While a handful of people live on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), the predominant residents of this small island are of the cute, fluffy, and smiley variety. It's home to the world’s largest population of wild quokkas, and day-trippers flock from nearby Perth and Fremantle to watch the “happiest animals on earth” roam in their natural habitat. Other things to do on Rottnest Island include hiking the 28 miles (45 kilometers) of trails, swimming, and snorkeling at more than 60 white-sand beaches, or taking a bike, kayak, or Segway tour.
Summer (December–February) is the most popular time for day trips and overnight stays on Rottnest Island, but you can enjoy outdoor activities on the island year-round. Visit in late winter and spring for the chance to spot quokka joeys peeking out of their mother’s pouches (August-September), to catch the annual humpback whale migration (September-November), and to admire the vibrant wildflowers (October-November).
Ferries run from Perth, Fremantle, and Hillary’s Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, taking between 25 and 90 minutes, depending on the route. You can also arrive by helicopter, seaplane, or private boat. Once on the car-free island, you can take the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, rent a bike or e-bike, or take a golf buggy taxi. You can also walk—hiking trails connect all corners of the island.
Rottnest Island is more than a beach destination. It’s also a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers, with protected marine reserves, magnificent coral reefs, and more than 400 fish species. You can snorkel at the reefs, and certified divers can explore underwater caves and sunken shipwrecks, spotting green turtles, humpback whales, grey nurse sharks, stingrays, and western rock lobsters along the way.
