Ringed by white sandy beaches and secluded coves, Rottnest Island is a national reserve located offshore from Perth. It’s renowned for its population of quokkas, a very friendly marsupial, as well as being home to colonies of sea lions and southern fur seals.

Things to do

Join one of the free guided walking tours of Rottnest Island to discover more about its natural and human history. Encounter the unique birdlife of the island and witness its endemic tree species. You’ll likely see a quokka or two, so be ready to photograph these perpetually happy animals.

Climb the trail that leads to the Wadjemup Lighthouse, which stands at the centre of Rottnest Island. It was the first stone lighthouse built in Western Australia and offers incredible 360-degree coastal views.

Follow one of the Wadjemup Bidi walking trails that take you across the spectacular coastal headlands and lakes of Rottnest Island. Visit the remnants of coastal defence systems, guns and tunnels from World War II, then “walk on water” across the Lakes Boardwalk.

Want to explore beneath the surface? Go snorkelling along one of the underwater trails at Little Salmon Bay or Parker Point. If you prefer to stay dry, jump aboard a semi-submersible vessel to witness the corals, fish and rays that call Rottnest home.

Getting there

Rottnest Island is a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, with air-conditioned buses providing a hop-on-hop-off service around the island. You can also explore on foot or by bicycle, with plenty of designated trails.