Rottnest, or Rotto, as the locals call it, is a 30-minute boat ride from Fremantle and about an hour and a half from Perth.
This island is one of the region’s top attractions and is particularly popular during peak season, as it was during our Christmas holiday visit in 2024. When we were in Fremantle, we ended up changing our plans at the last minute, and by the time we decided on the day we had left to visit Rotto, some options were already booked up! To secure our place on the ferry as quickly as possible, I booked the Rottnest Express Ferry through Get Your Guide and choose the option that included a guided bus tour of the island.
Booking directly through the ferry companies’ websites might have been cheaper, but as I didn’t want to risk missing out on tickets, I went ahead with this tour, which included the guided tour I was looking for, and everything went smoothly.
If you have time and want to compare all the options available (there are many!!!), check out the ferry companies that operate the crossing here. There are plenty of ticket options, such as those that include bike rentals to explore the island, a guided bus tour, or even a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket that allows you to stop at various locations around the island (Quokka Coaches).
As I mentioned in the Before travelling to Australia post, we had some extremely windy days, and I actually felt quite cold in Rotto, which slightly ruined our plans to enjoy the island’s beaches. Luckily, we had booked the guided tour with Rottnest Express, which allowed us to take in the island’s incredible scenery from the warmth of the bus.
After lunch at the Rottnest Bakery, we walked to a beach called The Basin, and, as if by magic, the wind suddenly stopped. In fact, the bay itself was very sheltered, and it was absolutely lovely there. Unfortunately, I was still recovering from a surgery and couldn’t go swimming, although I really wanted to. Meanwhile, Hélio and Maria Rita were complaining that the water was a bit too cold, go figure!
By chance, we met a family from Maria Rita’s school on the beach and spent the rest of the afternoon chatting. In the end, it was a great day!
Photo 1: View of The Basin beach from the top, where there is a bar and restaurant
Photo 2: crystal clear water at The Basin
Here are a few key points to consider for your trip to Rotto.
Boat crossing to Rottnest island
As I mentioned earlier, the whole of Western Australia region is quite windy. From what I’ve learned about Rottnest Island, the mornings tend to be calm, but around lunchtime, the wind really picks up.
The ferry ride from Fremantle to Rottnest in the morning was a bit bumpy but still relatively smooth. However, the return trip in the late afternoon was a real adventure—at times it really felt like we were on a rollercoaster! So, here’s a heads-up: if you’re prone to seasickness, it might be a good idea to take some motion sickness medication before the crossing, especially on windy days with rougher seas.
Photo 3: ferry departure to Rottnest Island at B Shed Ferry Terminal Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Photo 4: arrival at Rottnest Island
Rottnest quokkas
Before setting foot on Rottnest, I assumed we would have to keep our eyes peeled and hike to spot the island’s famous quokkas. I couldn’t have been more wrong. As soon as we entered the area known as The Settlement, we immediately saw quokkas scavenging for scraps of food left by visitors. A bit sad, to be honest.
During the guided bus tour around the island, we learned a lot about Rottnest’s native flora and fauna, including a fact about quokkas that really shocked me. In the wild, quokkas can live for around 10 years, feeding on plants and seeds. But those living near the more populated areas of the island, with access to human food waste, only live about six years!
Maria Rita counted 51 quokkas during the day, but I suspect she was being rather conservative. In total, there are estimated to be around 12,000 quokkas on the island, so look around and you’re bound to spot one!
Photo 5&6: quokkas resting in the shade
Photo 7: quokkas foraging for food
Accommodation on Rottnest
It’s also possible to stay overnight on Rottnest Island, and you can check out the various accommodation options here. I haven’t really considered this option as it can be quite expensive, but if the weather is good it’s probably worth it. The island has stunning beaches, perfect for snorkelling and even catamaran trips.
Options range from a traditional campsite to a more upscale glamping experience. For those who prefer hotels, there are some great options, such as the newly opened The Lodge or Samphire.
Photo 8: accommodation available on Rottnest
Photo 9: one of many idyllic views on the island
Final thoughts on Rotto
Even with the strong winds we experienced, I highly recommend a trip to Rottnest Island. The quokkas are absolutely adorable and have no problem getting up close and personal with visitors, but remember-do not feed them!
Aside from the island’s friendly inhabitants, The Basin is a beach not to be missed. The water has stunning colours, and the sea is wonderfully calm, perfect for children to play in.
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