is it worth it?

Yes, and it’s an easy day trip from Perth! Rottnest Island was beautiful and easiest to explore by bicycle since cars were prohibited. Bathurst Lighthouse, Pinky Beach, and The Basin were the most picturesque areas (in our opinion).

The quokkas were a bit challenging to find at first, but we quickly learned they hide in shady areas. Patiently waiting by our bicycles, after a few minutes most quokkas came out to say hello. We saw mothers with babies squirming in their pouches and feeding their joeys. It was easy to forget quokkas were wild animals with their adorable, little smiling faces. It was disappointing to see the amount of visitors feeding or trying to pet quokkas. We maintained a safe distance to prevent frightening them and unfortunately left without any selfies. You can help conserve the island and the quokkas through the Rottnest Foundation.

how to get there?

We boarded the 30 minute Rottnest Express from Fremantle (B Shed). Ferries were also available from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty) and Fremantle (Northport). We purchased tickets online in advance and included a bicycle rental with our ferry ticket. Our bicycles, helmets, and locks were waiting for us at the jetty when we arrived. It couldn’t have an been an easier process.

Maps were posted throughout the island, but it was relatively small (2.8 miles wide and 6.8 miles long). We spent most of our time between Kingstown Barracks, The Settlement, and Geordie Bay. When our legs were tired from exploring, we used the Visitor Center‘s free phones to call Rottnest Express and change our return ferry time back to Perth.

Did you visit Rottnest Island, was it worth it?

---

September 2023