Rottnest Island Day Trip

As the Billabong interns we were given the opportunity to visit the Rottnest Island in mid-March. For those of you who do not know yet, Rottnest Island (also known as Rotto) is an island off the coast of Western Australia, located 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of Fremantle. Rottnest is perhaps best known for its population of quokkas. The island also includes colonies of Australian sea lions and southern fur seals. The island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world, visiting Rottnest Island is an unforgettable experience.

How to get there?

There are multiple ways to get to Rottnest Island.

The most common is the ferry. Rottnest Island ferry companies provide transfers to the island from Perth City (90min), Fremantle (25min) and Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth’s north (45min). You can book the cheapest trip to Rottnest with Peterpans Adventure Travel, located on William Street in Perth.

Things to do on the island

Bike & Bus Tour

Bike and bus are the two main options to get around the island. Bicycle hire is cheap and easy way to get around the island. You can hire a bike from a ferry company you travel with at the departure port, or just get one on the island (this is more expensive option though). There are different distance options to choose from. It is a good option and it's easy to stop at the nicest beaches or just along the way when you spot a quokka on the side of the road!

Alternative option is to explore the beauty and tranquillity of Rottnest on an air conditioned coach.

Take a selfie with a quokka and explore other wildlife

Quokkas are a small native marsupials found in very few places. They belong to the same family with kangaroos and wallabies but are only about 30cm tall. Quokka is labelled the happiest animal in the world.

If you don't believe us check the pictures below.

Note that it is illegal to touch a quokka! It is tempting because they aren't too afraid of humans and that cute smile they all have… but touching and also feeding them can carry a AUD$2000 fine, taking selfies with them is allowed.

Rottnest is also home to Fur Seals, many types of birds and you can also see whales (only September and October).

*Fur Seals enjoying their day near Cathedral Rocks lookout*

Relax on Beaches and Bays

There are 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, you will be spoilt for choice. With so many unique bays and beaches, Rottnest Island is a perfect destination for swimming, diving, fishing, surfing, snorkelling or just for relaxation.

And there is even more to do..

The island provides also a golf court, an archery tag (mix between Lasertag and Paint Ball) and a movie theatre to watch the latest release blockbuster movies.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, then you should try Geronimo Skydiving from 15,000 feet over stunning Rottnest Island, landing on the beach.

Food and drinks on Rottnest

There are variety of cafes, restaurants and bars in Rottnest Central Mall near Thomson Bay port area, for example Subway or Dome for lunch, Geordies Cafe and Art Gallery or Hotel Rottnest for dinner before you depart the island. For light snacks it is also worth to try the local bakery and coffee shop.

Rottnest is a lovely and unique getaway. After riding your bike for hours, resting on the nicestbeaches and doing other sightseeing that the island has to offer, you will feel extremelytired but also accomplished. What makes the trip even more unique and memorable is the fact that it is the only destination where you can pose with a happy quokka for your #quokkaselfie.