Rottnest Island, Western Australia – Our Perfect One-Day Trip from Perth
Rottnest Island is one of the most iconic destinations in Western Australia – and for good reason. During our road trip through Western Australia, we spent a few days in Perth and decided to take a day trip to Rottnest Island. Looking back, one day was absolutely enough to experience the island’s highlights, stunning nature and of course, its famous residents: the quokkas. If you’re planning to visit Rottnest Island from Perth, here’s everything you need to know based on our own experience.
Where Is Rottnest Island, Western Australia?
Rottnest Island is located just off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, in the Indian Ocean. The island is easily accessible by ferry and is one of the most popular day trips from Perth for both locals and visitors. Despite its popularity, Rottnest Island feels relaxed and natural, with no private cars allowed and a strong focus on preserving the island’s environment.
We visited Rottnest Island during our Western Australia road trip and decided on a one-day trip from Perth. Taking the ferry in the morning and returning in the evening worked perfectly for us. With bikes as the main way of getting around, the island feels peaceful and untouched – a refreshing contrast to the city.
Getting to Rottnest Island – Ferry from Perth
We took the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island and returned the same day. The ferry ride is straightforward, comfortable and offers beautiful views along the way.
- Departure point: Perth
- Travel time: around 90 minutes
- Return: same day
For us, a one-day trip to Rottnest Island was perfect. It gave us enough time to explore the island without feeling rushed, and we never felt like we were missing out by not staying overnight.
Getting Around Rottnest Island – Explore by Bike
One of the most important things to know before visiting Rottnest Island is that you can only get around by bike. There are no public transport options like buses, and private cars are not allowed. Bikes can be rented directly on the island, and this is by far the best way to explore. We cycled all over the island and even managed to cycle around the entire island in one day. The routes are well maintained, scenic, and suitable even if you’re not an experienced cyclist.
Reaching the lighthouse by bike was one of the highlights of our Rottnest Island visit. The coastal cycling paths offer stunning ocean views, making the ride there and back just as impressive as the lighthouse itself.
Quokkas on Rottnest Island – You’ll See Them Everywhere
Rottnest Island is famously known as the island of the quokkas, and you really don’t need to worry about spotting them. As soon as you arrive on the island, quokkas are everywhere. They are curious, relaxed around people, and incredibly photogenic. Seeing quokkas in their natural habitat was one of the highlights of our visit. Just remember to never feed the quokkas, keep a respectful distance, and enjoy watching them behave naturally in their environment.
Is One Day Enough on Rottnest Island Western Australia?
In our opinion: yes, one day is completely sufficient.
In one day, we were able to:
- Take the ferry from Perth
- Rent bikes
- Cycle across the island
- See countless quokkas
- Enjoy beaches and coastal views
- Cycle all the way around the island
- Have lunch at one of the island cafés
- Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries along the way
Rottnest Island is the perfect day trip from Perth, offering beautiful coastal scenery, relaxed cycling routes and unforgettable encounters with quokkas, a truly special experience in Australia.
