Explore Rottnest on foot
There are lots of beautiful walk trails on Rottnest Island and for those who prefer to travel by foot its an ideal way to explore the Island's natural beauty and rich history.
You can take off by yourself to explore at your own leisure or join The Rottnest Voluntary Guides who run lots of free guided walks in and around the settlement. Our Voluntary Guides have a wealth of knowledge and deep passion for the Island so feel free to approach them with any questions or just to have a chat!
Heritage trails on Rottnest Island
Walk one of the heritage trails on Rottnest and learn about the island's rich cultural history.
- Bickley Battery Heritage Trail - currently closed to the public until July 2013.. more details
- Rottnest Ship Wrecks Heritage Trail – Land and Water
- Vincent Way Heritage Trail
- Self Guided Historic Buildings Trail.
Walking tours of Rottnest Island
Learn about Rottnest Island's history by taking a free walking tour with the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association. Find out more about the Association by visiting the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association website.
History of the Settlement
A free one hour guided history walk around the settlement. See where gaolers and ship pilots lived and worked. Discover why Rottnest became an Aboriginal 'open prison' in 1839.
Operates daily at 2pm.
Tour departs from the Salt store. Visit the friendly Rottnest Voluntary Guides at the Salt Store for more information.
Reefs, Wrecks and Daring Sailors
Pilots were stationed on Rottnest Island between 1848 and 1903 to guide ships safely around the Island's dangerous reefs. This free walk to the Bathurst Lighthouse involves enthralling tales of the exploits of the Pilots and crew on Rottnest. The tour incorporates the pilot crew accommodation, the boathouse and replica pilot boat.
Tours depart Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 11am.
Tour departs from the Salt store. Visit the friendly Rottnest Voluntary Guides at the Salt Store for more information.
Vlamingh Lookout and Salt Lakes Walk
Learn about the remarkable agriculture, industry and exports carried out by the early inhabitants of Rottnest. Walk past the Old Colonial Buildings of the Settlement on the way to the lookout. View the natural beauty of Rottnest and the salt lakes from this vantage point.
Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 11am.
Tour departs from the Salt store. Visit the friendly Rottnest Voluntary Guides at the Salt Store for more information.
Quokka Walk
Rottnest Island's famous marsupial, the quokka, is discovered in this informative walking tour. With an educational focus, this walk leads participants to the quokka's natural habitats and imparts some interesting facts about this iconic animal.
Departs daily at 1pm.
Tour departs from the Salt store. Visit the friendly Rottnest Voluntary Guides at the Salt Store for more information.