Cycling Guide to Rottnest Island
Exploring one of Western Australia's Premier Attractions by Bike
Conditions on the island are perfect for cycling, with mostly gentle hills, an excellent network of roads and cycle paths that allow you to appreciate the beauty and isolation of the island, and great views
- Adult and children bikes, as well as tandems, are all available to hire from Rottnest Island Bike Hire, situated behind the Quokka Arms Hotel, a short walk from the jetty once you set foot off the boat.
Diving and Snorkelling on Rottnest Island
The unbelievably clear waters, coupled with an abundance of marine life and coral, make the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve a perfect destination for both scuba diving and snorkelling. Over a hundred species of tropical fish live around the island's reefs, bottlenose dolphins can be seen in season, and there are also numerous shipwrecks to explore around the island. If you prefer to keep dry then taking a glass bottomed boat tour is another great way to experience Rottnest's Marine life.
- Parker Point and Fish Hook Bay are among the best beaches for diving and snorkelling.
The Basin
One of the highlights of Rottnest has to be The Basin, understandably one of the island's most popular beaches. The sand is perfect and the pool of crystal clear, shallow water is great for swimming and snorkelling. The view of The Basin, with the lighthouse situated high above the far end of the beach, is spectacular.
Swimming Beaches
As well as The Basin, one of the island's most popular, and largest beaches, is Geordie Bay. With such a variety of beaches on offer, and so many to choose from, you don't have to cycle far before you find a white, sandy beach with tropical coloured water all to yourself. Some of the highlights of Rottnest are:
- Salmon Bay - great swimming spot, on the south of the island.
- Little Salmon Bay - sheltered bay, ideal for snorkelling.
- Ricey Beach - a long stretch of soft white sand.
Surfing at West End
However, Rottnest isn't only about tranquil little coves. Off the western coast of the island the calm peaceful sea gives way to crashing waves and rough, rugged coastline. This area makes for a wonderful contrast if you spend a day cycling around the island, and offers outstanding conditions for surfers.
- West End and Strickland Bay are renowned as two of the best surfing locations on Rottnest Island.
- Strickland Bay has been ranked in the Top 50 Breaks in the world.
Quokkas
The island got its name, meaning 'Rat's Nest', following the discovery by explorers of its most famous inhabitant, the Quokka. These loveable little creatures are in fact small marsupials, unique to Rottnest Island, and can be frequently spotted all over the island, especially around dusk. As with larger marsupials such as kangaroos and wallabies, female Quokkas carry their young in a pouch.
Getting There
Rottnest Island is situated 19km off the coast from Fremantle. Regular ferries go to the island, and take 25 minutes from Fremantle, or 90 minutes from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. It is also possible to take your own boat to Rottnest.
- Several companies, including Oceanic Cruises and Rottnest Express offer trips to Rottnest combined with bike hire, accommodation, and other excursions on and around the island.
Where to Stay
Rottnest is an ideal destination for a day trip, a weekend break, or a much longer stay and caters for all types of budget. The renowned Quokka Arms Hotel is a popular choice and there is a former army barracks, converted into a youth hostel, that offers simple, good value accommodation including self catering kitchens.
Quokka on Rottnest Island
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Salmon Bay
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