This might just be the best time of year for a family weekender on Rottnest Island.
Winter on Rottnest Island is its own brand of magic. The pace drops. The sea air feels sharper, fresher. The simple act of watching your children’s cheeks flush in the cold or their eyes light up over the smallest adventure somehow becomes the highlight. If summer is for the masses, winter is when Rottnest feels like it’s been set aside just for your family. Less hustle, more space to create memories you’ll tuck away for years.
Where to stay
First things first: the right accommodation can make or break a winter escape. This season, The Lodge Wadjemup is setting the new standard, particularly for families. The Pool Rooms have just opened, inviting guests to savour a swim in the heated pool even as the air outside turns crisp. Inside the main building, you’ll find what every parent craves: a communal living room with oversized couches, a roaring fire, and an almost never-ending pile of board games. In winter, it’s easy to feel like you’ve checked into a private retreat where your biggest worry is whose turn it is at Monopoly.
The morning bakery ritual
Ask anyone who’s spent time on Rottnest and they’ll tell you: every day begins at the bakery. For parents, it’s the first coffee of the day — a non-negotiable. Pair it with a warm pie or sausage roll, the kind that’s slightly too hot to hold but impossible to resist. For kids, it’s all about the doughnuts, still warm from the oven, with a squeeze of jam or Nutella on the inside. If their faces aren’t sticky by the end, you’ve done something wrong.
Things to do
Toasting marshmallows by the fire at Pinky’s
There’s something about toasting marshmallows that turns even the most screen-addicted child into a pure, wide-eyed kid again. At Pinky’s, the fire is lit from 3:00 pm, and the marshmallows are on the house for little hands to toast. The simple ritual — kids clutching skewers, faces pink from the warmth, everyone vying for the “perfect” golden finish — has a way of slowing down time. Let them stay up a little later. It’s worth it for the memories.
A round of mini golf
If the grown-ups are keen to stretch their legs, the Rottnest Island Golf Course is ready for you. But for something the whole family can get around, nothing beats mini golf. Conveniently located just across from the main bus stop, the 18-hole course lets everyone compete for family glory (and a little gentle ribbing). The “green jacket” is unofficial, but bragging rights last all weekend.
Arcade games
When the weather sends you indoors, the arcade is a lifeline — especially for older kids and the parents who are still young-at-heart. This is classic, old-school fun: air hockey, racing games, and the unmistakable soundtrack of laughter and friendly competition. A loaded game card can easily buy an hour or two of downtime for parents.
Family movie night
There are few better ways to wind down after a busy day than sinking into a chair at Rottnest Island Movies. This heritage-listed cinema feels like a throwback, all wooden beams and timeless charm, but the movies are fresh from the city’s screens. Popcorn in one hand, choc bomb in the other — movie night just hits different on the island.
Parents’ hour at Bayside Bar
If you’ve packed the colouring-in books, or you’re willing to lean on a well-timed iPad session, Bayside Bar at Samphire is the kind of place you’ll want to claim a spot. Come dusk, the fire is lit daily at 5:00 pm (weather pending), and the bar’s speciality winter cocktails or a glass of wine offer a rare moment of grown-up calm. You can keep an eye on the kids as they sit there quietly engrossed, all with the Perth skyline winking on the horizon.
Walk along the world-famous beaches
Winter might not be swimming weather for most, but the beaches here are as inviting as ever. Rug up, slip off your shoes, and wander along the sand at Pinky’s or The Basin. Collect seashells, build sandcastles with the kids, and just enjoy the moments. The beaches are quieter in winter, giving your family the space to make the shoreline your own for a little while.
Pedal power around the Island
No matter the season, Rottnest is best seen from a bike seat. For families, it’s equal parts adventure and clever strategy: children happily burn energy, and every detour feels like an expedition. If bringing your own bikes feels like too much hassle, Pedal and Flipper have you covered. They’ll set the whole crew up with bikes, helmets, and most importantly, e-bikes for parents who want to keep up without working up a sweat. Pro tip: book ahead during busy periods for peace of mind.
