Rottnest Island

Western Australia

Rottnest IslandIt’s hard to believe you are so close to Perth on Rottnest Island, an idyllic piece of paradise home to countless pristine bays and beaches, as well as the iconic and lovable quokka.

Famous for its laid back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, Rottnest Island lies just 19 kilometres offshore from Perth surrounded by the sparkling Indian Ocean. This is where the locals go swimming, surf, snorkel, fish and relax. Surrounded by coral reefs and shipwrecks, the diving and snorkelling are out-of-this-world. Rotto is a car-free zone and hiring a bicycle is the best way to get around. There's also the local Bayseeker bus that regularly runs around the island and can drop you at some of the more secluded beaches and surf breaks. There are 20 bays to choose from, meaning you can often find a stretch of sand all to yourself. The island's fascinating history is brought to life in guided tours that detail its past as a former Aboriginal prison and also its role in Australia's World War II military defence system. Underground tunnels, the lighthouse and colonial buildings are worth exploring. Watch out for the quokkas, the cute marsupials which were the inspiration for the island's name. Accommodation-wise there is something to suit everyone's budget, from beachfront villas to tent sites. Get to Rottnest Island on a 30-40 minute boat ride from Fremantle, Perth or Hillarys Boat Harbour.

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Things to do

Skydive Geronimo Rottnest Island

Skydive Geronimo offers beach tandem skydiving on Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Their team of dedicated and experienced staff provide outstanding tandem skydive experiences where first-timers and daredevils alike have the opportunity to skydive from 15,000 feet at Australia’s most picturesque drop zone. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone who has always wanted to "give it a go"’ the Skydive Geronimo team invites you to an experience of a lifetime! Your experience begins with a warm welcome at their facilities at the Rottnest Island Airport, followed by a briefing with your qualified and friendly Skydive Instructor. After a quick goodbye with family and friends, you will board the Geronimo aircraft and fly to jump altitude. In the 10 to 15-minute flight, you will be amazed at the views of the stunning West Australian coastline, the island itself and Perth city beyond. Together with your Instructor, you will free fall before the instructor deploys your parachute at 5,000 feet and you then enjoy a spectacular 5-minute parachute ride, before landing on the beach alongside family and friends. Then it’s time to celebrate! Customers enjoy a free celebratory drink at a beach side bar while overlooking the ocean.

Bathurst Lighthouse

Learn the history and take in the views. Bathurst Lighthouse, on the northern edge of Rottnest Island, was built in 1900 to support Wadjemup Lighthouse following the City of York shipping disaster in 1899, where 11 lives were lost. It is 20 metres high and in conjunction with Wadjemup and the Fremantle Lighthouse, creates a navigational triangle to guide skippers. The reef structure surrounding Rottnest Island meant that the construction of two lighthouses was essential to assist vessels to navigate the channel between Fremantle and the Island. Located at one of the highest points on the island, visitors can see the lighthouse and the breathtaking views on offer.

Cathedral Rocks Viewing Platform

The perfect place to meet the resident NZ Fur Seals. The New Cathedral Rocks viewing platform allows you to get closer to the resident New Zealand Fur Seals colony without disturbing them whilst they flip and play together in the bay and enjoy basking on the rocks. The Cathedral Rocks waters are closed to diving and boating, however, the viewing platform allows for spectacular ocean views. Ride to Cathedral Rocks by bike or jump on the Island Explorer bus. Visit their website for more information on wildlife encounters.

Discovery Parks - Rottnest Island

Glamp at Pinky Beach. The highly-anticipated Discovery Rottnest Island is now open (as of 1 March 2019) and bookings can now be made for the beachside eco-tent resort. The highly-anticipated glamping accommodation is located in the dunes at Pinky Beach. It comprises 83 low impact eco tents with ensuites and is designed for couples, families, extended families or groups. Eco tents of varying sizes and styles to suit a range of budgets, from luxury ‘glamping’ to affordable family accommodation. Tents are interconnected by an external entertaining deck and will be spread through the site in accommodation zones. Celebrate Rottnest's simple pleasures - quality time with family and friends, sunshine, swimming and serenity in a natural environment. Guests can dine at Pinky's Beach Club restaurant and bar in an open-air design in keeping with the surrounding natural environment or relax by the swimming pool.

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