12 Best Rottnest Island Tours for Nature & Quokka Lovers

Joel Conceicao

Last updated: 27 May 20244 minutes

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Best Rottnest Island Tours: The Ultimate List

Hey there, island and quokka lovers!

If you're planning a visit to the mesmerising Rottnest Island, you're in for a real treat. Known for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and ever-smiling quokkas, Rottnest Island is a paradise waiting to be explored.

Hop on as we take you through the best Rottnest Island tours, covering the most exciting and captivating ways to discover this enchanting gem.

Rottnest Island Bike & Scooter Tours

Explore Rottnest Island on a Segway

Get ready for an adventure like no other with a Segway tour on Rottnest Island. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, learn to ride the Segway at the base of Kingstown Barracks - it only takes a few minutes to master! Familiarise yourself at the Practice Zone before delving into the island's rich history and culture while visiting the iconic Rottnest Pub and The Settlement.

Highlights

  • Ride the Segway from Thomson Bay to discover boats, bathers and pubs scattered around Rottnest Island.

  • Visit The Basin, one of the island's most picturesque swimming spots and soak in the breathtaking scenery of Bathurst Lighthouse.

  • Spot and interact with the adorable quokkas, adding to the island's enchantment.

Enjoy a Day of Biking and Snorkelling with Lunch

Hop on a scenic ferry ride from either Fremantle or Perth to reach this island paradise. Upon arrival, your pre-booked bike will be waiting for you at the jetty, ready for your cycling adventure. With no cars to worry about, safely pedal along the island's roads and pathways, uncovering hidden corners, picnicking at secluded spots, and counting adorable quokkas along the way.

Highlights

  • Take a relaxing cruise on the Swan River cruise and admire views of the Perth city skyline.

  • Safely cycle Rottnest Island's roads and pathways offering a worry-free and tranquil experience.

  • Indulge in a delicious lunch at Karma Rottnest.

  • You can opt to go snorkelling and all equipment required will be provided on a rental basis.

Rottnest Island Bus Tours

Unravel Rottnest's Charms on a Discovery Bus

Head on an unforgettable journey as you explore the stunning beauty of Rottnest Island aboard an air-conditioned bus. Immerse yourself in the island's breathtaking flora, fauna and striking beaches including an incredible salt lake.

Highlights

  • Experience the captivating beauty of Rottnest Island's flora, fauna and woodlands during the scenic bus tour.

  • Visit top attractions, including the historic Wadjemup Lighthouse and picturesque Henrietta Rocks.

  • Delight in seasonal whale watching at Cape Vlamingh, a rare encounter with majestic marine creatures.

Explore Rottnest Island with a Ferry and Bus Tour

Begin with a scenic return ferry ride from either Fremantle or Perth, enjoying picturesque views of the city skyline on a Swan River cruise (Perth departures only). And step aboard a fully air-conditioned bus, one of the few vehicles permitted on Rottnest, for a comfortable adventure.

Highlights

  • Return ferry tickets from Fremantle/Perth to Rottnest Island included!

  • Enjoy a 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour covering the island's most spectacular locations and coastline, surrounded by stunning island scenery.

  • Discover the historical sights, lighthouses and two key vantage points - Wadjemup Lighthouse and rugged West End - offering breathtaking views.

  • Go on an enchanting wildlife adventure, where you can observe the captivating island creatures, including the renowned quokkas.

Rottnest Island Boat Tours

Get to Rottnest Island easily from Hillarys

Want to get to Rottnest Island quick? Then you should consider Rottnest Fast Ferries. At Hillarys Boat Harbour, a mere 20 minutes north of Perth, ferries depart daily. And besides, it's the ideal tourist hotspot. Home to AQWA, Hillarys Boardwalk, and 40 plus specialty stores, there's no shortage of fun here. You can even enjoy a hassle-free hotel transfer from Perth too, with service provided from major hotels in the CBD, Northbridge, Scarborough, and the Sunset Coast.

Highlights

  • Experience the tranquillity of a vehicle-free environment, where biking becomes a joyous adventure.

  • Meet the ridiculously cute quokkas and capture unforgettable selfies with these adorable creatures.

Explore Rottnest's Underwater World with Glass Bottom Sea Kayaking Tours

Enjoy an outing with the Rottnest Glass Bottom Sea Kayaking Tours, offering a unique perspective of the island's aquatic wonders. Glide above the crystal-clear aqua waters in clear bottom kayaks, witnessing the vibrant marine life below without getting wet. Suitable for all ages, the tours provide a one-of-a-kind experience!

Highlights

  • Enjoy the wonders of the underwater world from above as you float over colourful marine life, interesting corals and dramatic reef formations.

  • Experience Rottnest Island in a unique way, gazing through the clear bottom kayaks for an unparalleled view of the marine ecosystem.

  • The tour focuses on relaxed and comfortable paddling, allowing you to take your time and appreciate the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Discover Nature's Playground on a Speed Boat

Prepare for an unforgettable day of adventure with a Rottnest Island adventure tour, including a thrilling return ferry ride. Hop aboard the Eco Express Adventure Boat, purpose-built and high-powered, for an exhilarating tour of Rottnest Island (weather dependent).

Highlights

  • Get on a high-powered Eco Express boat for a 90-minute circumnavigation of Rottnest Island, offering an adrenaline-pumping encounter with its untamed beauty.

  • Spy on island wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals and seabirds, adding to the excitement of the adventure.

  • Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, ospreys and other fascinating wildlife that call Rottnest home.

Rottnest Island Self-Guided Tours

Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Self-Guided Tour

Satisfy your inner explorer with a self-guided Rottnest Island ferry and bike tour. After a scenic ferry ride to Rottnest Island, embrace the pedal power and set your own pace to discover the island's natural wonders. With no cars allowed on this protected nature reserve, cycling becomes the ideal way to explore Rottnest.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the freedom of exploring Rottnest Island's 63 beaches and 20 bays, immersing yourself in nature's tranquillity.

  • Cruise along the Sunset Coast in style, taking in the picturesque views as you ride to iconic spots like the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End.

  • Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable quokkas, one of the world's happiest animals.

Off-beat Tours of Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island Guns and Tunnels Tour

Travel back in time with the Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel 2-Hour Tour, delving into Rottnest Island's wartime past.

Highlights

  • Uncover the legacy of the two 11-meter 9.2-inch naval guns, safeguarding Fremantle Port from seaborne attacks during WWII.

  • Enjoy a unique train ride to the Oliver Hill Lookout, offering panoramic views of Rottnest Island's picturesque coastline.

  • Venture underground to explore the historical tunnels, which once housed the gun's engine room and ammunition supply.

Rottnest Island Snorkel and Sail Tour

Explore the stunning coastline of Rottnest Island aboard a catamaran, where you'll be taken to some of the best snorkelling spots around the island. Get up close with tropical fish and keep an eye out for playful dolphins and rare sea lions.

Highlights

  • Plunge into the crystal-clear waters under the watchful eye of experienced snorkelling guides, exploring Rottnest Island's vibrant underwater world.

  • Discover a mesmerising array of marine life, including over 400 fish species, 20 types of coral, and intriguing shipwrecks that lie beneath the surface.

  • Enjoy the thrill of being towed behind the boat in a spacious cargo net and take advantage of kayaks and SUPs for even more water fun.

Go skydiving above Rottnest Island

Join in on the thrill of a lifetime with the ultimate skydiving adventure at Rottnest Island. You'll hop on a quick scenic flight over Rottnest Island, then experience a heart-pounding free fall reaching 200 km/hour. At 5,000 ft, your instructor opens the parachute, and you gently float down for 5 minutes before landing safely on a beautiful beach. It's an unforgettable experience for anyone ready to take the leap.

Highlights

  • Breathtaking flight over Rottnest Island, featuring views of Perth City and WA coastline.

  • Thrilling 30 to 66 seconds of free fall, guided by a skilled skydive Instructor.

  • A serene 5-minute parachute ride, offering uninterrupted island views.

Fly over Rottnest Island by seaplane

Get ready for a beachside escape like no other! Live it up in style with a seaplane ride to Rottnest Island. On this tour, you get to enjoy a spectacular water take-off, before kicking back at Hotel Samphire to soak in some much-needed island vibes before indulging in a leisurely lunch at Lontara restaurant. Your four-hour adventure includes scenic return flights with fantastic views, and the afternoon seaplane ride back to Perth promises a grand finale to your day.

Highlights

  • The Rottnest Island Long Lunch by Sea Plane tour conveys the essence of 'la dolce vita.'

  • Enjoy a thrilling water take-off and picturesque return flights for breathtaking vistas.

  • Savour the finest WA cuisine from a unique chef's selection menu at Lontara restaurant.

Your Rottnest Island Adventure Awaits

Whether you're an adventurer, nature lover or quokka enthusiast, Rottnest Island offers an array of captivating tours to fulfil your desires. From thrilling boat rides to serene bike tours, each experience promises to leave you with lasting memories of this enchanting island paradise.

Prepare yourself for a truly captivating experience as you explore the enchanting beauty of Rottnest Island.

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Written by Joel Conceicao

Joel has a serious addiction to mountain hiking and is a bona fide beach bum. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain to travel fearlessly, he has explored from the Himalayas to the Andaman Sea, honing over a decade's worth of travel writing experience.

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