While Rottnest Island is one of Australia’s smallest inhabited islands -- it’s 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres at its widest point -- there’s still much to know and discover.
Known to the Aboriginal people as Wadjemup, which is thought to mean "place across the water," Rottnest Island has had a varied history, including the time the Dutch explorers named it "rat’s nest."
The island’s architecture dates back to the 1880s and offers glimpses into Australia’s colonial past.
Historical sites
Rottnest Island has variously been a prison for Aboriginal men, an internment camp during World War I, a military installation in World War II.
The summer residence of West Australian governors was located on the island from 1864 to 1912. This is now the Rottnest Hotel in the Thomson Bay settlement.
Historical sites include the Oliver Hill guns and tunnels, the Kingstown Barracks’ Bickley Battery, the Salt Store (now an art gallery) and one of Australia’s oldest intact streetscapes, Vincent Way.
On two wheels
A most popular way of exploring the island is by bicycle.
You can hire a bike at Rottnest Bike Hire across Bedford Avenue from the Rottnest Hotel.
If you are leaving the settlement and are traveling on your own, take water with you.
Bus tours
There are various bus tours available, from a two-hour Rottnest Island tour to sunset and supper tours to the West End.
The Bayseeker Bus travels around the island.
On foot
You can go on walking tours on your own, if you wish.
If you prefer a guided tour, check at the visitor centre for what’s available.
There’s a free historical guided tour run by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides starting outside the visitor centre in the late morning and early afternoon.
Scenic flights
There are scenic flights departing from the Rottnest Airport for a bird’s-eye view of the island’s terrain and attractions.
There are flights to and from Perth as well.
Next page > Additional Information > Page 1, 2, 3, 4
