Rottnest Island Backpacker & Camping Guide

Camping on Rottnest Island is a fantastic way to get to know this hidden gem, especially if you’re a backpacker or trying to stick to a budget.

If you’re still wondering whether a trip to Rottnest Island is worth the money, then this complete guide will help you decide. It will tell you all the important things you need to know in order to make your day there perfect.

While it’s not a cheap trip, I definitely think going to Rottnest is worth it. Whether you’re planning on visiting Perth anyway or are coming just to see the little island, it’s a great place to spend the day.

Or I’ve you’ve got a bit more time, why not stay on Rottnest Island for a few nights and go on a fun camping or glamping adventure?

Too expensive? That doesn’t have to be necessarily true. Camping sites on Rottnest Island are actually quite affordable if you know a few tips and come with the right equipment. 

Once you’ve seen the island, you should discover more of Western Australia and drive south on an epic road trip from Perth to Albany.

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Why Rottnest Island is perfect for a camping adventure

So why is Rottnest special?

Firstly, you can find some of the West Coast’s best beaches here, and the picturesque landscapes will make you feel as if you’re a thousand miles away from Perth’s busy streets. It’s the perfect way to escape the city for a day and enjoy the incredible nature the area has to offer.

Of course, what makes Rottnest so popular are the quokkas, small marsupials that are so used to human presence that they’ll let you get up close and take the perfect photo. They live all over the island, and riding around trying to spot them is so much fun.

Camping on Rottnest Island is an incredible experience. Most tourists come only for a day trip, but if you get the chance to stay overnight, you’ll get to see unpolluted night skies and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Aside from crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and friendly quokkas, the main reason why I enjoy going to Rottnest so much is the fact that there is next to no motorised traffic.

You’ll find busses and some smaller trucks taking tourists around the island, however, the most popular method of getting around Rottnest is by bike. This means you’ll get to enjoy nature largely undisturbed by cars and can take your time cycling around. 

It really is a version of paradise.

Is Rottnest Island good for backpackers?

As a backpacker, you might be looking for cheap activities, and Rottnest Island may not seem like a realistic choice. However, you might not need as much money for a day trip as you think, and your only big expense will be the ferry ticket. A trip to Rottnest is definitely worth it.

You can also avoid the expensive hotels on Rottnest Island by camping there for a night or two instead, which is something a lot of backpackers do when visiting the area and one of the best budget tips.

While Rottnest Island isn’t a typical backpacker destination, it’s definitely possible to come here on a budget. Since it’s such a popular place to visit, you can even explore the island as a solo traveller and meet plenty of peoplle along the way.

History and facts about Rottnest

Rottnest Island is located around 17 kilometres off the coast of Perth on Australia’s West Coast. It has an area of around 19 km2 and a small permanent population of just over 300 people.

The island is known as Wadjemup to the local Noongar people. Evidence of human life can be dated back as far as 30,000 years, although Rottnest only separated from the mainland around 7,000 years ago.

The island was first “discovered” by Dutch ships in the 17th century. They named it “Rat’s Nest” Island because of the quokkas, which they mistook for rodents. Over time the name Rottnest Island developed from this misunderstanding.

Since British settlers found their way to the Swan Valley, the island has been used as a prison, for military purposes and as an internment camp. You can still visit many of the colonial buildings.

During its early times as a prison, the island only housed six inmates, all of which famously escaped at the same time. Find out more about Rottnest’s history here or join some of the educational walking tours when you’re on the island.

In April of 2020, the island was being used as a COVID-19 quarantine location for incoming cruise ship passengers.

How to get to Rottnest Island

Organising your transport will be the most important part of your trip to Rottnest Island.

Ferries

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Rottnest Island is, of course, by ferry. There are numerous operators taking tourists to the island and back to the mainland every day.

The most popular ferry services are Sealink, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and Rottnest Express. They offer similar routes and departure times, and their pricing is nearly identical. I have not experienced any notable difference between the operators, so it is not very important which one you choose.

Rottnest Island ferry prices

A return ticket to Rottnest Island tends to cost around $60 AUD (including a $20 AUD government admission fee) if you depart from B Shed or Northport in Fremantle. It costs $100 AUD if you depart from Barack Street in Perth and $90 AUD from Hillarys Boat Harbour in northern Perth.

You can also add optional extras such as bikes, snorkelling equipment or book tours directly through the ferry provider. I’d definitely recommend this as it’s very convenient, especially for renting a bike (more on that later on).

What harbour is best to go to Rottnest?

You can choose from a few departure points to go to Rottnest Island. Fremantle is usually the easiest and cheapest.

Fremantle

If you’re new to Perth, it might be confusing to decide where to depart. Fremantle is the closest port to Rottnest which means the ferry that leaves from there will be the fastest and the cheapest.

In Fremantle, you can pick from either Northport or B-Shed, which are located right next to each other but on opposite sides of an estuary. From both of these ports, the ride to Rottnest will take around 30 minutes.

I would recommend picking B-Shed as it has the most ferry services every day. Northport will not have as many ferries departing and arriving, and it’ll be more difficult to get home as there isn’t a lot of public transport close by. Usually, the Northport ferries end up going to B-Shed first before they go to Rottnest.

B-Shed has plenty of parking available if you’re arriving by car and is within walking distance of Fremantle central station with a great selection of public transport.

Perth

The Barrack Street ferry will take much longer to reach Rottnest (up to two hours) because it tends to stop in Fremantle on the way. The service is also more expensive and operates less frequently.

I would recommend picking Fremantle if you are able to get there easily. You’ll get to spend more time on Rottnest and save some money on your tickets.

If you are staying in Perth city centre, you should compare the time it would take you to take a train to Fremantle (which stops very close to B-Shed) and the time it takes to take the ferry from Barrack Street.

You can also pick two different ports for your return ticket if that is more convenient for you.

Read our complete guide to public transport and how to get around in Perth here.

Hillarys

If you’re staying in northern Perth, you can also take the Rottnest Fast Ferries service from Hillarys Harbour to Rottnest. The ride takes around 45 minutes and is more expensive than Fremantle but cheaper than from Perth Harbour. The good part is that parking is free so it’s perfect if you’re arriving by car.

Booking ferry tickets to Rottnest Island

You should book your ferry tickets online with Rottnest Express, Sealink, or Rottnest Fast Ferries in advance. Popular ferry times do sell out, so it’s good to book a few days before you intend to go, especially if you’re planning on going on a weekend. Sometimes there is even a discount if you book a few weeks or months in advance.

You can also buy tickets on arrival, however, it’s safer to buy them online.

Seasickness on Rottnest Island Ferries

The “ferries” operators like Sealink and Rottnest Express use tend to be large speed boats or catamarans with capacities for hundreds of passengers.

If the weather is good, the ride will be fairly smooth. If you’re departing from Fremantle, you’ll only be on the boat for around 30 minutes which is very manageable.

However, if it’s windy or the sea is rough, the ride can get fairly bumpy. If you’re prone to seasickness, prepare by taking some medication or try to choose a day with good weather.

I would not recommend departing from Perth if you tend to get seasick. The ride is much longer, and you’ll stop multiple times, which usually makes it worse.

My tip is to wait until the very last minute to get on the boat. The staff is always very nice, and you can let them know that you’d like to board last. Don’t miss the boat, though!

Getting to Rottnest by air

If you’re not restricted to a budget, you can also opt to take a private plane, helicopter or “air taxi” to the island. Their return flight prices start at around $120 AUD per person for a larger group. Seaplane tours are also highly recommended and will take your Rottnest Island trip to the next level.

How much is a Rottnest Island day trip for a backpacker?

Of course, the total cost of your day trip will depend on what you do and what your priorities are. I would say if you’re on a really tight budget, you could manage to do Rottnest for around $100 AUD per person.

That includes the $60 AUD ferry ticket, $30 AUD for bike hire and $10 AUD for public transport to and from Fremantle.

This calculation is realistic, however, it assumes you bring a picnic lunch and not doing any activities except for bike riding and swimming on Rottnest.

While $100 AUD doesn’t fit into every backpacker budget, it’s a great price for exploring Rottnest Island.

When to go to Rottnest Island

As with most tourist attractions, it’s, of course, best to go early in the morning. Depending on the season, there are usually ferries departing at 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM or 9:30 AM.

I have found that the 9:30 AM ferry is a good choice as you’ll be able to sleep a bit longer, and you can start your day in Rottnest at 10:00 AM, which is still reasonably early.

The island is usually not incredibly overcrowded, and you’ll still find some quiet spots and empty beaches even during the day.

Of course, even better if you manage to make the 8:30 AM ferry!

Secret Rottnest Island ferry hack

Choosing which ferry to book for the way back may seem like an impossible task, and it can be hard to estimate when you’ll be wanting to go home.

My advice is to choose a later ferry at around 5:00 PM.

What most people do not know is that the ferry times are actually fairly arbitrary. Every boat has a “standby line” for passengers who have tickets with the same operator at a different time. If there are empty seats left on the boat they will let you on.

Note that this only works if you have a ticket with the same operator. Sealink will not take you if you have a Rottnest Express ticket and vice versa.

So if you booked your ferry for 5:00 PM but are feeling tired by 3:30 PM, you can simply hop on the next boat and be on your way home if you’re lucky.

This doesn’t always work, of course, but usually, 80% of the time, they’ll be empty seats. These are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so it’s good to start lining up about 25 minutes before the boat departs so you’ll be guaranteed to get a spot.

In my experience, you’ll start feeling tired from biking in the hot sun all day at around 4:00 PM, so keep that in mind when you plan your day.

What’s the best weather for going to Rottnest?

It’s best to visit Rottnest Island in summer (November-March roughly) if you’re wanting to go snorkelling or swimming. You’ll also be more likely to catch a sunny day during these months but don’t forget about the heat.

Rottnest Island has little shade, and you’ll be exposed to the sun for most of the day, so be prepared to sweat a lot during summer.

You might be more comfortable going during the shoulder season (October or April) when you’ll get cooler temperatures (around 20 degrees) but still have lots of sunny days. Just keep in mind that the water temperature will be getting colder, and it won’t be ideal for swimming.

If you’re planning on camping on Rottnest Island, winter may not be the best time to visit since the weather can be a bit rough. Just make sure to bring warmer clothes and weather-proof gear if you are going to be camping on Rottnest Island between May and September.

During winter, you’ll have to deal with a lot of rain and colder temperatures, however, it’s still possible to enjoy Rottnest’s beauty. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast and pick a sunny day if possible. Be aware that the seas are likely to be rougher, so the boat ride might get a bit bumpy.

Even though the weather might not be ideal, you’ll be able to enjoy the island without the tourist crowds, which is definitely a plus. If you’re planning on staying overnight, the hotels will also be much cheaper during this time.

What to bring on a day trip to Rottnest Island

Try to pack light since you’ll be carrying everything around with you all day. If that’s not possible, you can always rent a bike with a cargo trailer for $16 AUD more than a regular bike.

Packing list for Rottnest

• Sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle (refill stations available all over the island)
• Camera
• Sunglasses & Hat
• Swimsuit and towel (if you’re planning on going for a swim)
• Small snack

Optional things to bring to Rottnest

• Picnic lunch (if you’re on a budget)
• Cooler with beers (if you’re up for carrying it)
• Bluetooth speaker (for some music while you bike)
• Selfie stick (for quokka selfies)
• Snorkelling equipment (if you have your own)

What’s better: a day trip to Rottnest or an overnight stay?

Most backpackers choose to do a day trip to Rottnest Island to save some time and money. In my opinion, that is definitely enough to see a good amount of the island and not feel as though you’re missing out.

However, there is the option to stay overnight at one of the many hotels or campsites, and it really gives you time to explore.

Rottnest is too large for you to see everything in just one day. The Western end of the island is usually neglected by day trip tourists since it’s quite far away from the port.

If you’re not short on time or money, I’d highly recommend staying on Rottnest for two to three days so you can really enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery.

If you’re travelling on a budget, you should look into the campsites available on the island. They’re decently affordable, especially if you’re travelling in a larger group. Camping on Rottnest Island is the perfect way to find budget accommodation and get to enjoy the island without spending a lot of money. It will really upgrade your experience and make your time there a lot more enjoyable.

Camping on Rottnest Island

Camping is by far the cheapest way to stay on Rottnest Island, however, you do need to bring all your own equipment. This might not be possible for everyone, but if you have your own tent and camping chairs, then definitely give it a try!

The cheapest campsites cost just $40 AUD per night and have space for up to six people in a maximum of two tents. You’ll get access to a basic kitchen, BBQ grills and bathroom and shower facilities.

There is even complimentary luggage delivery from the port. The official Rottnest Island website has all the information you need.

Going camping in Australia? Check out our complete wild camping guide here, and don’t forget about our guides to free camping sites on the East Coast of Australia and Tasmania.

Glamping on Rottnest Island

If you’re looking for more comfort than a traditional campground, you should try glamping on Rottnest Island. Discovery Parks has a relatively new campsite close to the official Rottnest Island Campground, which has modern glamping tents that even come with their own bathrooms. Prices start at around $270 AUD for a basic tent and go up all the way to $700 AUD for more luxurious options.

The glamping site even has its own pool and a renowned restaurant so you can enjoy your holiday on Rottnest Island in style.

Hotels and hostels on Rottnest Island

Rottnest has plenty of options for accommodation with various price ranges, although most aren’t very budget-friendly. You can pay up to $400 AUD per night for your own little bungalow right by the beach or go for a bunk bed in a six-bed hostel dorm for around $60 AUD (prices depend highly on the season).

There are also many mid-price options to choose from, but camping on Rottnest Island remains the most budget-friendly option and is perfect for backpackers since there isn’t a real budget-friendly hostel available.

Samphire Rottnest is one of the best hotels on Rottnest Island and our top recommendation if you’re looking for luxury without paying a fortune. Rooms start at $300 AUD per night, which is a great deal for such a modern beachfront venue.

Facilities on Rottnest Island

The island might be larger than you think, and there are actually a lot of facilities and attractions you might not be aware of.

The Settlement

If you’re coming to Rottnest by boat, you’ll arrive at Thompson Bay which is where the main port and “The Settlement” are located. This is where most of the permanent population of the island live.

You’ll find the visitors centre, bike rentals, as well as a small general store/liquor store/supermarket here. This is where most of the small restaurants (only a handful) and cafes are located, as well as souvenir shops and even a Subway and Dome Cafe.

If you’re camping on Rottnest Island, you can do your shopping here and get supplies as well as groceries. Just be aware that you’ll have to carry everything back to your campsite, which is located a ten to 15-minute walk away from the Settlement.

Close by, you’ll find a large golf course, a mini-golf course, multiple hotels and campsites and a few sightseeing points like a small art gallery and the old Rottnest Island chapel.

Bus, as well as train tours, leave from the Settlement.

Amenities around Rottnest Island

While most of the island is uninhabited, you’ll still find lots of convenient facilities such as bathrooms and water stations available.

Rottnest has two large lighthouses, both of which you can visit and offer amazing views. I especially recommend Wadjemup Lighthouse, where you can sit and have some ice cream or a cold drink while you enjoy a well-deserved break.

Our tip: Pick up an island map at the visitor’s centre so you can get around easily.

Activities on Rottnest Island

There are plenty of activities to do during your time on Rottnest Island. If you don’t feel like renting a bike, you can also go on a guided Segway tour or a walking tour to see the island.

There are also boat tours, helicopter flights, skydiving and, of course, the popular bus and train tours.

If you’re looking for activities to do, why not rent a stand-up paddle, kayak or water roller at Thompson Bay? Rottnest also has a small cinema and a museum, as well as dozens of stunning beaches with great snorkelling opportunities.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a skydive over Rottnest Island is a must-do, and it’s not even as expensive as you might think.

How to get around Rottnest Island

Since there are no cars available for rent on the island, you will either have to walk (which will take far too long), rent a bike or take the bus to get around.

Renting bikes on Rottnest Island

You can bring your own bike on the ferry if you have one. It will cost you $15 AUD to take it.

Renting one costs $30 AUD for a normal bike and $46 AUD for one with a cargo trailer. It’s most convenient to rent your bike from the ferry operator as you won’t have to think about when to return it and where to pick it up.

The bikes come with you on the ferry. Make sure to get off the boat early so you don’t have to wait in line for a long time.

Each bike comes with a helmet that you should wear as much as possible. Most of Rottnest’s roads are paved, and if you fall, you’ll regret not having a helmet on.

Rottnest Island Explorer Bus

The Island Explorer Bus is a great way to see Rottnest if you’re not up for biking. The bus stops all around the island, and you can hop on and off at any time. A ticket costs just $20 AUD, which is reasonable, in my opinion.

The Island Explorer Bus is free from Geordie Bay to the main bus stop in the settlement.

Tickets are available at the main bus stop, the visitor centre or online. Pre-booking may be smart, so you don’t have to wait in line to get your tickets.

Buses run every 15 minutes from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM from the main bus station. A round trip around the island takes around one hour. The last bus leaves at 4:30 PM.

The Settlement shuttle bus

The Settlement Shuttle Bus is a smaller service that runs between the main bus stop, Geordie Bay, the Airport and Kingstown. Day tickets cost only $3 AUD. This bus is a great way to quickly get to a few key places if your legs are tired or you don’t have a bike.

Should you take the bus or rent a bike on Rottnest?

I would highly recommend renting a bike if you are physically able to. You will just have a lot more freedom and get to see parts of the island you otherwise wouldn’t.

It’s also just fun to ride a bike and be able to stop anywhere you want to.

However, if you are not feeling up for a whole day of biking, the bus is a great option to make your time on Rottnest a bit more relaxed. You’ll get to see the island from an air-conditioned bus and can get off at all the hotspots.

How easy is it to bike Rottnest Island?

You might still be on the fence about renting a bike, but it’s really the best way to see the island. Almost all the roads on Rottnest are paved and fairly easy to navigate on a bike.

However, there are parts of the island that have a lot of hills which means you’ll be going up and down a lot. Make sure to gain enough speed downhill so you won’t struggle on the way up again.

Quokkas

Rottnest Island is undoubtedly most famous for its quokkas. These small marsupials look like a mixture of a kangaroo and a rat and are very friendly towards humans.

Around 10,000-12,000 quokkas live on Rottnest Island, which is the largest population of them in the world. There are some smaller populations on mainland Australia, however, they are only estimated to be around 4,000 in total.

Quokkas look like they are permanently smiling, which is why they are so popular for selfies. Don’t get too close, though and never touch a quokka. They might be used to humans, but they are still wild animals that can, of course, bite.

Feeding or touching them is also very harmful to the little animals, and you should respect their personal space. Getting up close for a photo is fine if you’re careful not to disturb them too much.

Again, never feed a quokka or give them water. They are living a very comfortable life on Rottnest Island with few natural predators and plenty of food sources. Human food will only harm them and teach them to be reliant on humans.

Our tip: Are you all about protecting the environment? Did you know it can be incredibly harmful (and in some cases even illegal) to take sand or shells home with you from the beach in Australia? Make sure to check out our complete guide on ethical shell and sand collecting here.

Where can you see quokkas on Rottnest Island?

If you’re trying to find quokkas but just can’t seem to spot any, then check out our complete guide, which will tell you all about how to take the perfect quokka picture and my top six favourite places to find the little marsupials on Rottnest.

Best places to see on Rottnest Island

Now that you know almost everything you need to start planning your trip to Rottnest Island, here are some of my favourite places on the island to inspire you.

Parker Point

This beautiful lookout point has a very photogenic staircase, and the beach below is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The Basin

The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest Island and can get a little bit crowded. It’s worth it, though.

Digby Drive on Herschel Lake

This narrow road that leads right through a lake is the perfect spot for taking photos and seeing a different side of Rottnest Island.

Pearse Lakes

While there’s not much left of the lakes in this photo, they’re usually a pinkish colour and quite a sight to see.

WADJEMUP LIGHTHOUSE

Wadjemup Lighthouse is one of Rottnest’s major lighthouses and provides fantastic views and a great spot for a picnic lunch.

Salmon Bay

This world-famous beach is known for its impressive waves and crystal-clear waters.

Longreach Bay

Located right next to the Basin, this is a quieter beach where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.

Rottnest Island Camping & Backpacker FAQ

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