Why is Rottnest Island the best day trip from Perth?

If you’ve got just one day to spare, then a visit to Rottnest Island is the best day trip from Perth. And it’s where you’ll find photogenic quokkas.

Nobody walks or pedals particularly fast Rottnest island. 19km from the Western Australian port city of Fremantle by ferry and a smidge further from downtown Perth, Rottnest is car free (albeit Segway-friendly) and extremely laid-back. It also has just enough distractions for those who want them.

Little Parakeet Bay beach on Rottnest Island, Western Australia — Little Parakeet Bay is one of the many gorgeous beaches that help make Rottnest Island the best day trip from Perth. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions.

Go one way, and it’s Segway tours, a museum and skydives. But head along the coast, beyond the lighthouse, and suddenly the beaches start looking mighty tempting. Some have small boats moored – anyone with a yacht will come over from the mainland on a sunny day.

Rottnest Island day trip from Perth: Little Parakeet Bay

But then there’s Little Parakeet Bay, a near perfect cove with white sand and water that plays up to all the Indian Ocean stereotypes. The Rottnest Island weather is usually warm and sunny, too, making just hanging out at the beach very appealling.

It’s when you see sights like this that ambitious plans to cycle to the other side of the island, seeing the seal colony and pink lake, get abandoned. Snorkelling off the beach wins out instead. Big schools of tiny fish dart around the banks of sea grass, and you might even get the beach to yourself. If this isn’t living the dream, then you’ve got the dream all wrong.

8 Rottnest Island experiences best booked in advance

Ferry plus bike hire package. Or add a snorkel kit, too.
Short Settlement Segway tour or longer Fortress tour.
Island tour including train ride and lunch.
Sunset catamaran sailing cruise with champagne.
Oliver Hill train and tunnel tour.
Lakes and bays guided hike.
Tandem skydive.
Three hour boat tour to the best snorkelling spots.

Rottnest Island day trip from Perth: Quokkas

Don’t forget, however, to look out for quokkas on the way. These cute marsupials have become Rottnest Island’s icon.

Return ferries to the quokka island on the Rottnest Express from Fremantle cost from $79, with a day’s bike hire available for $35. Tours available on island include those to the Oliver Hill Battery World War II historical site and a Rottnest Island snorkelling tour. It’s also possible to go camping on Rottnest Island.

Which Rottnest Island ferry?

When deciding which Rottnest Island ferry to book, remember that there are three departure points. The Sealink ferries depart earlier, the Rottnest Express ferries are the cheapest and the Rottnest Fast Ferries go from Perth’s northern suburbs where there’s free parking. For more information and booking, use the links below.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.