Kaya Wandjoo Wadjemup. Hello! Welcome to Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Island, affectionately known as "Rotto", is one of Western Australia's iconic escapes. Just a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle, Rottnest promises plenty of adventures. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, friendly (and adorable) wildlife, and relaxing island vibes, it's the perfect place to take a break from studying.
Here's everything you need to know about Rotto to help you plan the perfect day trip or a relaxing getaway with friends.
5 fun Rotto facts
💬Wadjemup means "place across the water where the spirits are" in the Noongar language of WA's First Nations people.
🧳Rottnest has a permanent population of around 100, but attracts over 700,000 visitors annually.
🤩The quokka population is much larger - there are between 10,000 and 12,000 quokkas living on Rottnest Island.
🚲There are over 22km of bike paths to explore, and more of the island is completely car-free.
⛱️With 63 stunning beaches and 20 secluded bays, you'll have plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.
Planning your trip to Rottnest
Getting there
The best way to get to Rottnest is by ferry. Ferries depart several times each day from Perth CBD (Barrack Street Jetty), Fremantle (B-Shed and Northport), and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Rottnest ferry fare comparison
Wondering how much the Rottnest ferry costs and when it departs? We've rounded up the standard pricing as of June 2025. However, prices and timetables are subject to change, so check the operator's website for up-to-date ticket information.
Our tip: Look out for mid-week deals or off-season specials. Visiting outside of peak times is more peaceful, and you can usually save up to $20 on Rottnest ferry tickets.
| Operator | Route | First departure | Last return | Duration (one-way) | Adult same-day return | Student same-day return |
| Rottnest Express | Fremantle (B-Shed and Northport) | 7:30am | 4:30pm (seasonal 6:30pm) | 25-30 minutes | $84.50 | $79.50 |
| Barrack Street Jetty | 8:45am | 4:15pm (seasonal 5:30pm) | 90 minutes | $125.50 | $121.50 | |
| Sealink | Fremantle B-Shed | 7:00am | 4:00pm (seasonal 7:00pm on weekends) | 30 minutes | $86.50 | $81 |
| Barrack Street Jetty | 8:30am | 4:30pm | 90 minutes | $127 | $120 | |
| Rottnest Fast Ferries | Hillarys Boat Harbour | 7:30am | 4:30pm | 45 minutes | $92 | $87 |
All ferry tickets include the Rottnest Island admission fee. Extended returns are also available for longer stays. Booking online is the easiest way to secure your spot, as seats sell out in the busier months.
Accommodation
Thinking of staying for a few days? Rottnest offers several kinds of accommodation.
🛏️Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms
Located in historic Kingstown Barracks, this youth hostel on Rottnest Island offers shared dorms for $64 to $78 per bed per night, as well as private rooms for around $140 to $175 per night. It's an affordable option for groups and solo travellers, and a great way to meet new people.
Yes, you can camp on Rottnest Island! The Stay Rottnest campground, a 10-minute stroll from the famous Pinky Beach, features 43 non-powered sites for up to six people in two tents. Campsites are unpowered and cost $64 to $78, depending on when you visit.
If you're staying longer or travelling in a group, there are self-contained options, from cottages and cabins to beachfront units and bungalows. Nightly rates range from a little over $100 for a 4-bed bungalow in the off-season to $600+ for a premium 6-bed beachfront cabin in peak season.
🏨Luxury Stays
Whether it's glamping at Discovery Resorts, boutique beachfront bliss at Samphire Rottnest, or pure indulgence at The Lodge Wadjemup, Rottnest has plenty of upmarket accommodation options for special occasions.
Things to do: your ultimate Rottnest Island adventure guide
There are a tonne of things to do on the island to make your trip a memorable one. We've put together the highlights below to help you plan your visit.
Quokka spotting
Rottnest has the world's largest population of Quokkas. Nocturnal by nature, these little marsupials spend most of their day sleeping or resting under shady bushes. Keep your eye out around the main settlement, or head to one of the places where quokkas living on Rottnest Island are known to gather:
- Garden Lake
- On the walk to The Basin
- Near Bickley Bay
- Digby Drive before climbing up to Wadjemup Lighthouse
- Bovell Way on the cycle to Stark
Quokkas are curious and look cuddly, but they're a protected species and classified as vulnerable. You can definitely snap a selfie - just be sure to respect their personal space.
- Touching or feeding quokkas is illegal
- Use a selfie stick or ask a friend to take your picture
- Avoid using flash, and don't chase camera-shy quokkas
Cycling
Rottnest Island is mostly car-free, so pedal power is the best way to beach-hop or explore the rugged interior. Whether you opt for the 4-kilometre Rotto Mini Loop or turn it up a notch for the exhilarating 22-kilometre Island Ride, cycling is the perfect way to see the incredible scenery.
You can bring your own bike on the ferry or hire one when you get there at Pedal & Flipper Hire.
Snorkelling
Dive into the crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounding the island and discover the paradise that lies beneath the surface. With 400 different species of fish, green turtles, and colourful western rock lobsters, you're bound to meet all kinds of underwater friends. Popular snorkelling spots to check out include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, and Henrietta Rocks. For a guided snorkel trail, visit Little Salmon Bay or Parker Point, and allow the information panels attached to the seabed below to guide you. Bring your own mask, snorkel and flippers, or hire a set from Pedal & Flipper Hire.
Free guided walking tours
Get those steps in! Gain insights into the island's rich history and ecology with free walking tours departing daily. Head to the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Information Booth when you arrive on the island to find out what tours are on that day, or click here to plan ahead. Don't forget your water bottle, hat, sunglasses, enclosed shoes, and sunscreen. Walking tours are a great way to meet fellow travellers and offer a fascinating glimpse into Rottnest's past and present.
Quokka tours: see Rottnest by bus
A bus tour is a fantastic way to see the island's highlights without working up a sweat.
- Quokka Coaches Island Explorer is a hop-on/hop-off bus that loops the island, giving you the freedom to stop anywhere you like - beaches, historic sites, or the wild West End.
- Bayseeker Island Tour is a cosy 105-minute guided coach experience with onboard commentary about island history and wildlife, stopping at stunning lookout spots like Hennetta Rocks and Mabel Cove.
- Discover Rottnest Bus Tour, operated by Rottnest Express, is a 90-minute air-conditioned tour to key spots like Wadjemup Lighthouse and the West End, with educational commentary and quokka-spotting included.
Skydiving
Take your exploration to new heights by embarking on a skydiving adventure with Skydive Geronimo. You'll soar above the breathtaking landscapes, getting unbeatable views of Rottnest Island, before landing safely on the soft white sand. Skydiving on Rottnest is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ready to escape to Rotto?
Last year, we hosted our Rottnest Island Student Day, taking 1,500 international students over to the island for a day of music, fun, and unforgettable memories. Our Entertainment Hub was set up on the island and kept us buzzing throughout the day with a silent disco and live DJ’s. Students had the opportunity to meet new friends from other institutions and make unforgettable memories while exploring WA’s famous island paradise.
But you don't have to wait for the next event to experience Rottnest! Grab a few friends, plan your own island getaway, and discover why Rottnest is one of WA's most loved destinations. Whether it's for a day trip or a weekend stay, Rotto is the perfect place to relax.
Follow our socials or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about future events.
Related news and blogs
Keep up to date with everything happening in Perth with the latest news, events and stories.
