Rottnest Island | Thomson Bay

Thomson Bay is where your Wadjemup adventure begins

Thomson Bay is your introduction to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, and the first bay you see as you step off the ferry and onto the jetty. Stretching from north to south, it provides a vibrant backdrop for the entire main settlement.

Just off the main jetty you’ll find a roped-off swimming area for the little ones, modern amenities, and barbeque facilities ready and waiting. Everything else you need is within arm’s reach. Head into town and refuel with a coffee, or stay for a while over a mouthwatering meal at one of the waterside restaurants at Hotel Rottnest, Bayside Bar, and Isola Bar e Cibo. Drop in to the Visitor Centre to learn more about your island stay.

So kick off your shoes, feel the soft, white sand beneath your feet, and get ready to begin your Wadjemup adventure.

Cycling, Thomson Bay

Sunrise, Thomson Bay

Visitor Centre, Thomson Bay

Jetty, Thomson Bay

Isola Rottnest, Thomson Bay

Look out for...

Glittering turquoise water

The Koora-Yeye-Boordawan-Kalyakoorl sculpture

Waterside dining

The Visitor Centre

Where to find Thomson Bay

Disembark from your ferry, walk down the jetty, and you’ll arrive at Thomson Bay. Just a one-minute walk from the main settlement, it’s your first introduction to Wadjemup.

Thomson Bay

Set the tone for your time on Wadjemup

With the whole day ahead of you, wade into the calm waters and have your first experience of Wadjemup’s pristine beaches.

Travelling further out into the bay, keen-eyed observers looking below the waves might even be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the island’s friendly booyi (green turtles) and stingrays.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the jetty at Thomson Bay is one of the most popular family fishing spots. Schools of herring play between the moorings, providing just enough of a challenge for young fishers. Large numbers of squid roam the waters as the sun goes down, attracted by the jetty lights — even if you don’t fish, they’re a marvel to watch.

A lively location with space for families of all sizes, Thomson Bay is the ideal spot to relax and unwind, to settle in for a day of swimming, sun, and sandcastles, before discovering the rest of the island.

Frequently asked questions

Thomson Bay is the gateway to Wadjemup, so there’s everything you need in one location. Public toilets and change rooms, lockers, barbeque facilities, the Visitor Centre and more.

When you step off the main jetty, you’re already there. You can reach Thomson Bay by walking, or make it the end point of your island ride.

Accessible facilities are located close to Thomson Bay. A unisex accessible toilet is available at the Visitor Centre. An accessible toilet and shower facility is located nearby at Bedford Avenue. Access to the beach is available across the sand at North Thomson Bay. More accessibility information is available here.