Top Things to do in Rottnest Island
The 10 Best Things to Do in Rottnest Island, Australia
Discover the best top things to do in Rottnest Island, Australia including Salmon Bay, The Basin, Rottnest Island Visitor Centre, Parakeet Bay, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Oliver Hill Battery, Rottnest Island Museum, West End, Rottnest Island Salt Lakes, Geordie Bay.
Restaurants in Rottnest Island
1. Salmon Bay
Overall Ratings
5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By TourismProfessional - Worcester, UK
Salmon Bay had been recommended as a great beach for snorkeling and it was very good - not Ningaloo or Barrier Reef standard but still very good. And it is so pretty. What my friends didn't tell me was that it was windy. It got so bothersome with the sand stinging we moved to a different beach. Just something to consider if you don't have a wind break.
2. The Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By bizcoach27 - Perth, Australia
Hard to imagine a more perfect spot on Earth. Sheltered from all but the strongest southerly wind (it rarely blows from the north) this basin is family friendly, pine tree lined, with the whitest sand. A short walk from either Thompsons or Geordie Bay, just go.
3. Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 454 reviews
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre is located in Thomson Bay near the main jetty. Ask the helpful and friendly staff for maps and information about attractions, tours, bus services, bike hire and mooring rentals. If you are staying in Rottnest Island Authority accommodation you can check in at the Visitor Centre from 2pm daily. Please phone for opening hours and other helpful information.
Reviewed By nothappyjanBelmont - Perth, Australia
It was a disastrous experience dealing with public servants attempting to be hospitality workers.
I booked two cottages for 3 nights costing more than $2000 and expected a bit of pleasant service, however, this was not forthcoming.
Our two units were 500 m apart and when I rang 3 weeks before our check in date was told that the allocations had been done, end of story. I asked if there was any chance of modifying the two bookings so our family could be closer, I was told very firmly that it was not possible.
I enquired about wifi provision and was told it was very good in one unit but not so good in another unit, in fact it was non existent in either unit.
Checking in was a disaster where we struck a very difficult and challenging officer. Point blank said that I could not check in to both units despite me paying the RIA more than $2000 months in advance. He was uncompromising and terse at all times and that my son would have to send an email saying that he was occupying one of the units.
We did this but a very very unpleasant experience.
One unit was close to the settlement and was very rustic but well appointed with 8 beds. The other unit, 500m away, was as basic as humanly possible. The anomaly is that they both cost about the same!
When we due to depart we placed our luggage outside the two units at 7.00am, yes 7.00am despite our ferry not departing until 9.30am
We arrived at Fremantle, however, no luggage. I rang the RIA and was told point blank my fault and that I should have read the fine print where it says that luggage on an early boat has to be advised to the Visitors Centre.
Once again very blunt and non compromising staff who took no regard that we had to wait on the wharf for one hour until our luggage arrived.
In summary, not what I expected. I lived on Rottnest for three years and it was a great experience with friendly workers and staff who understood that visitors are the reason they have jobs. Sadly no longer the case.
4. Parakeet Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
5. Wadjemup Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Melissa A - Maroochydore
If you go to Rottnest island this is a great lighthouse to take the time and actually climb the stairs to see the magnificent view from the top. Guides take you up exposing the history and also the mechanics of the lighthouse itself. Very interesting for sure.
6. Oliver Hill Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Michael N - Lawson, Australia
You can easily cycle or walk up to the top of Oliver Hill but there is a convenient train if you prefer it. The battery is worth the effort.
the 9inch gun is still in place as is the rotational mechanism. The volunteer guides make your tour interesting and they will show you one of the guns, the tunnels, the storerooms and engine room.
There is also a wonderful view out over the island.
7. Rottnest Island Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Kathy K
I recently visited the Rottnest Museum, it was a pleasant experience, a welcoming Volunteer greeted us, entry was by gold coin donation which was very affordable and an excellent service. The display was well set out and comprehensive. Certainly worth a visit.
8. West End
Overall Ratings
5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By womblewa - Mandurah, Australia
If you are able, bike there. We have been right to the end numerous times over the years and between the seasons the feel of the place when biking varies a lot. It is so windswept, desolate and feels so isolated at times, it is almost eerie. At Cape Vlamingh where the seas meet, the view is wonderful, a testament to the sheer power of nature. In summer, the view at the cape is as always, but then when biking there you get a completely different upbeat vibe and it is all about what is not there, glorious isolation then and no eerie feel. For us, one of the best places anywhere, unique. No bus loads of tourists, no cafe, shop, no anything, just nature at its best.
9. Rottnest Island Salt Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Tracey N - Stafford, United Kingdom
Some great organised walks which take in the lakes. The bus drivers are also able to tell you a lot about the lakes. The beauty of me going 'out of season' was that I was sometimes the only person on the bus, so had a personal guided tour sometimes :)
Take the time to walk them and watch the variety of birds on the lakes.
10. Geordie Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By platypus150 - Melbourne, Australia
I walked along quite paths from Thomson Bay and saw some truly wonderful birds in the quiet early morning - a falcon and a kingfisher. Geordie Bay has some wonderful sand for walking and bathing. I found that the shop was closed for July-August, but it should be open again now.
