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!
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.
Operators each Monday at 11:00am and 2:00pm from 1 April to 31 May.
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 and Saturday at 11:00am, 1 April to 31 May.
Vlaming 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 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11:00am, 1 April to 31 May.
Bickley Ramble
Go with a Guide on the 11.25 am shuttle bus to the Kingstown Barracks that housed the Australian Army for 50 years. The tour takes in a beautiful walk trail to see the six inch gun emplacements and other military buildings dating from 1935.
Departs daily at 11:15am, 1 April to 31 May.
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 1:00pm and 2.30pm, 1 April to 31 May.
Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels Tour
A conducted one hour tour, over one of the restored World War II 9.2 inch guns and maze of underground tunnels.
Discover why they were installed on Rottnest and how they operatored.
Either cycle (20 minutes) or walk (45 minutes) to Oliver Hill. Alternatively, you can take the train that links up with the guided tours and departs from the Settlement train station (fares apply and can include entry). Check tour times and purchase tickets for your transport tp the gun from the Visitor Centre.
Tours operate daily 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm and 2:00pm from 1 April to 31 May.
