Rottnest Island: A Paradise Off The Coast of WA

Nestled off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. With its azure waters, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife, this island is a haven for those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

What is so special about Rottnest Island?

Located just 19km off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island - or commonly referred to as “Rotto” by the locals - is a protected nature reserve. Rottnest Island is a very different type of paradise with a blend of fun, tranquility, and nature.

The island is predominantly car-free, and you will be able to find a variety of unique flora and fauna there. And if you need a reason to visit Rottnest Island, here are the top 3 reasons why you should visit Rottnest Island:

1. Quokkas!

The island is home to the happiest animals on earth - the adorable quokkas. Quokkas are small marsupials known for its smiley expressions and friendly nature. These cute, little animals can only be found in Western Australia, so you won't see them anywhere else in the world!

There are more than 10,000 quokkas living on Rottnest Island, and you will be able to find these happy little creatures in their natural habitat at various locations like The Basin and Parker Point. Remember to keep a distance, don't touch them, and definitely do not feed them!

The Quokkas are nocturnal animals, so it is easier to find them active in the early mornings or late afternoons. During the rest of the day, they are likely to be sleeping — do not disturb them when they are sleeping, the same way you wouldn't like it if someone disturbed your sleep!

2. Beach hopping and water activities

Not an animal person, or if quokkas aren't a good enough reason for you to visit Rottnest Island, then, what about beach-hopping and water activities!

Rottnest Island is not a big island, but it has 63 beaches and 20 bays! You will be spoilt for choice trying to decide which beach you want to visit. And it's not just about the pristine white sand on the beach, the waters around the island are also a diver's paradise.

Discover underwater caves, limestone reefs, and an abundance of diverse marine life as you snorkel and dive in the surrounding waters. If you don't want to go underwater, you can go kayaking instead - the waters are so clear that you'll be able to see the corals and marine life even from your kayak!

3. Explore the aboriginal history

In the local aboriginal language, Rottenest Island is known as Wadjemup. The island holds cultural and spiritual significance to the aborigines. Not only is it the resting grounds for the original inhabitants, it was also once used for important ceremonies and meetings. But aside from that, the island also had a history of being a prison and a labour camp for the Indigenous men.

Explore and learn about the rich history of the island at the Wadjemup Museum. Discover various artefacts and find out more about the stories of imprisonment, arts and culture, and contemporary milestones of the island. You can also find items like the lighthouse keeper's jacket and whale bones.

Go on a walking tour offered by GoCultural for an immersive experience of discovery and exploration of the aboriginal history of the island!

Getting to Rottnest Island

The best way to get to Rottnest Island from Perth would be to take a ferry. Ferries operate regularly, and the journey offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

If you wanted to try something different, you can also choose to travel from Perth to Rottnest Island using a Seaplane instead.

Getting around Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is generally a no-car zone, so you will not be able to bring your own vehicle there. Instead, here are some ways that you can get around the island:

• By bus: Although cars are generally not allowed, there are buses that you can use to help you get around. One of the best ways to getting around will be to use the hop-on hop-off bus with 19 stops over the island. Alternatively, you can join an island tour or check with your accommodation for shuttle services that can get you to various places.
• By bicycle or Segway: Bicycles and Segways are also popular options for helping you get around the island. Soak in the sun and stay active as you explore the island!
• Walk: It is also definitely possible for you to walk to some of the main attractions and experiences on the island. If you are up for some hiking, you can also go on a hike along the Wadjemup Bidi island trail!