The top 11 things to do on Rottnest Island

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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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
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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.

Wadjemup Museum
Built with Nyoongar labour in 1857, today Wadjemup Museum displays a comprehensive exhibition of island life.

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.

Eco Express Adventure Boat Tour
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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.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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Australia’s second-oldest wine region is also one of its best, but you may not have heard of it

(Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    A 25-minute drive from Perth is all you need to be amongst generations of grape growers. 

    You might not know Swan Valley, but the vines here twist through almost 200 years of history. Today, plump grapes are still plucked, pressed by juice-stained hands and fermented into wine – a journey led by the same families who will pour it into your glass. And with that first taste, you’ve unknowingly become part of a generations-old tradition. 

    So, sit back and take a sip of a crisp white under that sun-speckled pergola and listen to the warbling of magpies – here’s what makes the Swan Valley so special. 

    Western Australia’s oldest wine region 

    Mandoon Estate bathed in the warm glow of sunset.
    Sip your way through Swan Valley’s rich wine heritage. (Image: Tourism WA)

    In 1829, the very year Europeans settled in Perth, the first vines were planted in the Swan Valley. Later, Croatian and Italian migrants blended their southern European winemaking traditions into the local viticulture, a combination that works so well in the Mediterranean climate here. 

    The result today is crisp, tropical Verdelho, dark, fruity Shiraz and plenty of Chenin Blanc – a third of the country’s Chenin Blanc is crushed here. 

    So where to start uncorking? Mandoon Estate has an Aboriginal art gallery and a sculpture trail, where you can taste an Indigenous food platter of smoked crocodile and emu sausages. 

    For a taste of the valley’s Italian heritage, head to Pinelli Estate Winery. Or, for something indulgent – and a little unusual, considering the inland location – RiverBank Estate Winery serves lobster straight from tanks, paired with that Chenin Blanc. 

    If you prefer something stronger in your glass, Talijancich Wines knows a thing or two about fortified drops: try its aged tawny, Muscat and liqueur Verdelho. 

    Sensational dining 

    A beautifully presented dish paired with champagne.
    Pair great food with a scenic winery setting. (Image: Tourism Caversham)

    The Swan Valley follows that great Australian wine-country tradition, with everything from unfussily fantastic pub meals and beer gardens to unexpected fine dining at cellar doors. 

    Start at Edgecombe Winery, which does brunch as well as drops. Their brioche French toast with raspberry and rhubarb coulis, poached pear and roasted pistachios will taste best when you’re perched at a table outside. Don’t forget to explore their orchard and wetland afterwards. 

    Pick up a box of freshly baked macarons from Maison Saint-Honoré (bien sûr) before heading to Valley Social for a North American barbecue-inspired feed. Chow down on beef brisket burnt ends and wash them down with a hemp-infused craft beer. 

    Baskerville Tavern is brewing beer again in the former Feral Brewpub. Order their Monday special – a classic chicken parmi – and try Slumdog Brewing’s regular range, including a tart blueberry sour made with fresh and freeze-dried berries. In winter, it’s time for their seasonal seven-malt stout, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel. 

    An unbeatable visitor’s centre

    In Guildford is the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in a restored 1866 courthouse. Its award-winning staff know everything about anything happening in the Swan Valley. Pick their brains (and pick up a free map) before setting off. But, check out the centre’s Welcome to Country mural by local Whadjuk artist Chloe Caylon first. 

    Scenic drives 

    Use that handy Visitor Centre map to get a bit of everything on the Swan Valley’s 32-kilometre scenic loop, which connects over 150 attractions. Think roadside produce stalls, art galleries and historic buildings. Just remember to organise that designated driver if you’re extra keen on the vineyard stops. 

    Other drops 

    If the thought of wine makes your temples pulse, there are plenty of other tipples to tickle your fancy. Txoko Brewing in Baskerville takes its name from a Basque gathering place for cooking, drinking and socialising. Work through its rotating beers and plates of Spanish croquettes and sardines, then settle on the grass while the kids let off steam in the playground. 

    AmberChes Spirits Distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and fruit to make saltbush gin, lemon myrtle gin and Gincello, a twist on limoncello. Try its award-winning sloe gin, which was named Australia’s best at the 2025 Gin Guide Awards. Better yet, have a go at making your own in a hands-on gin-blending and distilling class among the vines. 

    Historic architecture and an arts scene 

    Traditional art celebrating First Nations culture.
    Explore the stories behind the Swan Valley. (Image: Tourism WA)

    Next: Guildford. It is one of WA’s earliest colonial settlements – but the history here goes back much further. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the land’s Traditional Custodians, whose Dreaming tells of the Wagyl serpent creating the gum tree-lined Swan River. Today, Guildford’s original town layout remains largely unchanged. Follow one of four heritage walks past 19th-century buildings, galleries and James Street’s antique shops. 

    Take home pantry staples 

    The display counter at Margaret River Chocolate Company.
    Treat yourself to a chocolate-filled detour. (Image: Tourism WA)

    Sometimes the little stops are just as good as the big hitters. Pull over at Margaret River Chocolate Company for free tastings of white, milk and dark chocolate. Then stop by Harvey Cheese Swan Valley for Lemon Myrtle Ash Brie or St Duke’s Red. End at The House of Honey, where you can sample local honey and get buzzy on honey ice cream pancakes. 

    Nature and wildlife 

    A close-up of a koala in its natural habitat.
    Add a little wildlife adventure. (Image: Tourism WA)

    If the kids have had enough of winery lawns, save the bottles for later and head to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas and wombats. Catch working sheepdogs and sheep-shearing demonstrations at the Farm Show. Elsewhere in Whiteman Park, hop aboard a vintage train or tram, or cool off in the splash pool. 

    Finish at Bells Rapids, where fuchsia grevillea, crimson bottlebrush and yellow wattles bloom each spring. 

    Start planning your culinary escape at swanvalley.com.au.