A Djeran day at Rottnest Island

The ultimate autumn day trip during the Noongar season of Djeran.

5 minutes

Experience the beauty of a Djeran day at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island during the autumn months of April and May.

As the autumn breeze sweeps in, inviting cool yet bright days and just a hint of fresh morning dew, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island emerges as a picturesque haven for adventures in nature. Welcome to Djeran, the Noongar season that spans April and May, where cooler nights and milder sunny days create the perfect backdrop for island adventures. Amidst the changing landscape, wildlife sightings become more frequent, adding an element of excitement to your island experience. Whether biking along scenic coastal vistas or soaking up the lingering warmth of summer while snorkeling in Wadjemup’s inviting waters, there's no shortage of delights on offer.

Join us as we guide you through an unforgettable autumn escape, immersed in the rich natural beauty of this transitional season on Rottnest Island.

What is the Djeran season?

In Noongar culture, the season of Djeran signified the transition to adulthood, with ceremonies celebrating marriage and courtship. Moreover, Djeran was a time of abundance and sustenance, as the land offered plentiful berries, seeds, and starchy bulbs, ensuring the community was well-prepared for the approaching Makuru season.

8 am

Make the most of your day by catching the first ferry to Rottnest Island. There is something uniquely special about being out on the water in the morning light at this time of year. Be sure to bring a jumper or jacket with you while the mornings are fresh.

On arrival to the island, head straight to the Visitor Centre for maps of the island and the Wadjemup Bidi trails to set you up for the day. The friendly team here can also provide advice for your adventures and book experiences for you.

Then, make your way to the main mall of the settlement for a hearty breakfast. Fuel up with a hot, barista-made coffee from The Lane Cafe before heading across to Rottnest Bakery, renowned for their iconic pies and doughnuts it’s a satisfying beginning to your island explorations.

Next, wander over to Garden Lake. Just a short distance from the settlement, you’ll have one of the best chances to observe quokkas in their natural habitat here, especially with the cooler weather encouraging these unique marsupials to become more active. Follow the boardwalk for the ideal vantage point, ensuring you maintain a respectful distance while enjoying these special encounters.

Being close to the lakes here, be sure to keep an ear out for the island’s resident kwooyar (moaning frogs) who, while rarely seen, can be heard as their calls fill the air as the season changes. It’s also worth taking a moment to take in the shifting colours of the lake as nature transitions with the season.

9 AM

With the welcoming embrace of cooler yet sunny autumn days, there’s no better time to enjoy thrilling adventures on wheels. Head over to Pedal & Flipper Hire to rent your bikes and any necessary equipment for the day like a tennis racket and ball for a casual match at a nearby court, or a beach cricket set to enjoy oceanside.

The options are endless for two-wheeled exploration in any direction—head north to explore iconic beaches like The Basin and Pinky Beach, or south to see the sights of this side of the island, including spectacular viewpoints like Jeannie's Lookout, Parker Point, and the shipwreck at Henrietta Rocks.

Alternatively, make your way to the main bus stop if you prefer exploring the island from the comfort of the bus.

Rottnest Bakery

Coffee in the mall

Garden Lake boardwalk

Quokkas at Garden Lake

Hop on a bike

Get on the bus

12 NOON

Whether you’re exploring by bike or bus, make sure to stop at West End, the island’s westernmost point. Recently upgraded, West End now offers even more reasons to linger and soak in the drama of the rugged coastline here, with uninterrupted views stretching out over the vast Indian Ocean. Take a moment to relax under the shade shelters here and admire the interpretive Aboriginal artwork that shares stories about the cultural significance of the area. Walk along the Cape Vlamingh elevated boardwalk, designed to bring you closer to the unique landscape of this end of the island, while carefully weaving above and around the delicate ecosystem. As you reach the end, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as wedge-tailed shearwaters and osprey, as well as the osprey’s large nests, known as stacks, at Fish Hook Bay.

Next, head to the Cathedral Rocks lookout, which overlooks a colony of long-nosed fur seals that have made their home here. Peek through the binoculars to get a closer look at these fascinating creatures as they flip and play in the water.

After all that adventure, it’s time to replenish your energy. Take a well-deserved break and take in the stunning scenery around you. With Lexi’s on Rotto nearby offering drinks and snacks, like warm toasties, refreshing ice creams and mouthwatering muffins, that will energise you for the rest of the afternoon.

For those with a thirst for more exploration, consider hiking for a stretch along the Ngank Wen Bidi, a section of the Wadjemup Bidi that threads around the coast here, allowing you to visit some of the island’s most secluded spots. At 7.8 km this loop will take you around from Narrow Neck to Cape Vlamingh and back.

Cape Vlamingh

Osprey at West End

Shade shelters and Lexi's on Rotto

Cathedral Rocks

4 PM

Finish the day with a selection of Mediterranean-inspired share plates and memorable views over The Basin at the newest pop-up eatery, HAVZA. Or head over to The Mezz on Rotto, conveniently located just steps away from the main jetty. Here you can enjoy a tantalizing menu of tapas while soaking up the sights over Thomson Bay before you wrap up your island adventure. Then, catch the ferry back to the mainland or wander back to your island accommodation, reflecting on a day well spent.

6:30 PM

If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss stargazing from the comfort of your accommodation or venture up to Vlamingh Lookout for an uninterrupted view of the night sky. Separated by 19 km of Indian Ocean from the lights of the mainland, Rottnest Island boasts dark skies creating the perfect canvas for a special star display.

Remember to bring a torch

When exploring after dark, remember to bring a torch with you as there are no lights at Vlamingh Lookout. If you have children joining you, ensure they are always supervised.