Rottnest Island is about 19 km off Fremantle. Most people come for a swim, a bike ride and a chance to see quokkas. A good first visit leaves time for all three without trying to circle the whole island.
Wadjemup is the island’s Noongar name. This is Whadjuk Noongar Country, with a history that deserves time alongside the beaches.
Prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).
Six things you might not know
- The island has 63 beaches and 20 bays. That is a reason to choose a few, rather than try to visit them all. Source
- Quokkas are marsupials. Their young spend about six months in the mother’s pouch. Source
- The name Rottnest came from a mistake. Dutch visitors thought the quokkas were large rats and named the island for them. Source
- Twelve salt lakes cover about a tenth of the island. Some dry out in summer. They are habitats to observe, not swimming spots. Source
- Both main lighthouses still operate. The present Wadjemup Lighthouse was first lit in 1896. Bathurst Lighthouse stands nearer the settlement. Sources · AMSA
- Wadjemup was once connected to the mainland. Rising seas separated it, but Whadjuk Noongar connections to the place continue. Source
Plan your visit at a glance
- How long: a full day for the settlement and a few nearby stops. Stay overnight for a less hurried visit.
- Getting there: ferries leave from Fremantle, Perth and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
- Getting around: walk, hire a bike or use the island buses. Visitors cannot bring a private car.
- Book first: your return ferry, accommodation if staying overnight, then bikes, buses or tours.
- Main costs: ferry tickets, island admission, transport or equipment hire, food and any accommodation.
Which ferry should you take?
Choose the departure point that works for where you are staying and how you will reach the terminal.
| Departure | Approximate crossing | Useful to know |
|---|---|---|
| Fremantle | From about 25 minutes | Check your ticket for Victoria Quay or Northport in North Fremantle. They are different terminals. |
| Hillarys Boat Harbour | About 45 minutes | An option if you are staying in Perth’s northern suburbs. |
| Perth, Barrack Street Jetty | Up to 90 minutes | Convenient from the city centre, with a longer journey. |
These are indicative crossing times, not total travel times. Allow for getting to the terminal, check-in and boarding. Follow the arrival time on your operator’s booking confirmation, especially with luggage or a bike.
The operators are Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest Island and Rottnest Fast Ferries. Compare the full return price and check whether bike hire, bike carriage or transfers are included.
Fremantle terminal note: B Shed is at Victoria Quay. As checked in September 2026, construction has temporarily moved ticketing booths to the east side of E Shed. Follow your operator’s latest arrival instructions.
Book both crossings before arranging your day. Ferry schedules vary with the season and weather. Check messages from your operator before leaving your accommodation.
Island admission fees
The following admission fees apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. They are separate from the ferry transport fare, although ferry companies collect them when you book. Check the total before adding the fee again to your budget.
| Visitor | Same-day visit | Return on a later day |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | A$21.50 | A$28.50 |
| Child aged 4 to 16 | A$11.00 | A$14.50 |
| Family, two adults and two children | A$57.00 | A$75.00 |
| Child under 4 | Free | Free |
The extended-stay fee covers the visit, not each night. Accommodation costs extra. Ferry operators can use different age limits for their own child and family fares.
Rottnest has its own admission system. Allow for this fee separately from any WA national park pass.
Current Rottnest Island Authority fees
What else should you budget for?
Add your return ferry fare, any mainland parking or public transport, bike or bus costs, meals and activities. An advertised ferry package may already include admission or hire, so compare like for like. Prices for transport, hire and accommodation depend on the dates and product you choose.
You can keep a day trip simpler by walking around the settlement and nearby beaches, bringing lunch and choosing fewer paid activities.
Walk, cycle or take the bus?
Walking suits a day around Thomson Bay, the settlement, The Basin and Pinky Beach. A bike is optional for this kind of visit. Check the island map before adding more distant bays.
Cycling gives you more flexibility, but the island has hills and exposed sections. The full island circuit is about 22 km. Choose a shorter route if you want long swimming stops, are travelling with children or do not cycle regularly. Wear a helmet, keep left and watch for buses, service vehicles and railway crossings.
Pedal & Flipper Hire and ferry providers offer bike hire. Reserve ahead for busy dates. Confirm the hire return time and any e-bike age or equipment restrictions with the provider.
The Island Explorer bus is a hop-on, hop-off service. Check the last pickup from each place you want to visit, then work backwards from your ferry. A booked ticket does not remove the need to allow time for a busy bus.
The settlement shuttle and guided bus tours are different services. Check the route and ticket you are buying.
Cycling information · Bus options
Where to spend your time
The Basin
A practical first beach stop near the settlement, with toilets and showers. Check conditions before getting in, even when the water looks sheltered.
Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse
Combine time on the beach with a look at Bathurst Lighthouse from outside. This is the coastal lighthouse near the settlement. It is different from Wadjemup Lighthouse inland.
Little Salmon Bay
A snorkelling option on the south coast, more than 5 km from the settlement. There are no facilities at the bay itself. It sits within a marine sanctuary zone where fishing is prohibited. Go by bike or bus and carry what you need.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
The inland lighthouse offers guided tours with 155 steps. Check tour times and suitability before making it part of your route. The climb is not wheelchair accessible.
West End
Choose West End if coastal views are a priority and you have time for a longer ride or bus journey. It is an exposed lookout stop, so keep well back from cliff edges and follow signs.
Beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards. Swim with someone, supervise children closely and stay out if conditions are beyond your ability. Wind, waves and currents matter more than a beach’s reputation.
The Basin · Little Salmon Bay · Lighthouse visits
A manageable one-day visit
This suggested plan keeps you close to the settlement. Adjust it to your booked crossings and the day’s conditions.
- After arriving: collect a map, check any notices and get your bearings around Thomson Bay. Fill your water bottle before setting out.
- Morning: walk to The Basin or Pinky Beach. Pick one for a swim rather than rushing between both.
- Lunch: return to the settlement or eat the picnic you brought. Keep food closed and out of reach of wildlife.
- Afternoon: allow time for the Wadjemup Museum, a short walk and watching quokkas from a distance. Check museum opening hours when you arrive.
- Before departure: return hired equipment and reach the jetty by your operator’s required boarding time. Leave a generous buffer.
If cycling or snorkelling is your main aim, replace the nearby beach visit with one chosen route or bay. Trying to add Little Salmon Bay, West End, both lighthouses and the museum can leave very little time to enjoy any of them.
Seeing quokkas responsibly
Quokkas are wild animals. Watch quietly, give them space and let them move away. Do not touch them, feed them or offer water. Use your camera’s zoom rather than crowding them for a photograph.
You may see them during the day, but early morning and late afternoon are good times to look. Keep bags closed and never use food to attract an animal.
Make time for Wadjemup’s history
Wadjemup remains culturally significant to Whadjuk Noongar people. It is also a place of grief for Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
Between 1838 and 1931, thousands of Aboriginal men and boys were imprisoned on the island. Many died there. Parts of the settlement were built through their forced labour.
Visit the Wadjemup Museum and read the island’s Aboriginal history information. At the burial ground and other significant places, respect signs, access restrictions and any guidance about photography. These are places of remembrance.
Aboriginal history · Whadjuk Noongar culture
Staying overnight and booking rules
An overnight stay gives you more time between activities and an evening after the day visitors leave. Options include Stay Rottnest houses, units, hostel rooms and camping, as well as Discovery Rottnest Island, Samphire Rottnest and The Lodge Wadjemup.
Stay Rottnest normally releases accommodation nine months ahead on its monthly Open Day, the first working Wednesday. Check the published calendar for your intended dates. Minimum stays, booking periods and cancellation charges vary. Other accommodation businesses have their own booking arrangements.
For camping, book an authorised campsite and check its equipment, occupancy and arrival requirements. Confirm accommodation and ferry availability together before paying for arrangements you cannot change. A ferry ticket does not reserve a room or campsite.
Accommodation options · Stay Rottnest
When to visit
Summer, from December to February, suits beach-focused trips but brings busy dates and strong sun. Spring and autumn can work well for a mix of swimming, walking and cycling. Winter, from June to August, is cooler and wetter, so leave room for changes to outdoor plans.
Check the island forecast and ferry service updates. Pack a light layer even on a warm day, and choose your beach after checking the wind.
Accessibility
Before booking, discuss your particular boarding and mobility needs with the ferry operator and island transport provider. Accessible services and hire equipment are available, but spaces and equipment need planning. Ask about the whole journey, including getting from the jetty to your accommodation.
Temporary closure, checked 23 September 2026: the Henderson Avenue Changing Places facility is listed as closed until mid-December 2026. Check the official accessibility page for the latest status before relying on it.
Accessibility information and contacts
What to bring and rules to know
- Bring drinking water, sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes, swimwear and a light jacket. Water refill options are limited away from the settlement.
- Download your tickets and an island map before setting out.
- Keep to marked paths and leave plants, shells and wildlife where they are.
- Fires and recreational drone use are not permitted.
- Pets are not allowed. If you travel with an assistance dog, contact the island rangers before arrival.
- In an emergency, call 000.
Practical visitor information · Emergency contacts
Planning the mainland part of your trip? Read our Perth guide.