Distance from Perth: 33km (90 minutes)
Known for:Â Un-spoilt beaches. Quokkas.
Rottnest Island is perhaps Western Australia’s most iconic island and home of the country’s happiest marsupial, the quokka. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do on the island – with so many activities, tours, places to stay, restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
To get here, simply jump on a ferry service from one of three locations in Perth and spend a day or a few nights exploring.
Note: Rottnest ferries take approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.
Once here, you can hire a bike – there are no cars on the island – and explore the many beaches that are perfect for snorkelling, plus Mermaid Pools and blowholes. Meet the friendly quokkas (don’t forget your camera!) and enjoy the Thompson Bay Settlement, or hop on a Rottnest seafood tour to experience fresh delicacies before catching the ferry back to the mainland.
If you’ve got limited time, a two-day or weekend getaway wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Rottnest.
Don’t miss this guide to spending a dreaming day at Rottnest Island.
