Wadjemup Bidi
A Guide to Rottnest Island
Wadjemup or Rottnest Island is a summer playground located 20km off the coast from Perth and has recently had a new network of walking trails added to it, along with some great snorkeling sites that provide access to some beautiful coral reef. With plenty of history to explore, an inland lake system that is home to a vibrant assortment of birds and a vast array of pristine beaches to relax on, the best way to see the island is by foot, bringing along the snorkeling gear to take full advantage of this island paradise.
With plenty of options to explore, pack your snorkeling gear, hiking shoes and a towel for an excellent island adventure. Click on each hike and snorkel to see more photos and a description about what to expect.
Getting There - There are two main ferry options to take you to Rottnest with Rottnest Express and SeaLink providing a service leaving from Fremantle and Perth.
Getting Around - Rottnest has a loop road linking up the main parts of the island with a bus running frequently during the day. This is useful to reach the start of some of the hikes or to return to the main settlement after finishing. Another popular transport option is by bike, whether you bring your own on the ferry or hire one from the ferry provider. This is a scenic way to see the island (although the walking trails show you much more) and a good option if you use the trails to create your own loop.
Food and Drink - The main settlement is where you will find the best food and drink options with the famous Rottnest Bakery, Rottnest Hotel and a raft of food options in the main mall. Outside of the main settlement the only places that sells food and drink is Geordies Cafe at Geordie Bay and Pinky's Beach Club near Bathurst Lighthouse.
Accommodation - There is a range of accommodation options on Rottnest Island ranging from campgrounds to holiday homes to something a bit more upmarket. For a full guide check out this page.