Cycling Around Rottnest Island
Circumnavigate Western Australia’s Holiday Island Off Perth
A stay on Rottnest Island makes a Western Australian vacation perfect, especially if you cycle around the beaches and bays and go snorkeling and swimming.
Rottnest Island is a small island lying off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, and it is a beloved holiday destination both for vacationing locals and visiting tourists. One of the highlights of Rottnest Island is its lack of cars, and that makes taking a cycle tour around the island a particularly attractive event.
Arranging a Bicycle for Rottnest Island
Most visitors to Rottnest Island arrive by ferry from Perth, and that gives you three choices for arranging a bicycle. Locals or people visiting friends can bring their own bike on the ferry for a small charge. The majority of visitors hire a bike in combination with their ferry ticket, and you will collect this bike at the ferry terminal and take it to the ferry yourself for loading. Helmets and locks are included in the deal, as wearing a bicycle helmet is compulsory. Finally, there are some opportunities to hire a bike on the island itself, but to be sure of having one, it is better to hire one on the mainland.
Cycling Around Rottnest Island
The circumference of Rottnest Island, along the roads which are used as cycle tracks, is 24 kilometers (15 miles), and most people will need at least two and a half hours to circumnavigate the island by bike, with just a few short rests. But it’s far better to take at least a whole afternoon, if not the entire day, and to plan a few long breaks at some of the most scenic parts of the island.
There are numerous small bays and beaches around Rottnest Island, and the further you cycle away from the ferry terminal and the small shopping center, the more you’ll find quiet, secluded places to spend a relaxing afternoon alone with your traveling companions. You can cycle all the way to the West End, the furthest point on the island away from the main township, and find fewer people. Some of the nicest bays are found on the south coast of the island, such as Salmon Bay and Little Salmon Bay, while the beaches on the north coast at Longreach Bay or Geordie Bay will usually have a few more people, but are just as beautiful. Many of the beaches are also good spots for snorkeling, so pack a mask and snorkel along with your towel and sunscreen.
Cycling Conditions on Rottnest Island
Particularly in summer, you should be aware that the heat and strong sun can make you tired quickly. Ensure you use a good sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses. Most importantly, take a sufficient supply of water, as there are almost no facilities for buying water once you start cycling.
The roads are excellent, because they are also used by the few vehicles that are permitted to drive on Rottnest. You can cycle safely on these roads, but be aware that the island bus and vehicles like the luggage service for the hotel also use these roads occasionally. Take a few sensible precautions and you can enjoy a perfect day cycling around Rottnest Island.
