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Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
As Perth’s #1 attraction, its allure isn’t just in its natural beauty but also in the unique wildlife encounters it offers, making it a must-visit when searching for things to do in Perth.
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Getting to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Ferry Options
- 20% OFF Same-Day Return Ferry: Departing from Fremantle »
- 20% OFF Same-Day Return Ferry: Departing from Perth City »
- Roundtrip Ferry from Perth City »
- Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour »
- Rottnest Highspeed Wildlife Boat Tour »
For a different take on the journey, soar above and fly to Rottnest Island instead. This aerial adventure gifts travellers with unparalleled views of the shimmering coastline and the island’s diverse landscapes. It’s a fresh, exhilarating way to begin your Rottnest adventure.
We opted for this same-day return ferry from Fremantle deal, but in hindsight, an overnight stay on Rottnest Island might have been a better choice.
During our visit, it rained on and off throughout the day. Although the island remained mesmerisingly beautiful with its turquoise water, we wished we had another day to snorkel without the rush to catch the 4pm ferry.
On the other hand, if you prefer staying in one accommodation for your entire trip, as we did, then the same-day return ferry is the best way to visit Rottnest Island.
You can steal our one-day itinerary to Rottnest Island with kids here.
Pedal Around Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is car-free, so instead of wasting time waiting for a bus, the best way to explore the island is by bike. We recommend hiring an e-bike, given that some trails can be quite hilly. Especially if you’re travelling with children and need to tow a tag-along or a trailer, an e-bike will make your pedal around the island much more enjoyable.
One of the joys of cycling around the island is the chance to stop whenever you spot a quokka, and they can be found everywhere across the island.
You can also make a stop whenever you stumble upon a picturesque beach, or find spots with views that leave you in awe. Every pedal on Rottnest feels like a mini adventure.
For families, bikes are available for hire from Pedal & Flipper on Rottnest Island. It’s best to reserve your e-bike ahead of time. However, kids’ trailers or tag-along bikes tend not to be booked up as quickly, but give them a call to check anyway.
Alternatively, there are many Ferry & Bike Hire packages available from various companies. Depending on your ferry operator and accommodation choice, booking a package might offer the best value for your money.
Meet the Island’s Most Adorable Resident: Quokka
Quokkas are probably the island’s most endearing residents, attracting visitors and families to experience a unique close-up wildlife encounter that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
These friendly mini wallabies have become synonymous with Rottnest Island with their ever-present smiles. Taking selfies with them is not just a highlight of the island but also ranks among the most unusual and unique things to do in Perth, especially with kids.
Please note that feeding and interfering with quokka’s natural habitat is illegal and can incur on-the-spot fines.
Azure Waters and Sandy Shores at Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island boasts a plethora of beaches, each more stunning than the last. Dive into the clear waters, snorkel among vibrant marine life, or simply relax on the sand. It’s this pristine coastal charm that solidifies Rottnest’s position on the list of top things to do in Perth.
Out of all the pristine beaches, we’ll list 3 of the most kid-friendly beaches for snorkelling on Rottnest Island:
- Little Salmon Bay
- The Basin
- Little Parakeet Bay
We loved Rottnest Island so much that we would highly recommend families stay overnight on the island to soak in the beauty of this paradise without rushing back to Perth.
And in case the weather isn’t on your side on the day of your visit, you’ll have another opportunity to witness the splendid allure of Rottnest Island in its full glory.
There are only a handful of accommodation choices on Rottnest Island. Among them, the popular luxury Samphire Rottnest is suitable for families that don’t mind booking multiple rooms.
Alternatively, we recommend this glamping-style resort that welcomes children of all ages and has the capacity for an extra bed if needed. They’re located near Pinky Beach and offer luxury family tents with free breakfasts.
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∞ Kida