Rottnest Island Bays & Beaches Walk
Explore Rottnest Island's 63 beaches and 20 bays — the island's extraordinary coastal variety ranges from exposed west coast surf to calm turquoise lagoons on the north coast, all within cycling distance of the ferry terminal.
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Little Parakeet Bay
Little Parakeet Bay is the most sheltered swimming beach on Rottnest's north coast — the clear turquoise water in the enclosed bay with its white sand bottom is the closest the island comes to the tropical lagoon aesthetic despite being in temperate WA waters.
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Ricey Beach
Ricey Beach on the north coast is one of Rottnest's quieter beaches — the beach requires a short walk from the road and consequently sees fewer visitors than the main bays, rewarding those who make the effort with uncrowded sand and good snorkelling.
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Longreach Bay
Longreach Bay on the island's eastern coast is the most sheltered bay in prevailing southerly weather — the bay's calm water and the mooring buoys for yachts make this the gathering point for the sailing community that uses Rottnest as a weekend anchorage.
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Porpoise Bay
Porpoise Bay on the south coast has a small beach protected by limestone reef — the bay's position on the south coast means it catches more swell than the northern bays, creating a more dynamic swimming and snorkelling experience.
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Marjorie Bay
Marjorie Bay is one of the smaller bays accessible only on foot or by bike from the main circuit — the small sandy beach between limestone headlands is a peaceful alternative to the busier northern bays on crowded summer weekends.
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Rottnest Island Ferry Arrival
The ferry from Fremantle or Perth arrives at Thomson Bay after 25-90 minutes depending on departure point — the arrival at Rottnest, with the quokkas visible from the jetty and the clear water surrounding the ferry, sets the tone for a visit unlike anywhere else near Perth.