Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia’s most iconic treasures. It beckons visitors with its sparkling, crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. As the temperatures rise and the skies shine blue, it’s a great time to escape to this idyllic paradise. Rottnest isn’t just a tourist destination, Perth locals also flood to the island and soak up the natural beauty too, which is a telltale sign of a great destination! From snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs and paddling through tranquil lagoons, to boating and fishing, we’ve curated a selection of the best aquatic experiences to ensure you have an authentic, memorable experience on “Rotto”.
Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
No trip to Rottnest Island is complete without experiencing our Luxe Island Seafood Cruise. Indulge in a 7-course menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and the wildly popular Western Rock Lobster. The lobsters are hauled in on the boat further offshore allowing some great photo opportunities! Paired with Margaret River’s delicious Howard Park wines and local beers, our West Australian acclaimed chef, Tony Howell has curated the most mouth-watering dishes for guests. The 69ft charter features three decks so you can relax in comfort and style. Whether you choose to swim those divine crystal clear waters off the boat after your meal or simply just relish the warmth of the sunshine on the top deck – this is truly an unforgettable Rottnest Island experience.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the breathtaking turquoise waters of Rottnest Island is like stepping into another world, where an underwater paradise awaits. With over 400 species of fish, graceful green turtles, and vibrant western rock lobsters, the island’s marine ecosystem offers an unforgettable experience. If you’re catching the ferry across from Perth, it is easy to add in snorkel gear hire on your ticket! Otherwise, you can grab a mask and fins from Pedal and Flipper on the island. Once you have your gear, it’s time to get exploring! The Basin, a popular snorkelling spot closer to the heart of the island, boasts crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. On the other hand, the serene Parakeet Bay offers a quieter, more peaceful snorkelling experience. For those seeking a bit more adventure, Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point feature unique snorkel trails, complete with underwater information boards. These boards provide fascinating insights into the diverse marine life, making it possible to learn and explore whilst enjoying a swim!
Surfing
One of the greatest perks of surfing off the coast of an island is that there’s always a spot where the winds are offshore, creating ideal surf conditions almost year-round. Rottnest, known for Western Australia’s most consistent waves, is a prime example of this surfing paradise. In fact, it was selected to host the final Australian leg of the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour in 2021! For experienced surfers, the West End offers some of the island’s biggest swells, with highlights like Stark Bay and Strickland Bay. Accessing these awesome surf spots is easy with a convenient bus service and a short walk. Beginners, on the other hand, can find gentler waves at Mary Cove, located just before Strickland Bay, making it the perfect place to learn the ropes in calmer waters.
Diving
If you prefer to don your tank and head deeper under the water, Rottnest Island is a fantastic spot for scuba diving. Among the island’s many incredible dive sites, Crystal Palace stands out as a must-visit. Located on the southwest side, this site features an intricate network of caves and swim-throughs, providing an immersive glimpse into the vibrant marine life below the surface. As you move toward the west end, you’ll discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral Rocks, a site that lives up to its name with its natural spectacle of light. Sunlight pours through holes in the top of the main cave, illuminating the underwater world in a way that resembles the stained-glass windows of a grand cathedral. This site requires very specific conditions, but there are lots of scuba diving tours and charters available which can provide you with the gear too, such as Bucket List Diver or Blue Destiny Boat Charters.
Adding to the stunning caves and underwater nooks, Rottnest is home to 13 fascinating shipwrecks waiting to be explored. The Macedon and Denton Holme, two wrecks located near the heart of Rottnest, offer exciting underwater expeditions. An easily accessible wreck is also Uribes, which is located 100m off the natural jetty at Thomson Bay. This wreck is a great snorkelling option too, being so close to the shore.
Fishing
Rottnest is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering the perfect blend of a fresh catch and stunning natural surroundings. However, some areas of the island are designated as marine sanctuary zones, where fishing is prohibited. To stay informed, be sure to stop by the visitors’ centre for all the guidelines you’ll need.
For a beginner-friendly and convenient spot, Thompson Bay jetty is a fantastic choice—especially if you’re with kids! Located near the main centre, it’s a great place to soak in the island’s atmosphere while casting for whiting, herring, or squid, best caught early in the morning or late in the evening. For a scenic experience, head over to Geordie Bay, where you can relax on the white sand and enjoy some beach fishing. Skippy, tailor, silverbream, and whiting are the common catches here. If you’re an early riser or looking to explore further, Fish Hook Bay on the island’s West End is a great spot. It’s one of the few places on the West End where fishing is allowed, making it a rewarding choice for those willing to venture out.
Boating
If you’d prefer to be your own captain on the water at Rottnest, you can also take your own boat across! Settle in and moor your boat in places such as Longreach Bay or Tomson Bay. You can jump off the boat for a delightful swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters, or relax in the sunshine with a book on deck! There is a lot to know about taking your own boat to Rottnest – such as admission fees, mooring rental and what the colour coded buoys mean. Be sure to check out the Rottnest Island Authority website for all the details. Don’t ‘have a mate with a boat?’ Boating West also offers boats of all shapes and sizes to hire for you to freely explore the bays of Rottnest.
Whale watching
Typically between the months of August and December, Rottnest is a great place for a spot of whale watching! Be in awe of these giant, spectacular creatures as they breach and splash around in the water. The usual whale species sighted in this area are the humpback and southern right whale. Sometimes you can be fortunate enough to see them on the ferry or boat over – occasionally in the months of June and July too. If you’re staying on land, there are plenty of lookouts on the island to perch up with a little picnic with friends or family – and binoculars! Great lookout spots include Bathurst Lighthouse or Little Armstrong Bay. There are also two viewing platforms at Cape Vlamingh and Cathedral Rocks at the West End – where binoculars are ready and waiting on site.
Swimming and paddling with kids
If you have the kids in tow, there are some stunning, protected and calmer bays that are perfect for paddling with little ones. Do you know there are 63 beaches available to explore on the island? Luckily the ones that are most kid-friendly are close to the main centre. The Basin is just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the island, where the ferry takes you. It’s a naturally hollowed reef, hence the name, which makes it a safe and protected option for kids. Pinky Beach is also a short walk from the main drag and features the widest and longest stretch of beach on the island – perfect for sandcastle construction! If you’re interested in being surrounded by fewer people, further afar is Little Salmon Bay. It is 5km from the Thomson Bay settlement, so it might be easier to catch the bus or hire some bikes to make the journey more manageable!
Rottnest’s incredible water and abundant marine life make it a picture-perfect paradise for those who love the natural environment! Adventurous visitors can explore beyond the water’s surface in caves and shipwrecks, by snorkelling, fishing, or even scuba diving. However, if you’re more inclined to relax and relish the stunning beauty that Rottnest has to offer, our Luxe Boat Cruise is the perfect option. Savour Tony’s mouthwatering food alongside the delicious Howard Park wines, and then go for a paddle off the impressive 3-decker boat! This experience is designed for smaller groups for a more intimate experience, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.
