Camping on Rottnest Island: Campground vs Discovery Parks

Camping on Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, is possible at both the Rottnest Island campground and Discovery Parks Rottnest Island. The campground is much cheaper.

Camping on Rottnest Island is the cheapest way to stay overnight on Perth’s best day trip destination. There are two Rottnest Island camping options available and the best option largely depends on whether you want to bring your own tent with you.

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 campground location

The cheaper, simpler option is to stay at the Rottnest Island campground, which is just to the north of the Settlement at Thomson Bay. It’s a ten minute walk from the jetty where the Rottnest Island ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys pulls in.

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.

Rottnest Island campground facilities and rates

The Rottnest Island campground is pretty simple. There are bathroom blocks, barbecues and a camp kitchen, but the sites are unpowered. Rates at the Rottnest Island campground start at $41 per night.

There is a luggage delivery service from the jetty.

Booking should be made via Stay Rottnest.

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.

Tents at Discovery Parks Rottnest Island

You can also go camping at Discovery Parks Rottnest Island. This is the island’s holiday park-style accommodation, but the difference here is that the tents are already erected. It is essentially a glamping experience, with even the standard tents having beds, bathrooms, outdoor seating areas and ceiling fans.

The standard tents at Discovery Parks Rottnest Island cost from $289 per night.

If you want to upgrade to a tent with a kitchenette, it’ll cost you from $389 per night.

Bookings should be made online.

Good things to do on Rottnest Island include snorkelling tours, skydives and seeing the famous quokkas. You can also go snorkelling at Little Armstrong Bay and Little Parakeet Bay, or cycle to the pink lake.

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.