Beaches

Explore a network of island beaches and bays

The sands of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island hold a story. These coastal landscapes, once connected to the mainland, are part of a deep history that extends into the limestone-ridged reefs and tropical fish populations beneath the waves.

The island's beaches and bays don't exist in isolation, they're part of the network that is Rottnest Island. Native coastal shrubs freckle the sand dunes, offering habitats to local wildlife. The Wadjemup Bidi trails drink in the unique coastal scenes. Marine sanctuaries lay undisturbed, offering an unforgettable gift to passing snorkellers.

When you spend time on the shores of Rottnest Island, your story becomes part of all of this. It’s only natural to slow down and feel the presence of the experiences that surround you.

Protected coves for swimming

Scenic beaches

Rocky Bay

Boat moored in the bay

A family running down to the beach to watch sunset

The beach at sunset

Little Armstrong Bay

Crystal clear water

Attraction

Ricey Beach

A secluded spot, Ricey Beach is quieter than some of the others on the island

Attraction

Little Parakeet Bay

Shallow water and calmer conditions make Little Parakeet Bay the perfect option for smaller children and young families.

Attraction

The Basin

World-renowned for its crystal clear water and naturally hollowed out reef, The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest Island.

Attraction

Longreach Bay

Discover Longreach Bay, one of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s most popular family beach destinations.

Shipwreck of the Shark on the shore of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Attraction

Henrietta Rocks

Henrietta Rocks is a spectacular snorkelling spot for Wadjemup / Rottnest Island explorers.

Attraction

Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is a place to get away from the crowds, explore the dunes and rocky waters.

Attraction

Strickland Bay

Strickland Bay is home to one of WA’s most consistent surf breaks, and a popular spot for surfers from all over the world.

Attraction

Salmon Bay

Located on the southern coast of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, Salmon Bay is a stunning coastal destination renowned for its pristine white sands, crystal clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty.

Attraction

Parakeet Bay

A sandy stretch on the northern tip of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, Parakeet Bay is the big sister to Little Parakeet Bay.

Attraction

Fay's Bay

A small cove at the northernmost tip of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Attraction

Little Armstrong Bay

Little Armstrong Bay is a relaxing location for those looking for a calmer time on the island.

Attraction

Little Salmon Bay

Located at one of the southernmost tips of the island, Little Salmon Bay is a popular bay on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

A beach with white sand, turquoise water, and three anchored sailboats. The horizon shows a distant green landmass under a clear blue sky.

Geordie Bay offers enough space for everyone to set down a towel, open the picnic blanket, and spend the day by the water.

Attraction

City of York Bay

A quiet, secluded bay on the northwest coast of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, City of York bay sits between Ricey Beach and Catherine Bay.

Attraction

Thomson Bay

With crisp white sand and glittering turquoise water, Thomson Bay is your introduction to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Bathurst Lighthouse overlooking Pinky Beach and the Indian Ocean.

Beaches worthy of awards

Set beneath Bathurst Lighthouse, Pinky Beach has been named runner-up in Time Out Australia’s list of Australia’s best beaches for 2026.

Selected by Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM, the recognition places this Wadjemup / Rottnest Island shoreline among the country’s most memorable coastal places. With calm water, soft sand, and a view that opens out across the Indian Ocean, Pinky Beach invites you to slow down and take in the island from the shore.

While Pinky Beach has received national recognition, every beach on the island has a character of its own, encouraging you to wander the coastline and find your favourite place by the water.

Unlike anywhere else in the world

Discover your favourite beach spots for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling.

While some may be drawn to the high energy of popular beaches like Pinky Beach or The Basin, others may look to more secluded bays for a quieter moment. Little Armstrong Bay is one such location; a short stretch of beach, protected on either side by rocky bookends. These calm, shallow waters can captivate you for the day, or ready you for deeper sea snorkelling just a 5-minute bike ride away.

Geordie Bay and Fay’s Bay are brimming with Australian sea life — stingrays skimming the sand, tropical fish playing in marine gardens, and even octopuses changing textures to match their environment. Each beach has a signature of its own, and you have the opportunity to find your match.

Look out for

Wave-like sand dunes

Vast Indian Ocean

Coral and limestone reef

Marine gardens

Travelling the island by bike

Finding your way to the perfect beach spot

The beaches and bays of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island are accessible via the roads and trails that connect the whole island. Many locations are connected by the Wadjemup Bidi hiking trail, while others are easily found by cycling the roads and paths. The hop-on-hop-off bus service will take you around the island to West End and back. You can also use an e-bike or explore the guided way with a Segway, snorkelling, or walking tour.

Learn more about getting around

Fall in love with the Beaches of Rottnest Island

4 minutes

Your Guide to Snorkelling the Warm Waters of Wadjemup

5 minutes

5 Coral Species You Can Spot at Rottnest Island

3 minutes

Guide to Marine Life at Rottnest Island: What You Can See

5 minutes

Your Guide to Surfing Rottnest Island’s Breaks

7 minutes

Your Guide to Wetting a Line on Rottnest Island

5 minutes

Wildlife encounters on Wadjemup

6 minutes

View all guides & tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, with everything from calm family bays to more secluded stretches of coast. Offering something for everyone, discover the island’s best beach and water activities, then see why so many visitors fall in love with Rottnest’s beaches.

Many of Rottnest’s beaches suit families, with sheltered spots around Geordie Bay, Thomson Bay, Pinky Beach, and The Basin all popular for different reasons. The best choice comes down to how close you want to be to facilities, how calm the water is and what kind of beach day you have in mind.

What sets Rottnest Island apart from other Western Australian beach destinations is the incredible diversity of its coastline. From family-friendly swimming beaches and sheltered bays to rugged ocean lookouts and world-class snorkelling spots, every beach offers something different. Combined with white sands, crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters and unique wildlife encounters, the island delivers an unforgettable beach holiday experience for visitors of all ages.

Choosing the right beach comes down to the conditions and the kind of day you want, whether that is swimming, snorkelling, fishing or exploring the coast. It helps to choose a beach based on the wind conditions, then compare options for snorkelling and diving, fishing around the island and nearby shipwreck sites.

Yes, and some of the quieter beaches reveal themselves the further you explore the island. Exploring by bike or using the island bus can lead you to more tucked-away spots such as Rocky Bay, Ricey Beach and Little Armstrong Bay.