Make the Most of Your Evening with 5 Things To Do After 5 pm
Stay a little longer and discover what awaits as day turns to evening.
2 minutes
Sunset is worth staying for
There's plenty more to experience on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island once the afternoon winds down.
Stay for one more swim, watch the sky change colour, spot quokkas as they become more active or settle in for dinner by the water. As the light changes and the pace slows, the island takes on a different feel.
And with the 9 pm ferry back to Fremantle, there's more time to make the most of it.
Here are five ways to spend those extra island hours.
1. Have one last dip
There's something about squeezing in one final ocean swim before the day is done. Wherever your afternoon takes you, find a bay that catches your eye and cool off with one more swim before the sun starts to dip.
Pack your towel, take your time and enjoy one last swim before swapping the beach for sunset views, dinner or an evening activity.
2. Take your pick of tours and activities
Not ready for the day to finish? The evening opens up a different way to experience the island, whether you want to keep exploring or slow the pace as sunset approaches.
Wind down with a latest-release movie at the heritage-listed Picture Hall, or keep moving with a friendly game of pickleball. If you're keen to explore, join an electric bike sunset tour and experience the island's coastline and changing landscape in the softer evening light.
For a memorable way to experience sunset, take to the water with Rottnest Snorkel's new sunset cruise. Sail along the island's coastline before anchoring in a calm, sheltered bay as the sky turns golden. Unwind on board with drinks and a shared cheeseboard, take a refreshing swim or simply settle in and soak up the sunset views from the water.
Whether your ideal evening is active, adventurous or all about slowing down, there's an experience to make those extra island hours count.
Time for one more swim
Explore by bike until sunset
Play a game of pickleball
Experience a sunset cruise
Watch a movie at the Picture Hall
3. Go quokka spotting
As daylight begins to fade, keep an eye out for the island's most famous residents. Quokkas are nocturnal and become increasingly active into the evening, making this a great time to see them out and about.
Take a stroll through the main settlement or wander out towards Garden Lake, where the peaceful surrounds offer a quieter setting for an evening quokka encounter.
4. Stay for sunset
You've explored the beaches, followed the trails and spotted a quokka or two. Now there's one more island moment worth sticking around for.
Find a spot by the coast and watch the light change as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Pinky Beach is a favourite sunset spot close the settlement, so you can take in the view before making your way to dinner.
Not sure where to watch the sunset? Explore our guide to the best sunset locations around the island.
5. Have dinner with a view
A later ferry means there's no need to rush from the beach straight back to the jetty.
Instead, make dinner part of the evening. Settle in for a meal by the ocean, take in lake views or find a spot where you can watch the last of the sunset colours fade. From relaxed pub meals and casual bites to something a little more special, there are plenty of ways to end your island day around the table.
Ready to choose a spot? Explore our guide to eating and drinking on the island.
Toast to sunset
Look out for quokkas
Stay for sunset
Enjoy dinner together
Enjoy good food
-(1600-x-600-px).tmb-wide_l.webp?Culture=en&sfvrsn=62abf2d8_1)
Tips for a time well spent
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
