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Top Things to Do On Rottnest Island

Here are the top activities and things to do for first-time travelers to Rottnest Island, Perth.

By Rashid NawazPublished about a year ago 5 min read

Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination located off the coast of Western Australia, near Perth. It is about 18 kilometers west of Fremantle and is only accessible by ferry. The island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique wildlife, including quokkas, a small marsupial that is native to the island.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the island, such as swimming, snorkeling, cycling, fishing, and hiking. Rottnest Island is a great place to relax and unwind, and it is an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia.

Top Things to Do at Rottnest Island

When you are planning to travel around Perth, or you need to visit Rottnest Island with a group of friends, you need to hire a maxi taxi Perth.

Cycle around the island:

Get a map of the island from the Visitor Center, and then ride your bike all over it. There are three different rides: a 4 km ride, a 10 km ride, and a 22 km ride. Three to five hours is the amount of time that is suggested to be spent cycling around the island.

On the off chance that you won't be bringing your own bicycle with you, you can rent one once you get there. There are some ferry companies that provide rental packages that include bicycles.

Swimming & Snorkelling

On Rottnest Island, you can choose from among an incredible 63 beaches and hidden coves.

From the equator, the Leeuwin Current carries warm, tropical water all the way down Australia's West Coast. Many coral larvae, tropical fish, and shells ride on this current.

Working with the Western Australian Museum, the Rottnest Island Wreck Trail was created as the first underwater interpretative route in the southern hemisphere. A "museum without walls" concept, plaques mark the sites of the wrecks both underwater and on land.

Parker Point

You will find a snorkel route at Parker Point, complete with underwater interpretative plaques that provide information on different types of marine life. Due to the depth of the water (between three and five metres) and the distance from the coast, this course is intended for more experienced snorkelers.

As a result of the reef's ability to host a variety of marine species, Parker Point is designated as a sanctuary zone. The population of the tropical coral known as Pocillopora damicornis that can be found on Australia's southernmost reef is found in the limestone reef. There is a stop for the Rottnest Island bus here, and the panorama of Porpoise Bay that can be seen from the overlook is breathtaking.

Little Salmon Bay

When it comes to swimming, diving, and snorkelling, Little Salmon Bay is among the best bays to visit. Due to its size, it can become rather congested during peak times when compared to other places in Washington. Because of its sheltered location and the tranquilly of its waters, this beach is very well suited for families.

Our girls have been on field trips to Rottnest Island with their school and report that this particular bay has the most beautiful coral and fish to see when snorkelling. At Parker Point, one can either take the bus or walk to get to Little Salmon Bay (stop for photos at Jeannies Lookout).

Little Parakeet Bay

In addition to being on the bus route and being close to the community, Little Parakeet Bay provides visitors with the opportunity to go swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is shielded from potential dangers by the reef in the area, making it an ideal destination for families.

What are you waiting for? Book your Maxi cab now in Perth and visit this beautiful island with your friends and family.

The Basin

The Basin is the most popular beach on Rottnest Island with families since it is protected from the waves by the reef. The excellent picnic place is just a short stroll from the town. Pine trees offer welcome shade, and this area also features a bathroom. While we were there in January, surf lifeguards were out and about on The Basin.

Always snorkel in pairs and never touch marine life. Neither should you bring home any rocks or shells as mementos.

Surfing

Strickland Bay is home to some of the world's best surf breaks, which consistently place among the top 50 worldwide. It is important to check the surf report prior to going there because wave conditions are determined by the swell and wind.

Here are a few more of Rottnest Island's well-known surf spots:

• Riceys Beach

• The Rotto Box

• Stark Bay

• Chicken Reef – Salmon Bay

• The Basins Ledge

• The Fruit Bowl

• Transits – Thomson Bay

Fishing

Rottnest is a popular destination for anglers from Western Australia. Reef fish, seagrass fish, and migratory fish are all represented here. Some of the fish you might reel in are the Cobbler, Tailor, Australian Herring, Long-headed Flathead, Skipjack Trevally ("Skippy"), School Whiting, and Sea Garfish.

All recreational fishing must adhere to the regulations put forth by the WA Fisheries Department, which prohibits the use of nets and spears. If you want more information on fishing on Rottnest Island, you may pick up a copy of the Rottnest Island Fishing Guide.

Diving

The proximity of Rottnest Island to Perth, where some of the best dive sites in the area are located, makes it a popular destination for dive companies on day trips. Dives among the wreckage are not only educational but also enjoyable because of the magnificent marine life.

Crayfish diving, often known as diving for the Western Rock Lobster, is a popular activity throughout the season (from 15 November until 30 June). On the website for Washington State Fisheries, licences and rules can be found.

Best Time to Visit Rottnest Island

Fall and spring are the finest seasons to explore Rottnest Island. The weather is ideal and the water is calm enough for swimming and other aquatic activities in the months of October and November.

Dry summers and Wet-mild winters characterise Rottnest Island's Mediterranean-style climate. You can expect significantly milder temperatures on the island than in adjacent Perth.

Summer: The summer season lasts from December through March, and average highs reach the high 40s Celsius. Relative humidity levels are low.

If you find the beaches too hot in the summer, an autumn visit in April or May could be just what the doctor ordered. In April, temperatures begin to drop, with a typical high of 25 degrees Celsius and a typical low of 13 degrees Celsius.

During the winter months of June through August, the rains come down hard and the ocean becomes too turbulent for swimming. The typical high is around 19 degrees and the typical low is around 7 degrees. On the other hand, there have been instances where the mercury fell below zero degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in the spring range from the low teens to the high twenties, with October and November offering the most agreeable conditions.

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    RNWritten by Rashid Nawaz

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