The Best Things To Do On Rottnest Island

From two-day hikes that skirt Rottnest Island, to climbing the Wadjemup Lighthouse and surfing Strickland Bay, here are the top 12 things to do on Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is only 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres at its widest, making it easy to explore with a number of great walking and cycling trails, museums and attractions as well as opportunities to encounter a variety of wildlife, including quokkas.

1. Follow the Wadjemup Bidi trail

Loop around the island with the Hike Collective on one of the Wadjemup Bidi walk trails that veer across coastal headlands, past stunning inland lakes and man-made attractions. Bidi means ‘trail’ in the Noongar language spoken by the Whadjuk Noongar First Nations people, who are the traditional owners of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). The 45-kilometre trail can be carved up into five bite-sized sections, and Hike Collective’s 12-kilometre guided hike includes a loop around the salt lakes, which make up 10 per cent of the island.

The Wadjemup Bidi walk Rottnest Island — The Wadjemup Bidi walk veers across the coastal headland. (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

2. Snorkel or dive at Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point

Head to Pedal & Flipper to hire electric bikes or those that require pedal power as well as snorkels and masks so you can loop around the island at your own pace. The reef surrounding Rottnest is said to have formed some 100,000 years ago when sea levels were thought to be three metres higher than they are today. Little Salmon Bay is one of the most popular spots on the island for first-time snorkellers as it’s calm and sheltered and has a trail that skirts along the limestone reef.

Parker Point Rottnest Island — Parker Point is a slice of paradise. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Relax on some of Rotto’s world-famous beaches

There are more than 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays to choose from on Rottnest Island, which means you can choose your own adventure. The island, referred to as Rotto by WA locals, is a haven for swimming, fishing, surfing, hiking and diving. Hop on and off the Island Explorer bus and do a hot lap of the island to find your patch of paradise.

Pinky Beach Rottnest Isalnd — Life is beautiful on Pinky Beach.

4. Brush up on the island’s history

Visitors can come away with insights into Rotto’s rich history after wandering around the Wadjemup Museum, Lomas Cottage and Pilot Boat House for starters. The newly renovated museum houses everything from 40,000-year-old artefacts to outdoor sculptures and is located inside the ‘Old Mill and Hay Store’. Learn about ex-convict John Lomas at Lomas Cottage, and visit the 1859 Pilot Boat House, which nods to Rotto’s maritime history.

5. Visit Oliver Hill Guns & Tunnels

There is a maze of underground tunnels beneath the Second World War gun emplacement on Oliver Hill. History boffins should join a guided walking tour with one of Rottnest Island’s enthusiastic voluntary guides to learn about the nationally significant defence heritage site located in the centre of the island. Get onboard the Captain Hussey trolley train , which will transport you from Settlement Railway Station to Oliver Hill.

6. Snap an (ethical) selfie with a quokka

Snapping a selfie with a quokka, often described as the ‘happiest animal in the world’ is regarded as a brag-worthy big deal with everyone from actors Hugh Jackman and Margo Robbie to tennis star Roger Federer uploading selfies alongside the cute marsupial. But when it comes to capturing the money shot of the island’s star attraction, there are some dos and don’ts with the No. 1 rule being: let the quokka come to you.

Quokka on Rottnest Island — Meet the world’s happiest animal! (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. Visit the Wadjemup Lighthouse precinct

To gain the ultimate views across the whole island, head to Wadjemup Lighthouse, located at the highest rise on Rottnest Island. In addition to admiring the 38-metre-high lighthouse, which was constructed in 1896 and is the fourth tallest in Australia, visitors can use the interpretative signage to learn about the other buildings in the heritage precinct: the Signal Station, Battery Observation Post and Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service.

Rottnest Island lighthouse — Admire the 38-metre-high lighthouse.

8. Join a 90-minute adventure cruise

The high-powered Eco Express Adventure Boat Tour gives passengers an unforgettable encounter with the island’s birdlife, dolphins and whales. The eco-certified tour skirts the island between November and April and carves through the Indian Ocean looking for seals, ospreys and whales (when in season). It also presents a unique perspective of the mosaic of rolling Rottnest Island countryside.

9. Catch a wave at Strickland Bay

Strickland Bay is a world-class surf break located at Rotto. Scan the QR code pinned to the signage at the surf hut to view a short documentary film that celebrates the island’s early surfing pioneers such as Al Bean and Mike “Stomper" McAuliffe who used to paddle two hours from City Beach to Rotto to surf. Strickos is a high-performance wave for experienced surfers only.

Strickland Bay, Rottnest Island — Strickland Bay is the island’s best surf spot. (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

10. Skydive and see things from above

Thrill seekers will be hard-pressed to find a skydiving experience as picturesque as the 10,000ft jump above Rottnest Island. Skydive Geronimo offers Western Australia’s only island skydive experience where you will witness aerial views of Rottnest Islands’ white sand beaches and secluded coves, and beyond to the Perth city skyline. Finish your adventure by landing safely on the pristine beaches of Salmon, Thompson, or Bickley Bays.

Skydive Geronimo Rottnest Island — Appreciate the island’s beauty from a different perspective. (Image: Skydive Geronimo)

11. Jump on a catamaran

Not satisfied with just staying on the shore? Get out further into the turquoise waters by jumping on a catamaran. Charter 1 offers private sailing snorkelling charter experiences around Rottnest’s West End. Choose from either the 3-hour snorkel and sail tour on a luxury catamaran or the half-day Carnac Island Eco-Tour where you can spot Australian Sea Lions.

Charter 1 catamaran Rottnest Island — Set sail on the turquoise waters of Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti and updated by Rachael Thompson.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

The top 11 things to do on Rottnest Island