Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup, much-loved destination off the coast of Perth and only 20 kilometres from the bustling port of Fremantle.
With stunningly clear waters, white sand beaches, top-notch dining, and beautiful wildlife (including the undeniably cute quokka), there’s no excuse for not indulging in the wonders of Rottnest Island.
Outdoor adventures on Rottnest Island
Rotto, as the island is called by locals, is a top spot for outdoor adventures, and it’s home to many awesome walks. The Ngank Wen Bidi walking trail is a breathtaking excursion that stretches 7.6 kilometres from Porpoise Bay to Cape Vlamingh, winding past magnificent cathedral rocks and rugged shorelines, that are perfect for taking in sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
While exploring, be on the lookout for the Insta-famous super-cute quokka – a small wallaby-like marsupial that is native to Rottnest and Bald Island.
Whether you hike, bike, or take the 30-minute bus ride from Thomson Bay to get there, Cape Vlamingh is a natural gem on the westernmost point of the island, with 120 metres of elevated boardwalks that are ideal for wildlife viewing.
See dolphins at play, migrating humpback whales (from August to December), wedge tailed shearwaters (aka muttonbird), and osprey, which are a magnificent type of hawk.
In fact, Rottnest Island’s pine trees, tea trees, and wattle trees make it a haven for bush birds including the golden whistler, red-capped robin, silvereye, and singing honeyeaters.
For more fun along the southern end of Rottnest, Little Salmon Bay is naturally sheltered and so has consistently calm and glassy waters, making it a top spot for snorkelling and swimming. Below the surface, dozens of vibrant tropical fish dash between the limestone and pink coral. The 700-metre snorkelling trail here has ten buoys anchored in the seabed, each inscribed with meaningful information about the abundance of marine life. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a rare Australian sea lion – another of the wonders of Rottnest Island.
Wadjemup is home to twelve salt lakes spread across 200 hectares of the island. Take in a brilliant sunset reflected over these pink bodies of water and watch as migratory birds take flight on the horizon. Always remain on the trails to ensure that you don’t flatten the fragile microbialites 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 at it’s kiosk called Pelican. On Kitson Street, it’s a lovely spot popular with locals, where you can rest and recharge after a refreshing dip in the ocean. For a french take on a good ol’ ham and cheese toastie, the staff plate up great Croque Monsieur sandwiches on freshly baked sour dough.
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, Isola Bar E Cibo combines the charm of laid-back island life with the sophistication of an Italian-inspired drinks list including classic Aperol and Limoncello Spritz, margaritas and and a range of cocktails that will make your tastebuds sing.
The menu includes scrumptious dishes such as a delicate taglierini pasta with blue swimmer crab, tomato, chilli, garlic, basil and cream and a more hearty rigatoni pasta with slow-cooked pork sausage.
For something smaller, tuck into wood-grilled whole prawns with crayfish butter, capers and lemon, or some charred Fremantle octopus served with pickled vegetables and Jerusalem artichoke. They can be perfectly paired with a Prosecco or a Northern Italian Pinot Grigio.
Families will love Geordie’s cafe and art gallery, which has classic seaside meals such as smash burgers and chicken Caesar salads. It’s a 1.5-kilometre walk into the main part of town, in the Geordie Bay. For dinner, there are specials for every day, such as burgers on Wednesdays, schniztels on Thursdays, seafood on Fridays and Surf & Turf on Saturday night. There’s a kid’s menu, and a classic fish and chips to keep little ones happy.
Family fun on Rottnest Island
The large, curved, white-sanded beach of Geordie Bay, always dotted with boats, make it one of the most popular bays on the island for a relaxing beach staycation. There’s loads of accommodation options and a general store with all of the essentials and more.
Beyond Thomson Bay between the salt lakes and past the bushland dominating the middle of the island, is Oliver Hill – a wartime site that history buffs will love.
The battery was finished in 1937 to defend Fremantle from seaborne attacks, and houses two 11-metre Australian naval guns, which are the only ones of their kind still intact in Australia. 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. Purchase tickets for a tour with Quokka Coaches Bus Tours at the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre.
For some wholesome family adventure, head on over to Rottnest Island Movies and Mini Golf for some putting on its 18 exciting holes set in lovely bushland, and then have a go on the retro pinball machines and try your luck on the classic arcade games.
If you prefer to chill out, settle into a deck chair and watch a movie in the heritage-listed picture hall, with an obligatory box of popcorn and a choc-top bought from the candy bar.
It doesn’t get more Rotto than that.
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