, the CBD, Northbridge, West Perth, Leederville and Subiaco are popular and well-located neighborhoods for visitors. We loved our stay at The Sebel West Perth, a small boutique aparthotel that has in-room kitchen, washer, dryer, comfortable beds as well as secure, undercover parking. Click here to book your stay at The Sebel West Perth.

If you prefer to be near the beach or need a little more space, I highly recommend the modern 2-bedroom HoneyB apartment in Scarborough (a 10 minute drive away from Hillarys boat harbour). The split-level apartment is perfect for families and friends traveling to Perth. There is elevator access, free gated parking and a small outdoor pool at the apartment complex. Check rates and availability at HoneyB apartment in Scarborough here, or you can also head on over here for other highly-rated accommodation options in Perth.

However, as I mentioned above it is also possible to stay overnight on Rottnest Island. Staying on Rottnest Island gives you a tad more flexibility so that you aren’t rushing to catch the ferry back, and allows for plenty of time lounging on the beach or exploring some of Rottnest Island’s more far-flung corners.

Wondering where to stay on Rottnest Island? There are a number of accommodation options but many older hotels are due for some sprucing up and renovation. The good news is that a new glamping accommodation option has opened up on Rottnest Island and it is unique to say the least: Discovery Rottnest.

This eco-resort offers glamping on Rottnest Island with beach access to both Pinky’s Beach as well as The Basin – the location really can’t be beat. The property has a number of different room categories from the couple’s superior tent to ocean view deluxe tents; families are welcome and there are a number of family tents equipped with bunk beds for the little ones.

We stayed in a couple’s superior tent at Discovery Rottnest along the roadside, and were impressed by how spacious yet cozy it was. As I’m not much of a camper, you can imagine my delight when I saw the bathroom.

There is free wi-fi, an onsite restaurant, a pool and pool bar as well as several communal barbecue grills for those who want to self-cater. Click here to check current rates at Discovery Rottnest – make sure you book early, especially if you are visiting during the weekend or public holidays as they are often fully booked. You can read my full review of Discovery Rottnest Island here.

The best time of year to visit Rottnest Island

Remember, Australia is in the southern hemisphere which means that its summer season runs from approximately November to February. It does get very cold during winter and autumn, so the beaches are not going to be fantastic during those months. Over the years, Rottnest Island has also become a popular destination for high school graduation trips, or “Schoolies week”.

This celebration usually take place during the first 3 weeks following graduation beginning in mid-November and is not a great time to visit Rottnest Island, unless you want to be surrounded by intoxicated 17 and 18-year olds. You’ll also want to avoid WA public holidays and the annual Rottnest Channel Swim (February) and the Port to Pub Swim (March) as the small island does get extremely busy.

I recommend heading to Rottnest Island on a weekday between November to February, but the weather is also pleasant on either end of the peak season in October or March/April.

Planning your Rottnest Island day trip? Pre-book your same-day return Rottnest Island ferry ticket in advance here – you can travel to Rottnest Island via Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay (ferry ride is 90 minutes and departs at 8:45 AM, returning at 5 PM) or via B-Shed Victoria Quay in Fremantle (ferry ride is 30 minutes and departs at 9:30 AM, multiple return times available).

You can also book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here – the ferry ride is approximately 30 minutes and departs at 10 AM from Hillarys, returning to Perth at 4:30 PM.

The best things to do on Rottnest Island

Making the trip from Perth to Rottnest Island is rewarding in more ways than one. There are a few Rottnest Island tours that run throughout the year, but to be honest it’s such an easy day or overnight trip from Perth and the island is small enough that you really necessarily need to join a tour.

Wondering what to do on Rottnest Island? Grab a bicycle or hop on the local bus and you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground by yourself! Read on for what to see and do on Rottnest Island.

1. Meet a quokka

First things first, you absolutely must see THE QUOKKAS! Seriously, these marsupials are incredibly adorable and always look like they are smiling. They roam around the island freely and can often be found hiding out in the shade or eating berries off the ground. Though they can be found elsewhere in Australia, they have thrived on Rottnest Island as there aren’t really any natural predators.

Many visitors have “take a Rottnest Island quokka selfie” on their list of things to do, and while it is true that the quokkas are extremely tame and you can get quite close to them to take photos (turn the flash off!), it’s important to know that it is illegal to feed or touch them.

Ready to spot a quokka in the wild on Rottnest Island? Pre-book your Fremantle or Elizabeth Quay to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here or book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here. It’s also always a good idea to start looking into accommodation options – especially if you plan on visiting Western Australia between November and February.

If you only have have time for a Perth day trip to Rottnest Island we recommend The Sebel West Perth which is perfect for solo travelers, couples and families. The aparthotel has a small kitchen, washer, dryer, communal pool as well as secure, undercover parking (for a small daily fee). We also loved our time at the split-level 2-bedroom HoneyB apartment in Scarborough which is steps away from the beach and offers a kitchen, gated parking and ocean views. Looking for more options? Click here to check out other accommodation options in Perth!

If you plan on staying overnight on Rottnest Island check availability and rates at Discovery Rottnest’s glamping tents right in front of Pinky’s Beach, or click here to check out other accommodation options on Rottnest Island.

You could even be fined $150 on the spot for deliberately interfering with (including feeding) wildlife on Rottnest Island! The Quokka is a vulnerable species, and if not protected could become extinct. You should also wait nearby and allow them to approach, and do not tempt them with food or water if they are feeling camera-shy.

This is the moment I knew my life was complete.

I’m dead.

Yes, I know there are a lot of quokka photos! Sorry not sorry!

Wondering how to take the perfect selfie with a quokka? It’s tougher than it looks as quokkas do tend to move around quite a bit! Here are some quokka selfie tips that might come in handy:

• Use a long selfie stick so that you give the quokka some space, and do not touch or feed them
• Turn the flash off
• Switch to burst mode if you’re using a GoPro, or just hold down the shutter icon or volume button if you’re using an iPhone
• Wait for quokkas to find some food (berries or grassy stalks) on the ground before you attempt a photo – this is when they tend to stop moving about and focus on chewing
• Squat down, or even better, lie on your front to get as close to the ground as possible for the photo
• The best time to try to spot a quokka is in the early evening or when it’s cooler. They are nocturnal but you will find a few scattered around during the daytime.

2. Go beach hopping

Rottnest Island is also home to some incredibly stunning beaches and you can hop from one to the other in a matter of minutes. Don’t miss The Basin, a swimming spot with crystal clear waters which also makes it a perfect place for snorkeling.

Make sure you also check out the neighboring Pinky’s Beach, a stunning and quiet beach with Bathhurst Lighthouse in the backdrop. This is probably one of the best long, sandy beaches on Rottnest Island.

Make sure you stop by Pinky’s Beach Club where you can grab a vino or cocktail!

Head west and also stop off at Parakeet Bay, a smaller and less crowded swimming beach. Porpoise Bay to the south is also a pristine white sand beach that you can lounge on for a few hours.

Planning your Rottnest Island day trip? There are several departure points to choose from. Pre-book your Rottnest Island ferry ticket in advance here – you can travel to Rottnest Island via Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay in Perth CBD or via B-Shed in Fremantle (ferry ride is 30 minutes and departs at 9:30 AM, multiple return times available).

You can also book your Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here – the ferry ride is approximately 30 minutes and departs at 10 AM from Hillarys, returning to Perth at 4:30 PM.

3. Cycle around the island

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Rottnest Island. It can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to ride around the island depending on how many stops you make, so if you are only there for a day trip I would recommend doing a small loop and heading to the Basin, Parakeet Bay, around Lake Baghdad and the Pink Lake, across Lake Herschel and back to the ferry pier.

If you have more than 1 day on Rottnest Island, you might want to make your way over to Wadjemup Lighthouse or Little Salmon Bay and Henrietta Rocks. Feeling ambitious and up for a more strenuous ride? Head west all the way to Cathedral Rocks, nearly 11 KM away from the main ferry terminal on the island.

4. Check out the view from above

We didn’t make it to Wadjemup Lighthouse (one of the most popular Rottnest Island attractions), but you can climb to the top during guided tours – tickets are available from the Visitor Centre and tours begin at 11 AM each day and run every 30 minutes until the last tour at 2:30 PM. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $4 for children. Bathhurst Lighthouse is also a slightly shorter lighthouse close to the ferry pier, though it is currently closed to visitors.

For the fearless, take to the skies and try your hand at skydiving – my idea of fun doesn’t entail free-falling at 200 kilometres per hour but to each their own! Looking for something tamer? It’s also possible to hop on a 10-minute sightseeing flight around Rottnest Island for $65 per adult with Rottnest Air Taxi.

For even more ideas of things to do on Rottnest Island head on over to the official website here.

5. Eat and drink

If you are planning a day trip to Rottnest Island you will need to make a pitstop for some lunch or sunset drink. We loved our time at Pinky’s, and also recommend checking out the iconic Rottnest Bakery in town (my husband says the Rottnest Pie is the best meat pie he’s ever had), as well as the ever-popular Hotel Rottnest near the ferry pier. Ready for some dessert? Head straight to Simmo’s for a scoop of ice cream.

Tips for planning a day trip to Rottnest Island with kids

On our most recent visit to Rottnest Island, we brought our 2-year old toddler for a fun day out! If you are planning a Rottnest Island day trip with young children here are some tips to make the trip less stressful:

• Depart from B-Shed in Fremantle or Hillarys Boat Harbour for the shortest ferry journeys (under 40 minutes). This Hillarys to Rottnest same-day ferry ticket also includes free hotel pick up and drop off. I would only recommend taking the ferry from Barrack Street in Perth if you are trying to time your child’s nap to coincide with the longer, 1.5 hour ferry journey.
• Depending on which ferry company you travel with, under 3 or 4 year old children travel for free or at a hugely reduced rate (AU$5), and some ferry companies offer family package deals.
• If you are planning a beach day during your day trip to Rottnest Island with kids then make sure you bring a rash vest, towels, plenty of sun screen, hat and sunglasses. The water temperature is fresh so you will want to make sure your little ones are warm. There are small changing stalls at The Basin for some privacy.
• The best way to get around Rottnest Island is by bicycle – you can rent a bicycle from Pedal & Flipper with a child seat on the back, or with a children’s trailer which attaches to the bicycle. When we went during the peak season and school holidays there were plenty of both available (and we did not pre-book), but you may want to pre-book to save some time and skip the queue.
• Rottnest Island is mostly stroller-friendly with paved roads and paths, though it is very hilly in areas. If you plan on venturing beyond the town center or The Basin consider using the hop-on and hop-off bus or rent a bicycle.
• There are several small children’s playgrounds (both shaded and unshaded) around Rottnest Island. We liked the playground next to the Samphire Rottnest hotel here, and this playground on the foreshore here. There is also a small swing set next to Rottnest Bakery in the Settlement town square area. Older kids might like to play some mini golf at Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf.
• There are several clean public toilets scattered around the island, but not all of them have changing facilities for babies and toddlers.

I hope this guide helps you to plan your perfect Rottnest Island trip! Have you ever done a day trip to Rottnest Island or stayed overnight? What was your favorite thing about this destination? Remember, ferries book up during the peak season so pre-book your Fremantle or Elizabeth Quay to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here or book your Hillarys to Rottnest Island ferry tickets here.

If you’re ready to book your trip, click here to check out accommodation options on Rottnest Island or head on over here to check availability at Discovery Rottnest’s glamping tents.

Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Perth! We recommend checking out The Sebel West Perth which is perfect for solo travelers, couples and families. The aparthotel has a small kitchen, washer, dryer, communal pool as well as secure, undercover parking (for a small daily fee). We also loved our time at the modern 2-bedroom HoneyB apartment in Scarborough which is steps away from the beach and offers a kitchen, gated parking and ocean views. Looking for more options? Click here to check out other accommodation options in Perth!

You might also enjoy these Western Australia guides:

• Wine lovers will love the Margaret River region. Here are some of the best wineries in Margaret River
• But that’s not all – the Margaret River region is home to millenia-old caves, beaches, rock pools and more. Here are 12 places you won’t want to miss
• Dunsborough is a perfect base for your Margaret River region adventures. Here are the best things to do in Dunsborough and where to stay
• Perth is an underrated Australian city with more to offer than meets the eye. Read this for some Perth travel itinerary ideas

Looking for more travel tips and recommendations for Australia? Head on over here!

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My stay at Discovery Rottnest was sponsored; however, no compensation was received for this review, and as always, the opinions on Yogawinetravel.com are (and always will be) my own!

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