11 Free Things To Do On Rottnest Island + Hacks For A Low-Cost Visit
Rottnest Island (also known as Wadjemup and Rotto) is one of the most famous destinations in Western Australia and it’s just a short ferry ride from Perth.
We’ve been there twice and absolutely love it! However, the island is also famous for being expensive…
The food is very pricey, not to mention you’ll have to pay for the ferry ticket and can’t bring your car, so you’ll have to either move by bus or bike.
Thankfully, the most iconic things to do are free – think quokka selfies, swimming/snorkelling the beautiful beaches, or just explore Rottnest Island.
There are even free tours! We’ll tell you all about them further down. Plus, you can bring your food and drinks to save some money.
If you want to stay overnight, there are a few low-cost options to choose from. There are also a few tips you can use to save cash on transportation.
That’s what this guide is for – to help you plan a mindblowing trip to Rotto while not breaking the bank! Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
11 Free things to do in Rotto
We recognise the traditional owners of Wadjemup, the Noongar.
1) Take a quokka selfie
A quokka selfie is a rite of passage when visiting Rottnest Island.
Be patient and let them come to you. Most of them are curious, so just squat down and wait for the perfect shot!
Just remember – no touching. Quokkas might be friendly, but they are wild animals after all.
2) Free walking tours
Rotto has some epic free guided walking tours run by volunteers! You’ll spot them easily, they’re in yellow shirts.
You can pick from wildlife, heritage, or environment tours, lasting between 30-45 minutes each. No online bookings, though.
Once you arrive on the island, go straight to the volunteer booth to check the schedule and save your spot!
Here’s a list of all the free tours available.
3) Swim at The Basin
The Basin is one of Rotto’s most famous beaches!
The natural rock formations create a sheltered swimming area and the clear waters make it a prime spot for snorkelling.
The water is shallow and calm too – perfect for kids and those who aren’t strong swimmers.
It’s quite popular so it can be crowded, so try to head there early.
4) Visit Parakeet Bay
Parakeet Bay is another gem on Rottnest Island and our personal favourite! Plus, it’s a bit less crowded than The Basin.
The bay is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and just chilling on the sand. There are heaps of local marine life here, so bring your equipment! You can rent it in town as well, but it’s a bit expensive (~$20 per adult, for 1 day).
5) Do the snorkel trail at Little Salmon Bay
This snorkel trail is an absolute must. It’s free and self-guided, marked by buoys to guide you through the stunning coral reef, along with dozens of tropical fish.
The trail is beginner-friendly, but even seasoned snorkelers will find plenty to love! It’s in Little Salmon Bay. Allow for 1 hour to do the trail.
6) Bike the Wadjemup Bidi trail
This is a network of 5 trails that covers over 45km, taking you all the way around the island’s most scenic spots.
The trails range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for every rider. You’ll see everything from stunning beaches to historical sites.
It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground and see Rotto at your own pace, just make sure to bring lots of water! You can pick up the map in the visitor centre or download the maps for each trail here.
You can bring your own bike or hire one on the island, more on that further down.
Or you can do a Wadjemup Bidi bike tour! This one is perfect.
It’s a 4-hour tour (perfect duration to do the whole trail and explore), with a knowledgeable tour guide. It includes an electric bike, plus you’ll have free cancellation and can reserve now and pay later if you book through this link.
7) Hike the Gabbi Karniny Bidi to see the pink lake
The Gabbi Karniny Bidi is an underrated trail, part of the Wadjemup Bidi.
This is a 9.7km hiking trail that showcases the salt lakes of the island, including a mindblowing pink lake. It’s a great way to see the beauty of Rotto and it’s totally free!
It takes around 3-4 hours to complete, so pack at least 2 litres of water per person (more in summer) and some snacks.
8) Watch the sunset at one of the lighthouses
If you’re staying overnight, definitely watch the sunset at one of Rotto’s lighthouses.
Bathurst Lighthouse is a popular spot and the closest one to the main settlement.
Another option is Wadjemup Lighthouse. It’s the highest point on the island and it’s a 30-minute bike ride from the settlement.
9) See the fur seal colony
Head to the far western end of Rotto to see the fur seal colony!
They love basking on the rocks at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. There are viewing platforms where you can watch them play and lounge in the sun. They’re usually close enough to see with the naked eye.
10) Explore the Wadjemup Museum
Here’s where you go to learn all about the history of the island. Entry is by donation – it’s not technically free, but it can be as cheap as you want it to be.
We 100% recommend going, even if you’re not a history buff, as it covers everything from Aboriginal heritage to the island’s role in World War II.
The island wasn’t always the tourist attraction it is today. It used to be a prison for Aboriginal people in the late 1800s, later turning into a forced labour camp.
The museum is an attempt to both confront this painful past and take a step in the journey towards reconciliation.
11) Go surfing
Surfing in Wadjemup is free, with several spots for surfers of all levels! You’ll just need to pay a fee of $15-$20 if you bring your board on the ferry. You can’t rent a surfboard on the island.
The surf conditions can vary, so check the forecast and talk to locals for the best advice. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Other things to do in Rottnest Island
While most Rottnest Island experiences are free, some have a small admission fee. Like entering Oliver Hill Guns or doing a Wadjemup lighthouse tour.
And of course, there are several epic tours! For snorkelling, hiking, and more. Regardless of what tour you choose to do, it will definitely enhance your visit.
Here are the tours in Wadjemup that we recommend doing. However, if we had to pick one, it would be skydiving.
We did this exact skydiving tour a while ago to celebrate Chrisso’s birthday and was life-changing! Can’t recommend these guys enough.
When is the cheapest time to visit Rottnest Island?
Winter (June-August) is the cheapest time to visit Wadjemup. Fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodation and ferry tickets.
The weather is mild, making it a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Plus, the island is quieter, giving you more space to enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds.
It can be a bit rainy, though, but not as Perth.
The best time to visit is summer, hands down. Although it’s the most crowded!
Low-cost ways to move around the island
You can’t bring your car to the island, but there are a few ways to get around. Besides walking, you can either hop on the Island Explorer bus or ride a bike.
The Island Explorer bus
Also known as the “Quokka coaches”, this bus will take you anywhere you need to go on the island.
It’s a hop-on, hop-off bus. You pay a fee for the day ($30) and can get in as many times as you want.
It’s best for those who want more comfort, are travelling with prams and/or kids, or if you don’t want to ride a bike.
But it doesn’t give you as much freedom as biking and in peak periods the bus might be full, meaning you may have to wait for the next one.
🤩 Explore Rottnest Island with a convenient round-trip ferry transfer and a guided bus tour of the island’s highlights: Rottnest Island Explorer Bus Tour
Bike around the island
This is our favourite way to move around the island! The roads are extremely well-paved and you’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace.
You can rent one on the island, which can cost anywhere between $30 to $70. It’s cheaper if you bring your own though, as you’ll only have to pay an additional fee on the ferry ($20-$25 depending on the provider).
If you’ll rent a bike, we 100% recommend an electric one! It’s pricier than a normal one, but it’s absolutely worth it.
The island is much bigger than it looks, so an electric bike can help you get around while spending less energy (and less soreness the next day!).
That said, if you want to save money, definitely book this ferry and bike package.
It’s much cheaper than paying for the ferry and the bike hire separately. The ferry departs from Fremantle and they’ll provide you with a normal bike (in excellent condition) so you can explore the island.
You can also get free cancellation up to 24 hours before AND you can reserve now and pay later if you book via this link. You won’t have these perks if you book directly with Sealink.
Low-cost accommodation in Rottnest Island
The cheapest way to stay in Wadjemup is by camping.
The campsite is right here, near Bathurst lighthouse. It has 43 non-powered sites that accommodate up to 6 people (2 tents).
Plus, there’s wheelchair access, a kitchen, and BBQs!
It costs 50-60 per night and, at the moment of writing, it’s a flat fee per site (not per person!). Check availability here, just make sure to book ahead of time – bookings open up to 8 months in advance.
Top Tips
If you’re visiting to Rotto on a budget, bring your own snacks and drinks. Food here is quite expensive, you might want to put that money towards an epic tour instead.
That said, there’s a general store in the main settlement (here) and another in Geordie Bay (here) from where you can buy food. Options might be a bit limited, but it’s less expensive than eating at a restaurant.
Also, check for deals on ferry tickets! Off-peak times and booking in advance can save you some cash.
Did you know?
The island has significant Aboriginal history and it’s known as Wadjemup to the Noongar people. This word means “place of spirits.”
It’s a sacred site, with evidence of habitation dating back over 30,000 years!
The name “Rottnest” is derived from “Rattennest,” meaning “Rat’s Nest” in Dutch. It was named as such by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh in 1696, who thought the quokkas were giant rats.
FAQs
Is Rottnest Island free?
No, access to Rottnest Island is not free. You have to pay an admission fee, which is included in the cost of the ferry ticket. However, once there, many activities and sights are free.
Can you walk around Rottnest Island in a day?
Not really, it would be a 45-kilometre walk – that’s around 10-12 hours of hiking non-stop! But you can get around by bus or bike.
The bottom line
Rottnest Island can be an epic destination for those on a budget, you just have to plan your trip a bit more carefully and bring your food and drinks.
Plus, most of the iconic things to do are free, including the beaches, wildlife-spotting, and hiking. It might be worth saving some money for tours (especially the skydiving one), we promise you won’t regret the experience!
Discover Rottnest Island by soaking in the natural beauty and having a blast without spending a fortune.
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