There’s a refreshing change of rhythm that comes as the temperature drops. The lingering hangovers from the summer festivities are all but gone, social batteries fully restored, and the group chat fired back up. Now is the time to tee up that trip out of town with those people who fill your cup. And it turns out, you don’t need endless sun for a frivolous group getaway.
In winter, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island becomes the ultimate mates’ escape. Just a quick ferry from Fremantle, Rotto is as easy and iconic as ever. It’s quieter. Calmer. Colder, obviously, but that’s part of the charm. Coffee tastes even better after a morning plunge in the ocean, the near-empty beaches beckon for long walks and deep conversations, and sharing a bottle of red around the fire is practically cathartic.
Round up your clique, pack light and swap city noise for sea air. Here’s how to do the Rotto reset with your mates this winter.
Check in and chill out at The Lodge
First things first: hop off the ferry and head straight to The Lodge Wadjemup. With group-friendly rooms that sleep up to six, Rottnest’s new low-key luxury accommodation option is warm, stylish, and walking distance to everywhere you’ll want to be. Expect whitewashed stone walls, king beds for all, modern amenities, and thoughtful design touches that make it feel like a grown-up beach house. The on-site restaurant and bar bring the goods, too, with underfloor heating, open fireplaces, and plenty of space for the whole squad. Basecamp sorted.
Cold plunge, hot coffee
Start your morning strong (and smug) with a dip in the ocean. The bone-chilling water might be a shock to the system, but the post-plunge high is worth the short-term shivers. There are countless mental and physical health benefits from a frosty ocean swim, plus bragging rights for the rest of the trip. Then, warm up from the inside out with a piping hot coffee and breakfast at Frankies on Rotto. Fed and caffeinated, you’ll be ready to dive into the day.
Choose your own adventure
No plans? No problem. Rottnest is built for spontaneous fun, with dozens of options on the island for those feeling active and adventurous. You can get your steps up with a guided hike with The Hike Collective, covering 12km of coastal headlands, salt lakes, and scenic inland trails. Or dial things up with a Segway experience, cruising through rugged terrain with zero effort and max views. But to really up the ante, fall 15,000 ft from the sky with a tandem skydive — an unbeatable adrenaline rush and hands-down the best view of the island.
Spend golden hour at Pinky’s
When golden hour hits, make your way to Pinky’s for sunset drinks. Order a round (or two), find a spot on the deck, and settle in as the sky puts on a show behind the beautiful Bathurst Lighthouse.
Dinner with a view
After a day of exploring, settle in for a well-earned dinner with your crew. You can keep it casual with an elevated pub meal at Hotel Rottnest, with woodfired pizzas, burgers, and a slew of seafood plates served right on Thomson Bay. For something a little more refined, Isola Bar e Cibo offers Italian fare by the water. Think silky seafood pasta, fresh seafood, and perfectly balanced Negronis, all in front of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
