Located only 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth, or a quick 30 minutes by ferry, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a nature lover’s heaven and mecca for all things snorkelling, hiking, and biking. While peak season is during the warmer months, thanks to the destination’s endless allure, the picturesque island provides the perfect winter day trip, especially if you’re keen to beat the crowds. Think breathtaking coastlines all to yourself, trails deserving of discovery, and exceptional culinary experiences for every setting and budget.
Make the most of your day trip or overnight stay by taking advantage of the seasonal offers available via the Rottnest Island website. These often include discounted ferry transfers, tour packages, accommodation, dining experiences, and more. With budget-friendly deals on everything from thrilling adventures to serene escapes, equipment hire, and slow-paced experiences, you can create unforgettable memories for less. What’s not to love about that?
Rottnest Island Day Trip Itinerary
This day trip itinerary connects you with the best things to do on Rottnest Island during the winter months. You’ll explore the island destination flanked by shipwrecks, coral reefs, and idyllic sheltered coves.
8:30 am: All aboard
The early bird gets the worm, so with only a day to explore, set your alarm and hop on the first ferry you can. Choose between the three operators that run ferries to and from the island — Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and SeaLink Rottnest. Then pick the time and departure point that best suits you — Hillarys Boat Harbour, Perth City, or Fremantle (Victoria Quay). Depending on where you’re departing from, the ferry travel times are between 30 and 90 minutes, with Fremantle being the shortest option. There’s also plenty of convenient all-day parking available near the ferry terminals.
Alternatively, take to the skies and travel to Rottnest Island the scenic way by plane or helicopter with Rottnest Air Taxi, Major Blue Air, or Corseaire Aviation. You might even spot a whale or two during the migration season.
9:30 am: Visit the main settlement and fuel up
Once you arrive on the island, make your way from the jetty to the Rottnest Bakery in the main settlement. Before you begin your day, stop and savour the cool morning with a treat or pick up a packed lunch. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic hot pie or sausage roll, freshly-made sandwiches, or the crowd-favourite jam doughnuts, you’ll be set for a day of exploring.
10:00 am: Step back in time at Wadjemup Museum
Take some time to visit the Wadjemup Museum and understand the culture and history of the island. This is an essential starting point for your day trip and a fantastic place to learn about the significant history of Wadjemup. Home to a vibrant collection of ancient artefacts and sculptures, there are so many interesting exhibits to explore.
11:00 am: Hike one of the Wadjemup Bidi trails
If you’re an adventurer looking to experience some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife and scenery, hike one of the five unique trails threaded throughout the island. While each trail provides a distinctive experience, they connect to form the 45-kilometre Wadjemup Bidi. Extending from one end of the island to the other, the Wadjemup Bidi trail guides walkers through the vast coastline, inland lakes, and military history. We suggest you try the rugged, 9.5-kilometre Gabbi Karniny Bidi loop hike that takes you up the hills and through the island’s magnificent inland salt lake system.
If you’re not sure where to start, prefer the company of a group, or like the sound of expert commentary paired with your scenic walk, why not join a guided tour with The Hike Collective? Their knowledgeable guides will show you the best of Wadjemup Bidi in an engaging and relaxed group setting. With multiple tours to choose from, including overnight retreats, it’s the ideal adventure for both hiking enthusiasts and beginners alike.
1:00 pm: Snap a photo of a quokka
The native quokka is a Rottnest Island icon so make sure you stop for a photo. Their story is literally written in the land with the island’s name originating from 17th-century Dutch explorers who considered the animals to be large rats and thereby declared the destination “Rat’s Nest”.
During the season of Djilba (August and September), you can spot quokkas out and about and they often have joeys with them. But make sure you keep your distance — at least two metres — and don’t feed them.
1:30 pm: Enjoy a round of golf
Test your game with a round of golf at the course tucked away behind the settlement. Framed by shady trees and lakes, Rottnest Island Golf Course combines a nine-hole course, putting green, bowling green, and venue complete with a pool table. Club and cart hire are also available from the clubhouse. If spectating is more your style, there are clubhouse facilities available including broadcast of the AFL and light refreshments.
4:30 pm: Ferry home
All good things must come to an end, so it’s time to make your way to the main jetty for departure back to Fremantle, Hillarys, or Perth City. Just be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your ferry, they don’t wait for stragglers.
Stay the night
If you want to turn your Rottnest day trip into an overnighter, the island is home to a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a keen camper, eco-tent glamper, or partial to self-contained units or boutique beachfront offerings, there really is something for all tastes and preferences. The best part? They all have deals for the month of August.
Food and drink
Whether you’re in the market for casual or sophisticated waterside dining, Rottnest Island boasts a variety of eat and drink options to keep you warm in winter. If you’re staying overnight, a family favourite is the mouthwatering barbeque sourdough pizza and daily happy hour specials from Frankie’s on Rotto.
For crowd-pleasing pub grub, kick back and relax at the Rottnest Hotel or head to Isola Bar e Cibo for authentic Italian fare that will transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast. If you’re in the mood for dumplings, Lontara is synonymous with lip-smacking Southeast Asian flavours, and Pinky’s Rottnest Island has the best sunset views on the island.
