Turn the April school holidays into golden memories. This is a time for togetherness amongst the rich natural beauty of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.
With summer’s residual warmth and fewer crowds, autumn invites shared family adventure here on the island. The autumn school holidays take place in WA during April, falling over the Noongar season of Djeran: a time when warmer days can linger but a cool change starts to settle in. This time of year also marks the celebration of Easter, a popular period for family getaways, including to Wadjemup. The season’s pleasant conditions create comfortable active experiences for everyone, from hikes to ocean dips. This is a season for endless exploration.
Looking for the top family adventures to enjoy during autumn? Here’s your all-in-one guide to making the most of the island over the Easter school holidays.
Cycling is a convenient way to get around the island any time of year, but come autumn, the cooler air compels you to go further. Pick up everyone’s gear from Pedal & Flipper Hire, including baby seats, child trailers, and kids' bikes. Then, take to the trails. Cruise along coastal paths without the strong summer heat, stopping to spot wildlife and keep an eye out for the resident quokkas, wander hidden coves, or simply breathe in the crisp air.
The Beaches, Lighthouses, and Lakes trail is a 10 km journey that takes you to some of Wadjemup’s most beautiful beaches and bays in just a few hours. With more time to spare and extra energy to burn, families with older kids could also take on the Island Ride. This trail covers 22 km of stunning scenery all the way around Wadjemup, including the West End. Park up here to refuel at Lexi’s on Rotto, where you’ll find warming coffee, sweet ice creams, and plenty of other snacks to keep you going. Sip, sit and stay awhile as you look out for the much-loved manyil (long-nosed fur seals) lazing around at Cathedral Rocks nearby.
During the Easter school holidays, mild daytime temperatures are common on land. In the sea, the Leeuwin Current makes the island’s surrounding waters warm and inviting, even after summer has ended. Come and discover (or rediscover) your family’s favourite beach or bay and bike or bus your way to popular swimming and snorkelling spots such as Longreach Bay, Geordie Bay, or Fay’s Bay.
Strolling by foot? The Basin is easily walkable from the main settlement and features sheltered, jewel-toned seas. Even on cooler autumn days, little ones will love spending hours crafting sandcastles and searching for shells along the shore.
Pick up some tasty takeaway bites from The Lane Cafe, like a cray dog: an island classic with grilled crayfish and zesty mayo placed inside a pillowy bun. Pelican is also the perfect spot to stock up on crowd-pleasing sandwiches and rolls (plus a soft serve for sweet tooths!). For deliciously warm pastries, fill up goodie bags at Rottnest Bakery with fresh doughnuts, pies, and sausage rolls to share. Or stop by the Chook Shack window and grab a hunger-busting hot roast chicken to fill fluffy bread rolls. Just a short walk away, find a shady spot under a gently swaying boorn (tree) at Thomson Bay. Stretched out here, simple food has never tasted so good.
Embrace Wadjemup’s Aboriginal culture together through hands-on fun and imagination. Koorda's Crew offer guided walking tours for kids that share culture and stories. Their craft workshops are also a great way to combine creativity and culture, with kids encouraged to build a Legoscape inspired by the Noongar season of Djeran.
Dooga Waalitj Healing also offer family-friendly guided walking tours and custom cultural experiences on Country in a relaxed setting.
Why not see the sights from a new set of wheels? Segway Tours WA offers the perfect blend of freedom, novelty, and adventure, with April sunshine gently illuminating the ocean as you glide around. After a safety briefing, cruise together along winding paths, and even off-road. Kids aged 12 and older will appreciate the sense of independence, while parents will love the easy pace.
Rotto Rickshaws stick to the paths, but the experience is just as entertaining. Sit back, relax and embark on a guided journey that combines immersive audio, live storytelling, and breathtaking scenery. With gentle autumn breezes keeping you comfortable, it’s an experience that lets you explore the island in playful ease.
Autumn’s pleasant weather sets the perfect stage for guided walking tours. It’s a chance to delve deeper and discover more thanks to experienced guides. Visit the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Information Booth to see what free tours you can take part in during your family visit. Learn about local wildlife, unique flora, and the island’s cultural history in comfortable autumn conditions.
With pleasant cool breezes in the air, the walking trails of the Wadjemup Bidi present hours of free family entertainment. Spanning 45 km and made up of five distinct sections, you can go great distances or simply take a short stroll together as far as you like. Download the handy Smartreka app before you arrive to plan and navigate the trails with ease.
For an option close to the main settlement, head for the Gabbi Karniny Bidi: a 9.5 km loop that’ll bring a gentle flush to your cheeks. Wind your way together up hills and around the salt lake systems during the 3-4-hour journey. Alternatively, the Ngank Yira Bidi takes you on a 10 km one-way trail that blends military history and natural wonders.
Enjoy just the right amount of thrill with a guided climb of Wadjemup Lighthouse. Led by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides, this tour suits those five years and older and brings the island’s maritime stories to life with every step up the spiral staircase. When you reach the top together, the reward is unforgettable. Sweeping 360-degree views will steal your breath in a moment of shared joy.
Jump aboard the Captain Hussey train: it’s full steam ahead to Oliver Hill. Watch as grins grow across little faces on this ride that mixes education with open-air enjoyment. After a short but scenic journey, arrive at the significant surrounds of Oliver Hill. Here, panoramic views meet military history, providing a place for everyone to reflect ahead of Anzac Day. After viewing the battery, you can even take a guided family tour underground through the tunnels beneath your feet.
Any time of day, make a beeline for the comforting scents of Dome Cafe. Warm mugs and comforting bites provide fuel for a family day out, or a welcome break from busy activities. Or stroll up to R.I.G.C. Clubhouse for steaming Chippies fish and chips, served with a side of barefoot lawn bowls. Unwrap crunchy delicacies as you cheer each other on; good vibes drifting across the green.
Later in the evening, local wines and barbecued meats might entice the grown-ups to Pinky’s Rottnest, while classic kids’ meals appeal to the younger members of the family. Over near the main settlement, tasty sourdough pizzas from Frankie’s on Rotto are always a hit. Share slices and smiles; this family time is meant to be savoured.
Rottnest Voluntary Guides Autumn School Holiday Program
Enjoy this action-packed program of free activities and tours for all kids to learn about the island's natural environment, unique wildlife, and significant history. Stay tuned for updates on the program and subscribe to be kept updated about new experiences, events, and special offers. You can also check out our calendar of upcoming events to stay in the loop with what’s on.
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
