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Rottnest Island
Rating
9.23
ranking: 8

Rottnest Island is the ideal getaway island. There’s plenty to explore: fantastic beaches and bays, and a world of history.

The island is an ‘A’ Class reserve and is managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. More than 500,000 visitors head to Rottnest Island each year. The moderate climate, laid back atmosphere and indigenous flora and fauna of the island combine to make Rottnest Island a unique experience.

The best way to experience the island is by bike. You can bring your own, or hire one on the island, then set off and discover Rottnest’s exceptional surf spots, great diving and snorkelling, native quokkas, and idyllic beaches. The island is 11 kilometres long, 4.5 kilometres at its widest point, and the land area measures 1,900 hectares.

Many tours and activities operate on a daily basis, including:

  • A two hour guided tour of the island.
  • The historic Oliver Hill Train.
  • The Underwater Explorer.
  • Sea kayaking.
  • Joy flights on the Rottnest Air Taxi.
  • The Rottnest Museum.

Rottnest Island is of historical significance to Western Australia. Wadjemup is the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island and an Aboriginal cemetery is located within the Thomson Bay Settlement.

The island also played a significant defence role in World War I and World War II.

Journeys to the island by ferry take 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour and 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. Flights to Rottnest Island take 15 minutes and leave from Jandakot Airport.

Location: Rottnest Island is located 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle.

Rottnest Island

Experience Perth

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Comments
 
mandachic
Feb 06, 2009 at 04:33AM

A tropical getaway where there's no work - its all play!

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jaiden1
Feb 05, 2009 at 11:50PM

relaxing location

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rhiannamh
Feb 05, 2009 at 04:30PM

The water at Rottnest is perfect for snorkelling!!

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jaiden1
Feb 04, 2009 at 10:16PM

the ferry trip's fun, then you get there for swimming, bike riding and relaxing - great in Summer

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lfjoakes
Feb 02, 2009 at 04:10PM

Family fun and friendly every time!

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ereesoakes
Feb 02, 2009 at 03:41PM

Great for families all year round!

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Erin_jm
Jan 28, 2009 at 02:57PM

great diving and so relaxed!

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rhiannamh
Jan 27, 2009 at 04:12PM

Rottnest Island is an unspoiled piece of paradise... amazing wildlife and gorgeous beaches!! Who could ask for more?

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Ady Holt
Jan 26, 2009 at 08:51AM

Rotto is where every kid should spend a few holidays... learn to ride a bike, skinned knees and freckled noses... Pure bliss!

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trubble
Jan 21, 2009 at 01:25PM

excellent vacation spot for people of all ages

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crouch3
Jan 21, 2009 at 11:25AM

Easy to get to. Total Fun and Relaxation. Great for all ages.

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PAUL&KERRIE
Jan 21, 2009 at 09:42AM

Great spot to be on your first 'overseas' experience!

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shelleyf
Jan 21, 2009 at 02:02AM

great holiday destinaton for the family, heaps to do and all of it outdoors

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amanda webb
Jan 20, 2009 at 04:32PM

the rottnest experience - brilliant for kids, families, and those just wanting to get away. one of the best times of the year to go is winter!

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msjules
Jan 20, 2009 at 08:09AM

Haven't been since I was a teen...but would love to.

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Dhanendra
Jan 19, 2009 at 03:50PM

Most relaxing place next to Perth. Least expensive tourist destination.

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ereesoakes
Jan 19, 2009 at 03:10PM

Holiday happiness

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jaxcoo
Jan 19, 2009 at 01:35PM

Loved it as a kid. Love it now as a mum!

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Pam Hannan
Jan 16, 2009 at 04:21PM

Rottnest Island is very interesting to visit

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msjules
Jan 14, 2009 at 05:49PM

An island getaway within reach of all.

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danche21
Jan 14, 2009 at 12:29PM

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Jan 14, 2009 at 11:12AM

So peaceful away from the settlement

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Maureen Gill
Jan 13, 2009 at 10:22PM

Special memories of holidays with young children at Rottness - well overdue for a mature aged visit and stay.

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Nell
Jan 13, 2009 at 04:39PM

Spent Xmas at Rotto - great place to take the kids!

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Jan 13, 2009 at 04:07PM

Peaceful

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JennyC
Jan 13, 2009 at 08:07AM

Lets hope the development wont spoil our beautiful island.

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Moi
Jan 13, 2009 at 07:19AM

A very relaxing place to visit.

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Jan 12, 2009 at 03:45PM

Hardly any cars, safe to ride bikes, clean empty beaches, great wildlife

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janinep
Jan 12, 2009 at 02:50PM

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Felixg
Jan 12, 2009 at 02:37PM

marvellous destination for complete relaxation

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Jan 10, 2009 at 03:36PM

Few cars, nice empty beaches. Pity about the upgrades

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rossmim
Jan 10, 2009 at 03:07PM

The best!

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davidwatson2000
Jan 09, 2009 at 10:17PM

rotto... it's the epitamy of the WA lifestyle

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Digaz
Jan 08, 2009 at 06:41PM

A great place for scuba diving, swimming, surfing, bike riding or just relaxing by the beach around a BBQ.

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suecowpe
Jan 08, 2009 at 03:11PM

Ideal getaway destination for a day or a week. Total stress free & chilled out relaxation.

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Graham
Jan 08, 2009 at 03:08PM

This is such an enjoyable holiday as you can only sit back and relax, snorkel or cycle, no traffic to worry about and everything is right there!

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alypaynter
Jan 08, 2009 at 12:18PM

One place overseas we can all afford to enjoy with quaint little quockas.

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rizzyfed
Jan 07, 2009 at 09:08PM

Sooo relaxing sitting at Quolla Arms with a cold beer listening to laid back tunes just chillin mmm

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Tess Albanis
Jan 07, 2009 at 07:44PM

I love Rottnest for its relaxed and laid back feel......no hustle and bustle just chilled out and stress free. Plus the beaches are divine. Great for a swim, snorkel,dive or surf....

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msread76
Jan 07, 2009 at 05:00PM

A thoroughly relaxing destination.

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Loony
Jan 07, 2009 at 11:26AM

Stay for at least a night - Day trips just don't do Rottnest justice. The Quokkas come out to play and the island comes alive at dusk.

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felmingham
Jan 07, 2009 at 09:12AM

feels like you are in another place in the world - million miles away from the stresses of Perth

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Jane Grierson
Jan 07, 2009 at 08:55AM

So relaxing to walk everywhere, time to look around and really see everything instead of rushing past.

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haylsv
Jan 07, 2009 at 08:40AM

Quiet, lots to do, fun and adventurous. Luv the quokkas

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sainter
Jan 06, 2009 at 11:54PM

it has everything from the beach and surf to unique plants and animals bars, shops and sites absolutely beautiful and reasonably affordable

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Bindel
Jan 06, 2009 at 08:25PM

Rottnest is more romantic to me than Paris.

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brumbyboi
Jan 06, 2009 at 06:20PM

its just a nice place to be

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Nerissa
Jan 06, 2009 at 06:04PM

I love Rotto it's Perth's own little piece of paridise :)

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haylsv
Jan 06, 2009 at 04:44PM

Love it, laid back and the quokkas are so cute.

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adamlubicz
Jan 06, 2009 at 04:37PM

loves it

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JenniB
Jan 06, 2009 at 04:26PM

The easiest way to get away from the busyness of Perth; winter or summer I love it.

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Erika Voges
Jan 06, 2009 at 04:15PM

Wonderful snorkeling reefs, beautiful views, great place for a day or a week!

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psychomunk
Jan 06, 2009 at 03:54PM

Blue waters, friendly quokkas and lotsa space to run and bike. Just an awesome escape!

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colleencass
Jan 06, 2009 at 03:45PM

Absolutely Beautiful

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JennyC
Jan 06, 2009 at 08:34AM

No cars and great to relax and unwind.

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V3ronika
Jan 05, 2009 at 09:28PM

great place, very windy on one side!

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ropati
Jan 04, 2009 at 04:49PM

Fantastic place to visit for all age groups

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Jan 01, 2009 at 12:18PM

Deserted beaches, few cars, peaceful, Pity about the upgrading

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maggieholmes
Dec 30, 2008 at 10:32PM

Miles of white sandy beaches with clear blue water.

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billforbes1@optusnet.com.au
Dec 29, 2008 at 03:16PM

It's on our doorstep and I don't think people take advantage of this.You can stay for a day or as long as you like. Go when it not school hols. and enjoy

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700702
Dec 26, 2008 at 11:41AM

Restful

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700702
Dec 23, 2008 at 11:46AM

peaceful

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William Kynaston
Dec 23, 2008 at 11:44AM

Some underrated yet beautiful Bays for snorkelling and swimming make this a great place for a relaxing holiday.

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Melanie
Dec 22, 2008 at 08:08PM

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Dani Billings
Dec 22, 2008 at 02:59PM

rotto is an amazing place, so close to the mainland but you get such a nice break and it is gorgeous.

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Peter Seeds
Dec 22, 2008 at 02:22PM

Just a magic place an hour offshore but simply stunning in its beauty,purety and simplicity

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ereesoakes
Dec 22, 2008 at 02:18PM

Just love the atmosphere!

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lfjoakes
Dec 22, 2008 at 02:14PM

The holiday never ends!

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clancey
Dec 17, 2008 at 04:27PM

Bliss...I am always sad when it's time to leave!

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joceandy
Dec 16, 2008 at 01:04PM

what is there not to love about Rotto!

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lfjoakes
Dec 16, 2008 at 09:30AM

Holiday delight!

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JennyC
Dec 16, 2008 at 08:51AM

A place you can relax and no one has to dress up

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mrskae@hotmail.com
Dec 15, 2008 at 05:14PM

Few cars, deserted beaches, pity about the upgrading

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ereesoakes
Dec 15, 2008 at 02:48PM

A delight for all ages!

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kevin mckenney
Dec 15, 2008 at 02:19PM

unique to WA

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ereesoakes
Dec 13, 2008 at 09:26AM

Relax and enjoy

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lfjoakes
Dec 12, 2008 at 03:38PM

A great place to holiday!

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Lois Bowden
Dec 11, 2008 at 08:25PM

I have holidayed at Rottnest all my life and have such wonderful and happy memories. My children have spent many holidays there and I hope my grandchildren will do the same.

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ereesoakes
Dec 09, 2008 at 09:28PM

Relaxing

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jay2abbey
Dec 08, 2008 at 09:53AM

A safe beautiful destination to take the whole family, your kid's will love it.

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Stephanie Smith
Dec 06, 2008 at 02:24PM

Great destination in the summer. Have been every year now for about 5 years and just love the atmosphere, watching the boats come in, the sunsets and swimming and snorkelling in the clear water. Just magic!

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shugare
Dec 05, 2008 at 05:30PM

I just love rotto, I spent much of my childhood and teenages years with friends and family exploring the island and swimming in it's bays.. perfect!

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knappy
Dec 05, 2008 at 12:40PM

The place to be!!

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kquinn
Dec 05, 2008 at 11:27AM

My favourite place in the world!

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SlinkyGroove
Dec 05, 2008 at 07:15AM

One of the best holiday spots in the world!!!

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maggieholmes
Dec 05, 2008 at 03:36AM

Beautiful deserted sandy beaches with good snorkelling.

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wallaceif
Dec 02, 2008 at 10:18PM

The island has something for everyone of all ages. Swimming, surfing, diving, fishing. Having no cars makes it all the more enjoyable.

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lfjoakes
Dec 02, 2008 at 11:37AM

Always plenty to do!

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ereesoakes
Dec 02, 2008 at 11:33AM

Great fun for all

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kjcrombie
Dec 02, 2008 at 09:25AM

WA iconic destination

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ereesoakes
Nov 27, 2008 at 05:34PM

A family holiday without any hassles!

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lfjoakes
Nov 27, 2008 at 04:59PM

Always relaxing!

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clancey
Nov 27, 2008 at 02:34PM

A piece of heaven on earth...blissful...

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JennyC
Nov 25, 2008 at 11:00AM

Best place to relax

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jog
Nov 24, 2008 at 09:39PM

Everything I want in a relaxing holiday - beautiful beaches, lovely accommodation, bike riding, tennis, bbq's, picture hall, peace!

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lhaque
Nov 24, 2008 at 05:57PM

perfect unspoilt beaches!but staying over is a bit of a hassle, other than that for a full day trip its perfect!

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Larisa
Nov 19, 2008 at 06:44PM

A WA icon!

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lfjoakes
Nov 17, 2008 at 03:33PM

Getting better all the time anytime!

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Peter Seeds
Nov 17, 2008 at 02:57PM

World class water playground on Perth's doorstep

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Holmes1m
Nov 17, 2008 at 02:13PM

Rotto is a great local destination we have accessible to us in Perth. Easy to get to and great snorkling and swimming, oh plus the drinking especially now Dome has arrived on the Island. We love Rotto!!

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