Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup, is a must-visit destination off the coast of Perth and rests 19 kilometers from Fremantle.
The wonders of Rottnest Island stand out for their stunningly clear waters, white sand beaches, top-notch dining, and beautiful wildlife making it the perfect location for a weekend getaway in Western Australia.
Outdoor adventures on Rottnest Island
The Ngank Wen Bidi walking trail is a breathtaking excursion that stretches 7.6 kilometers from Porpoise Bay to Cape Vlamingh. The trail showcases the magnificent cathedral rocks, rugged shores, and superior sunset views of the Indian Ocean. While exploring, be on the lookout for the adorable Quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial that is native only to Rottnest and Bald Island.
Whether you hike, bike, or take the 30 minute bus ride from Thomson Bay to get there, Cape Vlamingh itself is a natural gem in the westernmost point of the island and features 120 meters of elevated boardwalk perfect for viewing Dolphins, migrating Humpback Whales (August – December), Wedge Tailed Shearwaters, and nesting Osprey.
For more fun along the southern end of Rottnest, Little Salmon Bay is naturally sheltered and boasts consistently calm and glassy waters, making it the best location for snorkeling and swimming. Below the surface, you’ll see dozens of vibrant tropical fish dash between the limestone and pink hued coral. The 700 meter snorkeling trail here has 10 buoys anchored in the seabed, each inscribed with meaningful information about the surrounding sealife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a rare Australian Sea Lion, another of the wonders of Rottnest Island.
Aside from the ocean, Wadjemup is home to 12 salt lakes that take up over 200 hectares of the island. You can take in the brilliant sunsets reflected over these pink bodies of water and watch as migratory birds take flight over the horizon. Remain on the trails to be certain that you don’t flatten the fragile microbialities encrusting the shorelines.
Dining experiences on Rottnest Island
At The Lodge Wadjemup, you’ll find some of the best coffee, pastries, and soft serve ice cream on Rottnest Island. It’s the perfect place to recharge after a refreshing dip in the ocean. Located on Kitson Street and overlooking the lush Heritage Common, Pelican serves as an ideal family-friendly rest stop.
With spacious seating areas and a playground just across the way, it’s a great place to unwind. Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee, and from mid-morning onwards, treat yourself to a selection of takeaway meals and creamy soft serve ice cream, a nostalgic delight that brings back the joy of simpler times.
If you’re craving Italian cuisine, Isola Bar E Cibo is the ideal spot to relax after an exciting day on the island. Combining the laid-back charm of island life with the sophistication of an Italian-inspired drinks list, Isola offers beachside dining with a focus on quality local ingredients.
Savor classic Italian cocktails, refreshing spritzes, and fine wines alongside fresh pasta dishes, charcoal-grilled meats, and the best of Western Australian seafood. The cured meat platter is a must-try, served with traditional flatbread and house-pickled vegetables.
Family fun on Rottnest Island
Up north, Geordie Bay is one of the largest and most popular bays on the island ideal for a relaxing beach staycation. Families will delight in the white sand beaches as well as the amenities including a holiday accommodation, café, and a general store for those wishing to stay longer.
Beyond Thomson Bay between the salt lakes and past the bush in the middle of the island, you will find Oliver Hill, a wartime site chock full of history. The hill was finished in 1937 in defence of Fremantle from seaborne attacks and now features the battery of two 11 metre Australian naval guns for visitors to observe, the only of their kind still intact. Take the guided tour of the underground tunnels that used to house the gun’s engine room and ammunition supply and end the day with an incredible view of the iconic Wadjemup Lighthouse.
For family time, be sure to check out Rottnest Island Movies and Mini Golf to enjoy an evening of outdoor recreation. This space is reserved for heaps of entertainment such as retro pinball machines, arcade games, and a deckchair movie theatre. End the night with a round of mini golf surrounded by the native flora and fauna of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The course features 18 exciting holes, the perfect setting for some good-natured family rivalry.
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