11 Ultimate Things to Do on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) for an Unforgettable Adventure

What is Rottnest Island?

Rottnest Island, or Rotto if you wanna sound like a local, is basically Western Australia’s crown jewel. Officially known as Wadjemup, the island has a rich Indigenous history and a name that means “place across the water where the spirits are,” which is honestly just as cool as the quokkas themselves. Barely any cars, just bikes, beaches, and the happiest little quokkas grinning at you like you’re their bestie. It’s only a short ferry from Perth or Fremantle, but once you’re there it feels like you’ve stepped into a whole new world where deadlines don’t exist and the WiFi is questionable at best (in the best way).

If you’re wondering how to spend your time on this dreamy island, here’s the ultimate list of things to do on Rottnest, from quokka selfies to shipwreck adventures.

See the Quokkas

Rottnest is famous for its quokkas, the little marsupials with the world’s happiest smiles. The island has the largest quokka population on earth, and fun fact: Rottnest got its name when a Dutch explorer mistook them for giant rats (imagine calling these cuties “rats”).

Quokkas are super friendly and curious, which makes them perfect for the iconic quokka selfie. Just crouch down, hold your phone low, and let them wander into the frame, no need to chase them.

A few ground rules:

• Don’t feed or touch them (human food makes them sick, and they’re wild animals).
• Go slow on bikes, quokkas sometimes dart across the paths.
• Stick to the tracks and respect their space, they’re a vulnerable species.

The best place to spot them is around the main settlement near the shops, but honestly, they’re everywhere. Just keep your eyes peeled, and you’re guaranteed a run-in with Rotto’s cutest locals.

Swimming & Snorkelling

Rottnest is basically Australia’s answer to paradise. Crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and beaches so pretty they look Photoshopped. Whether you’re keen to dive in with a snorkel, paddle around on a kayak, or just sprawl out on the sand with fish and chips, there’s a beach (or ten) with your name on it.

You’ll find everything here: swimming, snorkelling, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, whale watching, even diving tours. The hardest part is choosing where to go, since every stretch of coast is different depending on how far you’re exploring.

Here are a few favourites worth checking out:

• The Basin – Just a 15-minute walk from the ferry, this spot is super easy to get to and perfect for first-timers. It’s a natural reef pool with calm, protected waters, BBQs, showers, and all the facilities you need. Great if you don’t want to trek too far but still want that postcard-perfect swim.
• Little Salmon Bay – Tucked on the other side of the island, this calm, clear bay is snorkelling heaven. Keep an eye out, you might spot a rare Australian sea lion lounging on the sand. There’s even a marked snorkel trail here, so you can float your way around without worrying about where to go.
• Henrietta Rocks – If you’re after something quieter, cycle out to this beach and snorkel the Shark shipwreck (don’t stress, it’s a boat name, not an actual shark). The wreck washed up here in the 1930s and now makes for an epic underwater adventure. Bonus: it’s right near the Ngank Yira Bidi walking trail, which gives you killer views over Porpoise Bay.

No matter which beach you land on, you’ll quickly get why Rotto was once described as “paradise on earth.” Just pack sunscreen, the sun here is no joke.

Bike Riding Around Rottnest

One of the best ways to see Rottnest? On two wheels. The island is almost completely car-free (aside from the shuttle bus), which means cyclists rule the roads here. You can either bring your own bike over on the ferry (for a small fee) or hire one when you land. Pedal & Flipper hire has pretty much everything, standard bikes, e-bikes if you want to cheat a little, kids’ bikes, trailers, even helmets and baskets for your beach snacks.

The island is criss-crossed with smooth bike paths, making it super easy to reach the beaches and lookout points. If you’re staying a couple of days, cycling is hands down the most flexible way to get around, stop whenever you like, take the scenic detours, and yes, spot more quokkas along the way.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even ride the full lap of Rottnest. The loop is 22 km, and you’ll want to allow about 4–5 hours with plenty of swim/snack/photo stops. Not into a marathon? No stress! There are shorter routes you can take depending on your energy levels (and how much bakery food you’ve already eaten).

Honestly, biking here feels like freedom. The salty breeze, the ocean views, and the chance to stumble across quiet little bays most people miss. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which gives you a nice “saving the planet” vibe while you pedal.

The Salt Lakes

Rottnest isn’t just about beaches. Head inland and you’ll find a whole other world: the salt lakes. There are 12 of them in total, covering about 10% of the island, and they make the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Some are so salty they’re four times saltier than the Indian Ocean, yet somehow plants and wildlife still thrive around them. Think lush green shrubs against flat, glassy lakes and endless blue skies, it’s a vibe.

One of the easiest to check out is Garden Lake, just a three-minute walk from the main settlement. You can also wander the boardwalks that stretch across parts of the lakes, giving you a front-row seat to the surreal scenery. Keep an eye out for the famous pink lake too (yes, it’s actually pink, Mother Nature showing off).

If you’re keen on a bigger adventure, tackle the Gabbi Karniny Bidi trail, a 9.5 km loop that winds through the lake system and eventually takes you back along the coast past more beaches. It’s a stunning hike that feels completely different from the island’s coastal spots.

The lakes are also epic for sunset watching. The colours reflect across the still water and create those “no filter” moments we all pretend we didn’t edit on Instagram. Plus, migratory birds often hang around, so if you’re into wildlife, bring binoculars.

Rottnest Bakery

No trip to Rottnest is complete without a stop at the Rottnest Bakery. Right in the main settlement, it’s basically the island’s culinary HQ, perfect for breakfast before exploring, a post-swim treat, lunch on the go, or even an early dinner.

The classic choice? A meat pie, Aussie style. But honestly, the bakery has something for everyone: fresh loaves of bread, hot meals, sweet treats, and the kind of pastries that make you consider a second breakfast. My personal fave? The jam and cream doughnuts, they are chef’s kiss levels of good.

Other must-tries:

• Vanilla slice – the ultimate Aussie dessert companion to a pie.
• Sandwiches to go – perfect for packing on a bike ride or beach picnic.

Pro tip: grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables. You’ll probably have some quokka company, as these little guys love to casually wander by and see if you’re sharing. Just remember: no feeding them!

Open 7am–4pm daily, so no excuses, make sure to fuel up before or after your adventures.

Wadjemup Lighthouse

If you want the best 360-degree views on Rottnest, the Wadjemup Lighthouse is your spot. Just a 15-minute ride from the main settlement (or a scenic detour if you’re walking the Gabbi Karniny Bidi trail), it’s perched at the highest point on the island and has been guiding sailors since it was built in 1896.

Climb the 155-step spiralling staircase with a knowledgeable guide and you’ll hear stories about the engineering genius that made the lighthouse work. Prisms, pendulums, and all the old-school magic that kept ships safe on the treacherous WA coast.

At the top, the views are incredible: the whole island sprawls below you, and the Indian Ocean shimmers in every direction. It’s a prime spot for photos, sunsets, or just soaking in the island vibes.

Tours are available if you want to go inside, and they’re totally worth it for the history, the views, and that little sense of achievement after the climb.

Skydiving Over Rottnest

Feeling adventurous? Rottnest is one of the few places where you can literally jump out of a plane and see the island like a bird (a very, very brave bird).

Skydiving here is a bit pricier than your average activity, but if you’re into thrill-seeking, it’s totally worth it. Even if you’re not keen on jumping yourself, just head to a nearby beach and watch others freefall, it’s seriously fun to see.

The experience takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including safety briefings and prep. You’ve got two options:

• 10,000 ft tandem jump – around 30 seconds of freefall.
• 15,000 ft tandem jump – the highest legal jump in Australia, with 66 seconds of freefall.

Departures are from Rottnest Island Airport, and the views? Absolutely spectacular. Ocean, beaches, quokkas (well, from above), all the Rotto highlights in one unforgettable dive.

Wadjemup Museum

If you’re into history, the Wadjemup Museum is a must-visit, and the best part? It’s free. Located right in the main settlement, the museum is housed in the old mill and hay store, which is a piece of history in itself.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of quirky and fascinating exhibits: vintage postcards, an old lighthouse keeper’s jacket, glass spearheads, and more. The museum was developed in partnership with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG), so it shares the island’s full story from natural history and Aboriginal culture to European settlement, imprisonment, and contemporary milestones.

There are 17 exhibits inside and a sculpture garden outside. It’s not massive, so you can easily walk through in under an hour, but the stories and artefacts stick with you. The front desk staff are super knowledgeable and love chatting, so don’t be shy about asking questions. We had an amazing conversation about the discovery of an Aboriginal burial site on the island, definitely a highlight.

Watch the Sunset

Rottnest has sunsets for days, and there are plenty of spots to catch them in all their glory. My personal fave? Bathurst Lighthouse. From up there, you get full 360-degree views, and the sun dipping over Pinky’s Beach is honestly a little magical. Perfect way to wind down after a day of biking, swimming, or exploring.

The lighthouse spot is also practical, it’s usually a short walk back to your accommodation after dark, so you don’t have to worry about getting stranded. Plus, it’s a prime photo opportunity if you’re into capturing those golden-hour vibes.

Another great option is Pinky’s Beach itself, right next to the lighthouse. You get similar sunset views, plus the lighthouse in your frame. Bonus points if you swing by Pinky’s Restaurant before or after the sun goes down. Grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and maybe even catch some live music while the sky turns all shades of pink and gold.

Oliver Hill Battery Guns & Tunnels

History buffs (or anyone who loves a good view) will want to check out Oliver Hill. You can book a tour from the main bus port in the settlement or online, and it’s well worth it. The highlight? Riding the historical Captain Hussey train up the hill, this old-school beauty was originally built to transport supplies like munitions up to the battery. Your guide/driver will give you a quick history lesson as you glide up the hill, with the ocean views getting more epic the higher you go.

If you’re feeling brave, you can cycle or walk up, but fair warning: it’s steep and challenging, so the train might be the smarter choice (I took the train and was so glad I did).

The tour itself is awesome. You’ll start at the top in the 1937 naval gun battery, which has an 11-metre gun, then head down into the tunnels to learn about how the battery operated to protect Fremantle Port. The guides are passionate, enthusiastic, and so knowledgeable you’ll hang onto every word. Along the way, you’ll see well-developed exhibits that bring the history to life.

Even just the view from the top of Oliver Hill is worth the trip. The sweeping ocean vistas are incredible, and you’ll understand why this spot was so strategically important.

Free Walking Tours

Want a deep dive into Rottnest’s history (and some quirky stories) without spending a cent? The Rottnest Volunteer Association runs free walking tours that are perfect for getting to know the island. There’s a variety of tours depending on your interests, learn about quokkas, shipwrecks, the island’s agricultural past, geology, or explore the west end.

The guides are super knowledgeable and passionate, and the small group sizes make it easy to ask questions and have discussions. We did the Pioneers and Prisoners tour, which started at the Volunteer Guides Centre and took us along the historical buildings by Thomson Bay. At each stop, our guide shared the significance of the sites, from quirky tales of early settlers to the recently discovered Aboriginal burial grounds.

By the end, we’d looped back through the main settlement, feeling like we really understood the island’s story. It’s a fun, free, and interactive way to see Rottnest beyond the beaches. Plus, you might pick up a few insider tips for your adventures.

Wrapping Up Your Rottnest Adventure

Whether you’re here for the quokkas, the beaches, or the epic adventures, Rottnest Island has something for everyone. From cycling around turquoise waters to soaking in sunsets at Bathurst Lighthouse, every corner of the island feels like a little slice of paradise.

Take your time, explore at your own pace, and don’t forget to respect the wildlife and history that make this place so special. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the quokkas, salt lakes, and hidden beaches, you’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave the ferry.