Rottnest Island Day Trip – Island Paradise Just Off Perth.

1 Nov

Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Rottnest Island feels like stepping into another world… white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and no cars. It’s one of my favourite day trips from Perth, and exploring it by bike is by far the best way to see it all. After arriving on the morning ferry, grab a rental bike right near the jetty or from the boat if you booked it together with your ferry ticket, and set off to ride the island loop. The roads are easy to navigate, with plenty of lookouts and hidden coves to stop at along the way. You can take both Rottnest Express and SeaLink Rottnest Ferries from Elizabeth Quay (Perth City), Fremantle (South & North Port), or, if you live/stay further up in the northern suburbs, jump on Rottnest Fast Ferries from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Don’t forget to pack your snorkel gear and stop at a few of the sheltered bays to explore the underwater world. The visibility depends on the wind and waves, but the great thing is that if the waves are too rough on one side of the island, you can bike to the opposite side and you’ll most likely find calmer waters. Even if you don’t get in the water, the views alone make the ride worthwhile. If you don’t want to bike, there are lots of nearby beaches you can walk to, or you can take the bus, which stops all along the island.

***Here are some of my favourite bays to swim, snorkel spots and places you can meet some cute quokkas:***

**The Settlement** - probably the best chance to run into quokkas. They love food and often hang around all the restaurants, cafes and food places as well as in the nearby shaded area under some trees. Just remember, they are wild animals - so no feeding or touching them!
**The Basin** - a great place to snorkel and swim on a sunny day; it’s not too far from the settlement and ferry as well, so walking here is definitely an option.
**Pinky’s Beach & Bathurst Lighthouse** - another great beach for swimming and relaxing within walking distance from the ferry.
**Little Armstrong Bay** - one of my favourite bays to stop when biking the loop around the island. It’s a bit more secluded and sheltered from the wind, which is perfect for snorkelling.
**Parker Point & Little Salmon Bay** - two of the best snorkelling spots on Rottnest. Follow the dedicated snorkelling trails and see colourful corals, lots of beautiful fish, sting rays, and so much more.

Personally, I try to avoid going during school & public holidays to avoid the crowds. Another tip is to take a later return ferry. Most people get on the ones between 4-5 pm, and if you stay longer will notice a big difference, and Rottnest will be much quieter. This also gives you more time to swim and relax, and have the beaches to yourself with barely anyone there. Of course, there is also the option to make it an overnight or multi-day trip!

P.S.: for all current information, things to do and events, visit the Rottnest Island website.

P.P.S: dedicated snorkelling guides with the best spots on Rottnest Island will be posted shortly.