Rottnest Island

Why Visit

Rottnest Island sits off the west coast of Perth, visible on the horizon on most days; it's a mere 18km from the mainland. Steeped in history, it is now a protected nature reserve, accessible by private boat or two ferry companies that operate daily trips to the island. Home to white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the ever-inquisitive quokka, a native marsupial found only on this island, it's a must-visit location for anyone travelling to Western Australia.

Featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in WA, some stunning wildlife, and plenty of wind and turquoise water, it's the perfect place to go and experience something a little different to the beaches on the mainland. Visitors can go for a day trip or get the most out of the area. Why not stay in one of the many different types of accommodation on the island, ranging from camping right the way through to luxury beachfront bungalows. You can even live on the island for up to 15 weeks during the summer. The accommodation gets busy, especially at key periods, so book early to make the most of your trip.

Most of the northern beaches are home to moorings for boats and are not suitable for kiting as they offer shelter from the prevailing SW sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor. The southern beaches, though, are different; spots like Salmon Bay will have you thinking you've died and gone to kiting heaven.

What a place to kite!

Wind And Weather

The summer season officially starts in Perth on the 1st of December, but the famous Fremantle Doctor Seabreeze can kick in in the months leading up to that. You're pretty much-guaranteed wind from mid-November to the end of February. Summer in Perth is hot, and Rottnest Island is no different. Expect to be wearing boardies and bikinis on the beaches. Before the wind kicks in in the mornings, it can be up to 40 degrees. Be sure to seek shade and follow the Australian code of slip slap slop. Wear lots of factor 50 reef-safe suncream, a hat on your head and a long sleeve t-shirt.

You don't need a wetsuit on Rottnest Island in the summer, but a shortie can take some chill off the wind on windy days. Whatever you wear, watch out for the sun; it is brutal here. The SW sea breeze is fairly consistent and easy to predict, so plan your trip around a good forecast. The wind is constant and usually perfect for 10m kites, blowing from 20-25mph. Some days it can be more, and some, it can be less, but if it's a clear day of sunshine, the Doctor is almost bound to deliver.

There are some great surf breaks on Rottnest, and the local surfers often come over on the ferry; it's all swell-dependent, so again, check the forecast if you can.

Meet the Quokkas!

Getting Around

There are no cars on the island, and there is a bus that can take you around, but with a total area of just 19km, it's easy to walk or cycle around. You can rent bikes, with trailers for kite gear, on the island or at the ferry terminal. A bike gives you the best option for getting around, and there is now a range of electric bicycles on offer, making it even easier to explore. The bus service works well and can take you to some of the main spots, but if you are serious about kiting, get a bike and explore all the options along the south coast.

Food And Drink

There are plenty of places to eat and drink on such a small island. So if you haven't brought your picnic to enjoy on a secluded beach, you'll find many options. The Rottnest Bakery is a great place to grab something quick and easy; they also make good coffee. As the whole island focuses on being eco-conscious, most of the things you eat and drink are sustainably sourced and locally produced with a drive to support Western Australian farmers.

The range of food on offer is impressive, from a sausage roll at the bakery to a 5-star dinner at Hotel Rottnest, and everything in between, there should be something to ensure you are satiated during your stay. A word of advice, when the ferries come in, there is often a mad rush to the restaurants and bars; either get off the ferry fast or be prepared to explore a little on the island first rather than spending your first magical moments on the island stuck in a queue!

The start of the Red Bull Lighthouse To Leighton kite race

Nightlife

You won't find a disco here, but the pub is open late and will serve beers until closing. So the best thing to do is chill at your choice of accommodation with a bottle of wine. Or even better, find a secluded beach, lie back, and enjoy the stars shining brightly over this majestic place.

No Wind?

There is still plenty to do if there is no wind, which is unlikely, especially if you plan your trip around the forecast. Meet a quokka, arguably a must-do on the island, be sure not to feed them or touch them. Human food makes them quite sick, and they are only too happy to eat it. Touching them can make you sick, so say hello, and get a photo but keep your distance. Seeing someone feeding or touching them does not mean it is OK.

Take a tour of the island on a bike, explore the stunning beaches, stop for lunch and do some snorkelling over the reef. If you feel adventurous, why not ride on the Eco Express, operated by the Rottnest Express ferry company? This purpose-built boat will take you on a high-speed island tour in just 90 minutes. The trained staff will seek out all the spots to watch New Zealand fur seals, the bountiful birdlife and, if you are lucky, perhaps even humpback whales that migrate through these waters from September to November.

Rottnest Express Ferries will get you here in style.

Internet

Most bars and restaurants have high-speed WiFi, and you can also get a good mobile data signal on the island. Although with so much to see and do, it's the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and enjoy the surroundings.

Accommodation

There are many options here, ranging from the campsite as a budget option to luxury bungalows and apartments. You can book these through Rottnest, and rest assured it gets very busy during the summer months, so be sure to book early if you plan to stay overnight. Staying on the island gives you more time to enjoy the place and more time while the ferry tourists aren't present. The population goes from around 350 to 15,000 on busy summer days; these are all day-trippers. So to get a feeling of having the place to yourself, stay overnight!

Bickley Bay on Race Day

The Eco Express is a must do adventure!

Electric bikes are arguably the best way to get around!

Racers at the Lighthouse to Leighton

There are so many great spots to explore!

The stars come out at night!

Have fun at the aqua park!

These guys!

Every corner has something incredible.

There are information points filled with amazing stories from the island

If you have a boat, then you are in luck!

Find a secluded spot and go for a swim

View of the jetty from the Dome Cafe

The quokkas are very active at night!

Bickley Bay