Salmon Bay

A breathtaking southern shoreline

Located on the southern coast of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, Salmon Bay is a wide, beautiful stretch of coastline where soft white sand meets calm, clear water. With its sweeping views across the Indian Ocean and open sense of space, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take a breath and settle into the island’s natural rhythm.

The bay’s sparkling turquoise water and sandy shoreline make it a rewarding stop for swimming, snorkelling or simply stretching out on the beach for a lazy afternoon. Beneath the surface, limestone and seagrass habitats create opportunities to spot marine life, making Salmon Bay just as memorable below the water as it is from the shore.

For walkers travelling the Wardan Nara Bidi, Salmon Bay offers a refreshing place to pause along the southern coast. The trail curves around the coastline here before turning inland towards Oliver Hill, making the bay an ideal spot to pause, breathe in the sea air and take in the sweeping views across Wadjemup’s southern shoreline.

Keep an eye out for

Sparkling turquoise water and soft white sand

Seagrass, reef and limestone habitats beneath the surface

Eastern ospreys nesting and hunting around Salmon Bay

The nearby Wardan Nara Bidi

Where to find Salmon Bay

Salmon Bay sits on the south side of the island, around five kilometres from the main settlement. It’s a bit long to walk, but the ride there takes you along the Parker Point loop and past some of Wadjemup’s most striking southern coastline. Alternatively, take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus and hop off at stop 7 for Salmon Bay.

Snorkelling & Diving

Beneath the surface of Salmon Bay

Salmon Bay’s clear water and open sandy shoreline make it a beautiful place to swim, snorkel and slow down along Wadjemup’s southern coast. On calm days, the bay offers plenty of space to wade in, float above the sand or venture further out to explore the underwater landscape at your own pace.

Beneath the surface, limestone and seagrass areas create habitat for a variety of marine life, giving snorkellers and divers plenty to look for as they move through the water. Schools of fish, shifting seagrass and reef pockets make Salmon Bay just as memorable below the water as it is from the shore.

Learn more about Snorkelling & Diving

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no facilities at Salmon Bay, so be sure to bring what you need with you. The closest facilities are available at nearby stops along the southern coastline, including Parker Point.

Fishing is permitted in parts of Salmon Bay, but not within marine sanctuary zones. The Parker Point Sanctuary Zone has been expanded to include part of Salmon Bay, where fishing is prohibited to help protect marine life. Before casting a line, check the latest marine maps to see where marine sanctuary zone boundaries apply.

Salmon Bay is around a 25-minute bike ride from the main settlement via the Parker Point loop. Alternatively, take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus and get off at Stop 7.

Salmon Bay can be a lovely spot for families, especially on calm days. There is plenty of beach space to relax, but visitors should come prepared as there are no facilities directly at the bay.

A breathtaking southern shoreline

Keep an eye out for

Where to find Salmon Bay

Beneath the surface of Salmon Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for time well spent

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