If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Western Australia then do yourself a favour and plan a trip to Rottnest Island. And to ensure you have the absolute BEST time whilst there, I have compiled a list of 10 amazing things to do on Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island – a quintessential and relatively untouched island just 30 minutes by ferry from mainland Perth.  This little slice of heaven might just be one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets.  Think sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters and your toughest choice of the day is where to stop for refreshments. And thankfully there is accommodation available on Tripadvisor for every budget, from glamping to high end resorts. Making Rottnest the perfect location for a mini-break.  So, lets take a look at 10 of the best things to do on Rottnest Island.

10 Amazing Things To Do On Rottnest Island

#1: Take a Selfie with a Quokka

Are these little guys the cutest marsupials you have ever seen?  They always look as though they are smiling – perhaps because they live on Rottnest? In recent times they have become world famous for their strong selfie game and snapping pics with the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.  They are very friendly and you can get quite close, but it is important to also respect their space.  Fun Fact – the first founders thought the Quokkas were giant rats and hence named the island “Rat’s Nest’.  Over the years, this has transformed into Rottnest.

#2: Cycle Around the Island

A must when it comes to things to do on Rottnest Island is to hire a bike and ride around to explore the sights.  There are no vehicles on the island (other than service vehicles) so it is very easy and safe to get around by bike.  It is suitable for amateur riders or seasoned cyclist, just make sure you have a map (plus some water and sun protection).

There are a couple of vendors whom offer bike hire on Rottnest Island.  We booked our bike and helmet hire with our ferry tickets (Rottnest Express) and collected them as we disembarked the boat.  Easy!

#3: Swim at The Basin

The sparkling waters of The Basin make it the perfect place for a refreshing swim. With stunning shades of blue and turquoise, it had me reminiscing of the Caribbean.  There are beaches available for swimming all over the island, but this one is particularly special as the water is shallow and clear.  A must for your list of things to do on Rottnest Island.

#4: Sip Cocktails at Pinky’s Beach Club

Established in 2019, this new beach club has an uber relaxed vibe and is the ideal place to spend the afternoon enjoying a cocktail or sparkling wine.  It overlooks Pinky’s Beach and is joined to the new glamping site (see below).  There is plenty of grassed area for the kids to roam around, as well as a sand pit and some garden games for use.

#5: Hire a Boat

Should your legs be tiring from all the bike riding, then of the great things to do on Rottnest Island is hire a boat and circumnavigate the island by water.  Find yourself a secluded beach for a picnic or a quite place for a swim.  Though be sure to obey all warning signs along the coast line.  There are many dangers which you might not be used to i.e. unstable cliff edges or snakes.  Boat hire available from Boating West.

#6: Discover Glamping

Luxury camping is one of the hottest travel trends right now.  These accommodations were opened in 2019 and are a great alternative to those who fancy camping but not everything it entails.  Discovery Rottnest Island is located a 5 minute bike ride from the main settlement, and you can access both The Basin and Pinky’s Beach from the camp grounds.  There is a pool available for guest use, communal BBQ’s as well as Pinky’s Beach Club for food and drink.

#7: See Rottnest from the Sky

If you are an aviation lover like me then you will love the opportunity to see this gorgeous island from the skies.  The white beaches contrasted by beautiful blue waters is simply breathtaking.  You will quite literally have seen everything on Rottnest Island after taking one of these scenic flights.  And If you are really lucky then you might even spot a whale during migration season (September – November).  Check out Rottnest Air Taxi for more information on one of the top rates things to do on Rottnest Island.

#8: Enjoy a Lobster Roll from The Lane

If you see the sign advertising fresh lobster rolls, then don’t go any further!  These mouth watering delicacies were worth every cent.  I did not see the sign every day, so I assume that they are only available on days when they have caught the crayfish fresh that morning.  Nothing beats fresh local seafood, wherever you are in the world!

#9: Go Snorkelling or Scuba Diving

Something you might not know about me – I have my scuba diving licence.  And snorkeling or scuba diving is one of the amazing things to do on Rottnest Island.  Beautiful water, plenty of interesting marine life and high visibility if you secure a good day.  I haven’t been scuba diving in a very long time – the older I get, the scarier it seems.  But I have fond memories of a day spent at Rottnest Island, diving and exploring the surrounding waters.

#10: Watch the world go by at Hotel Rottnest

Take in the views of Thomson Bay whilst sitting back and relaxing at the bar & bistro at Hotel Rottnest.  They pride themselves on sourcing products locally and ethically from WA farmers, so you are guaranteed to enjoy some quality food & drink.  There is often concerts and entertainment being showcased at Hotel Rottnest, so be sure to check their website for details.

A Few More Options

If that hasn’t already sold it, here are some of the other things to do on Rottnest Island …

Enjoy a Round of Golf

Can you believe their is a golf club on this small island?  If golf is your thing then one of the best things things to do on Rottnest Island is enjoy a leisurely 9 holes at Karma Rottnest Golf Club.  They also offer lawn bowls!

Take a Tour

There are many Rottnest Island tours on offer to suit every interest.  From walking trails, sunset yacht cruises and train rides to the WWII guns and tunnels.  The world is your oyster!

Explore by Segway

Many cities now offer Segway tours as an alternative and fun way to explore, and Rottnest Island is no different.  Check out Segway Tours WA for details on their latest offerings.

And with that round up, I hope I have you itching to book a trip to Rottnest Island and discover everything it has to offer.  It truly is a very special place on Earth and somewhere everyone should visit once in their lifetime.  Be sure to let me know in the comments section below what are your favourite things to do on Rottnest Island.  Or if you have yet to visit this beautiful island, what is at the top of your list of things to do? Safe travels – Shell x

PS – Should you find yourself in Western Australia then do not miss out on a trip to Margaret River whilst there.

If you loved this post, Pin It!

Did You Know: When you click through and buy something recommended in our blog posts or book a hotel or holiday activity, it helps to keep Wander & Luxe running, at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting us x