Rottnest Island | Gabbi Karniny Bidi

Discover the expansive salt lakes along the island’s northern corridor

The Gabbi Karniny Bidi is a 9.5 km loop hike that takes you up hills, through the patchwork Wadjemup / Rottnest Island bushland, and winds its way amongst the island’s salt lake systems. Throughout the 3-4 hour journey, hikers are treated to some of Wadjemup’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes.

Starting at the main settlement, the trail heads west out Digby Drive and into the island’s interior. Experience panoramic views at Vlamingh Lookout, skirt along the edges of Garden Lake, and make your way right through the middle of Herschel Lake and Lake Baghdad. The exciting Lake Vincent boardwalk allows you to feel like you’re walking on water. The strikingly-coloured Pink Lake guides you back home towards the main settlement.

The trail itself is ever-changing, with different times of the day giving each step a unique personality. On a warm, mellow summer afternoon, you’re able to watch the sunset over the salt lakes, painting both earth and sky with warm-toned hues. Sharp, cool winter days allow you to enjoy the contrasting green and brown of the Wadjemup bush against the crisp, blue sky.

The Gabbi Karniny Bidi is a reflective, restorative journey that introduces you to a side of Wadjemup that many people don’t see.

Little Parakeet Bay & pink lakes

Wadjemup Lighthouse in the distance

View from Vlamingh

Bird habitat

The Hike Collective, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

Lakes boardwalk

Carry adequate water supplies

Outside of the main settlement, there is limited access to drinking water. Drinking water refill points can be found within the Thomson Bay settlement and at the Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Be on the lookout for

Pink salt lakes

Green and red samphire

Migratory birds

Vlamingh Lookout

Where to start the Gabbi Karniny Bidi

You can start the Gabbi Karniny Bidi from the main settlement. Step out from the Visitor Centre, head west out Digby Drive towards Vlamingh Lookout, and follow the yellow trail markers as you make the 9.5 km loop around the lakes.

Download the Trail Map

Wadjemup Bidi Fact Sheets - Gabbi Karniny Bidi

Beware of snakes

Be aware there are venomous snakes on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The dugite is a timid creature, but may bite if harassed. If bitten, seek immediate medical assistance.

Learn the Noongar names

Djerap
Birds

Kabikarning
Salt lake

Balyan boodja
Wetland

Milya
Samphire

Frequently asked questions

It’s a long hike, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least two litres of water.

The Gabbi Karniny Bidi is suitable for most ages and fitnesses. However, some parts of the track do involve steep sections and rough surfaces, so it’s recommended that you already have some bushwalking experience before you start.

While there are no facilities on the hike itself, you can find toilets at Thomson Bay, Geordie Bay, and The Basin along the trail. Water is only available at Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay, so be sure to fill up before you leave. There aren’t any bins along the trail either, so please take your rubbish and recycling with you.