Rottnest island

WADJEMUP

MAGICAL ROTTNEST ISLAND.

Rottnest Island is known to local Aboriginal people as Wadjemup or ‘Place across the water’, though is commonly referred to nowadays as simply “Rotto”. The island lies about 18km off the coast of Perth, taking around 30 minutes by ferry or fast boat, or 90 minutes by catamaran.

Rottnest Island is a popular playground for Perth families, tourists, the boating community, surfers, divers, marine biologists and holiday-makers. It is protected marine park, governed by the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA), who work hard to ensure the safe and continued preservation of the island for many generations to come.

Natural attractions include spectacular limestone cliff beaches, turquoise bays, squeaky white sand, amazing wildlife and an abundance of marine life. Notably, the ‘Quokka’ recently landed Rottnest and Western Australia on the global map thanks to Roger Federer and his famous ‘Quokka selfie’, which he posted in Dec 2017. It’s a craze that has continued to grow with literally thousands of Instagram posts now quoting the famous #quokkaselfie hashtag!

Read on below to find answers to common questions about Rottnest Island.

our rottnest tours

Please note: Some tours depart direct from Rottnest Island. Same day ferries operate frequently from Fremantle (quickest), Perth CBD & Hillarys

rottnest
Snorkel & Sail

$185 per adult

Experience the best side of Rottnest Island by Luxury Sailing Catamaran. Sail through stunningly beautiful bays then dive in to a snorkeler’s paradise, under the safe and watchful support of our marine guides. Small group experience. Skip the crowded beaches and book today!
Departs from Rottnest Island

3 Hours
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rottnest ISLAND
sunset sail

$119 per adult

By far the best way to end your day on Rottnest Island, cruising along under sail to the sounds of the ocean breeze and some relaxed tunes. Receive complimentary antipasto/nibbles and a glass of bubbles. BYO welcome. Duration: 1.5hrs. Private options also available.
Departs from Rottnest Island

90 Minutes
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full day sail to rottnest ISLAND

$295 per adult

Step aboard this full day adventure into the waters of Rottnest Island, approx. 20km from Fremantle. The ultimate blue water sailing adventure with snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and more. Two stops, morning tea and lunch included. Best for ages 8+. Departs 8am and returns by 4pm.
Departs from Fremantle

8 Hours
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Rottnest Island Lighthouse Stairs with Charter 1 Boat Tours

ROTTNEST ISLAND HISTORY.

It was first known as an island of spirits by the Noongar people who viewed it from the mainland. Artefacts dated at over 20,000 years old have been exposed on the island indicating Aboriginal occupation prior to the island’s separation from the mainland.

The most recent sea level rises between 10,000-6,500 years ago led to the island being separated from the mainland. During this time the local Aboriginal people whom were not sea-faring did not traditionally inhabit the island.

The island took on a new and tragic meaning for Aboriginal Australians from the mid-19th century to the 1930s when the island was used as a prison for around 4000 aboriginal men from all over Western Australia. It is estimated that around 10% of these prisoners remain buried on the island and of those that survived, most never made it home. Researchers estimate that every West Australian Aboriginal person alive today has an ancestor that was imprisoned on Rottnest Island.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our most common questions about Rottnest Island. Don’t see your question? Get in Touch via the link below

Get in touch

Rottnest Island is predominantly a nation park with minimal inhabitation. A small village containing a few cafes, a bakery, general store, pub and a bike/snorkel hire shop. There are lots of walking and cycle tracks and villa style accommodation as well as ablution blocks for the large number of boaties who like to anchor in many of Rottnest’s bays. There are no cars on Rottnest Island, only service vehicles.

If you’re short on time or just want to get there quickly, fast ferries are your best option. These large high powered vessels can motor across the 20km open water crossing in around 30-35 minutes from Fremantle (book SeaLink or Rottnest Express), or 40-45 minutes from Hillarys (book Rottnest Fast Ferries). Perth CBD transfers are also available. Perth CBD transfers add 60 minutes to the journey time each way, but can be a great way to also take in the sights of the beautiful Swan River too. For an even quicker journey and something different, aerial options are available with Rottnest Air Taxi or Corsair, offering a birds eye view of the island.

Charter 1 does not operate island transfers per se, our focus is “experiences” which can include a transfer but so much more. We frequently operate private charters from Fremantle to Rottnest for the day. A full day is required for this. Our Full Day Sail to Rottnest Island provides a ticketed option for smaller groups looking for this full day sailing experience (including snorkeling and all meals for the day). For those not keen on the crossing but keen to come aboard for a half day and explore bays with us, check out our Snorkel & Sail (3hr tour direct from the island) paired with a fast ferry transfer.

Approximately 19km2 in area. A walking/riding trail (we suggest riding) goes around the island which is approx 22km long however there is also a shorter loop option (approx. 17km). Allow 2-4 hours to circumnavigate the island by bicycle depending on your speed. It’s very hilly, so you’ll need glute power, especially if it’s a windy day. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and water as there’s not much shade and no shops once you leave the main village. Alternatively, join our Snorkel & Sail tour departing Monday to Thursday and let us take you to best bays based on the weather that day, in the comfort of a luxury sailing catamaran. Take in the sights as you kick back and relax, and be guided through coral reefs by our expert guides. We’ll drop you back in time for a few beers at the pub before your ferry back. No pedal power required.

About 30-45 minutes by ferry or fast boat, or a 90 minute sail by catamaran

That depends on what you want to do! We suggest at least a full day is needed to fully appreciate what the island has to offer, have a bit of a snorkel or a bike ride, and grab your ‘Quokka selfie’. However that would really only be scratching the surface. 5-7 days is a better amount of time which would allow you time to explore and experience all that the island has to offer both on land and in the water. There are so many beautiful bays and beaches worth visiting. These are often best accessed by boat but can be accessed via foot also.

Yes! Rottnest Island has variety of self-contained and resort-options to suit everyone. Rottnest is a very popular place for locals to visit, being so close to Perth, but offering an escape that feels 10,000 miles away. For summer and school holiday periods you’ll need to be very organised and book well in advance (6-12 months prior). However last minute openings especially outside of school holiday periods are frequently available. Stay Rottnest offers self-contained cabins, camping and dorm options at various locations around the island. This is managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. Managed resorts include Discovery Rottnest (Glamping), The Lodge and Samphire Rottnest.

There is a walking/cycling track that goes right around the island. There is also a bus shuttle that connects accommodation further from the main village to the town square. Sightseeing bus trips and hop-on-hop off services are also available via Quokka Coaches. These travel right around the islands 22km loop. Allow plenty of time as popular stops can be busy during peak months.

Absolutely! Capella can practically sail herself there she’s been coming for that long! We know the island and it’s bays like nobody else and enjoy taking people out here to see and experience what we think are some of the best things to do on the island (hint: they aren’t on the island but in the water!). Day Tours, Twilight Sails, School Snorkel Excursions, Private Charters, Wedding and Corporate Events – we are flexible and can cater to your needs.

Sorry, Capella is not available for bareboat hire.

Rottnest Island is a Marine Park managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. Much like other marine parks (Ningaloo, Monkey Mia etc.) there are entry fees for visiting the island which includes the waters around Rottnest Island. These are reviewed annually by RIA. As at Nov 2021, this was $12.50pp (water based) and $21pp (if disembarking). Charter 1 on-charges these fees to private charter guests as the total amount depends on the number of guests you have with you. Our Full Day Sail to Rottnest Island includes RIA fees and all meals, so there are no hidden extras.

According to Wikipedia, the quokka population is 8,000 – 12,000. Snakes are the quokka’s only predator on the island.