A short distance off Fremantle’s mainland, Rottnest Island offers a care-free world away, accessed by ferry, helicopter, air taxi or even your own boat. Host to over 60 beaches, 20 bays, diving reefs and the famous Quokka, there’s a hive of activities on offer, including mountain biking, birdwatching, camping, cycling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, surfing, swimming, walks.
Attractions
With the quaint feature of almost no cars on its roads, Rottnest Island motivates you to get active by getting around the island by bike, segway, or getting around it by boat. An A-Class Reserve, one of its most famous residents is the mini-marsupial the Quokka, found only in WA. A large showcase of flora is on display including native spinifex, seaberry saltbush and samphires and introduced varieties of Norfolk Island pine, Moreton Bay Figs and olive trees. Enjoy the island fun park with trampolines and putt-putt, experience the reefs and marine life through a glass bottom kayak or trek up to the Wadjemup and Bathurst Lighthouses situated at the highest point of the island for inspiring views back to Perth.
Stay
A range of accommodation options are on offer, from pampering premium to roughing-it camping. Heritage View Cottages’ guests can wake up each morning to views of the Indian Ocean while staying in the surrounds of a piece of the island’s history. An eco-sustainable resort with a difference, relax in one of 83 eco-tents nestled behind the dunes of Pinky Beach.
Dine
Restaurants, bars, cafes, bakery and local produce, the dining options on Rottnest Island have not been compromised by its detachment from the mainland. Rottnest Island bakery is an institution, offering classic bakery favourites including sausage rolls, meat pies, vanilla slice cream buns and jam doughnuts. Just be sure not to feed the wildlife any of your human food – it’s a big no no as it makes them ill. Breakfast and lunch options are located in the mall at the Thomson Bay settlement. Lexi’s on Rotto is a 1970s vintage caravan selling welcome snacks and cold drinks on the cycle back to The Settlement. For a more polished Rotti Restaurant meal choose from several on the island, including Riva Restaurant, Pinky’s Beach Club and the Hotel Rottnest.
