Rottnest Island Summer Bucket List: 50 Things to Do
The long-awaited summer warmth is here, bringing abundant daylight to explore. Let these ideas guide your upcoming Rottnest Island adventure.
8 minutes
Aerial summer island views
Whether you wish to while away an island day on land, by the ocean, or in air-conditioned comfort, here’s all that you can experience over the summer season.
Ocean adventures
1. Beach and bay hop: Find your haven at over 80 locations around the island, where the sea is almost always calm. This summer, choose to travel light and hire everything you need for the ultimate beach day from Rottnest Rentals when you arrive.
2. Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in Wadjemup's tranquil waters and find relief from the sun’s radiating warmth.
3. Snorkelling: Spot an array of underwater attractions, including shipwrecks and flashes of vibrant fish and coral. You can even follow the popular self-guided trail at Parker Point.
4. Rottnest Snorkel tours: Visit the island's top sheltered snorkel spots with experienced guides, gliding above vibrant coral and marine life. Designed for all skill levels with flotation aids available for those who need a little extra support.
5. Charter 1 Snorkel & Sailing tours: Spend the day sailing, swimming, and snorkelling aboard this iconic yellow sailing catamaran. Or choose the sunset sail and watch the sky turn a golden hue as you explore the coastline with a drink in hand.
6. Paddleboarding: Glide across glassy waters in still conditions. Hourly and daily hire options are available to chart your own path.
7. Surfing: Hire a surfboard rack for your bike (BYO board) and explore sheltered surf spots or more challenging waves. Surf conditions here are reliable for groms and experts alike.
8. Play a round of beach cricket: Hire a cricket set and enjoy some friendly competition on the sand.
9. Bring your own boat: Spend the day cruising from beach to bay, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim or cast a line straight from your vessel.
10. Deluxe dining on the water: Embark on a lavish all-inclusive adventure with Rottnest Cruises, featuring seven courses of sea-to-plate sensations. Have a go at hauling in western rock lobster pots before your private onboard chef transforms them into a buttery masterpiece.
11. Eco Express Boat Tours: Add some excitement to your day with a boat ride around the island to spot wildlife from the water.
12. Plunge into the pool: Calling The Lodge Wadjemup, Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island, or Samphire Rottnest home for the night? Make the most of the on-site pools reserved exclusively for guests.
Activities on land
13. Cycling: Coast between bays all day on your choice of bicycle or e-bike. Be sure to make a booking before your arrival for a seamless summer experience.
14. Lakes: Head inland to experience the kabikarning (salt lake) systems. Marvel in these natural mirrors which reflect varying shades of pink during seasonal dry spells.
15. West End: There is an abundance of wildlife to spot here. Mammoong (whale) sightings are common until December, in addition to long-nosed fur seals and birdlife such as the yoondoordoo (osprey).
16. Yoga: Find your zen with Evolve in You classes at Thomson Bay and The Basin. Bookings are essential.
17. Quokka spotting: Like us, the native kwoka (quokka) likes to escape the heat of the day, so sightings are more frequent early in the morning and from early evening. If you’re taking the late-night ferry this summer, you’ll have plenty of time to spot them as they come out at dusk.
18. Wildflowers: Appreciate the bold blue-purple hues that blanket the island while the iconic Dek-koordiny-mart (Wadjemup daisy) is in bloom.
19. Picnic and BBQs: Stock up on supplies from the Rottnest General Store and park up underneath a shady canopy. Barbecue facilities are available around the island to cook up a flavoursome feast. Or pick up some fresh rolls and a hot roast chicken from Rottnest Bakery’s Chook Shack.
20. Mini golf: Challenge your friends to a round of mini golf under the dappled light of this 18-hole course.
21. Pickleball: Try something new and serve up some fun with Rotto Rackets Sports. Pickleball is the island's newest social sport set against stunning views of Bathurst Lighthouse, perfect for all ages and abilities.
22. Volleyball and Tennis: Swing by Pedal & Flipper to rent a volleyball and net or tennis racket and balls. Compete in your tournament on the beach or visit the tennis courts at Kingstown, Bathurst or Geordie Bay.
23. Lawn bowls and games: Spark some good-natured rivalry at R.I.G.C Clubhouse, with barefoot bowls and free lawn games. Best enjoyed alongside a fresh serve of fish and chips from the Chippies food truck.
Tour the island
24. Rickshaw tours: Sit back and soak up the scenery with Rotto Rickshaws, an e-rickshaw tour that blends comfort, storytelling, and stunning island views - no pedalling required!
25. Segway tours: For a unique summer experience filled with scenic beauty, opt for a guided tour by segway.
26. Wadjemup Lighthouse: With 360-degree island views, you can witness how the land and sea change during summer.
27. Cultural tours: Soak in the sights of the island in summer as you reflect and learn of its significance to the Traditional Owners, the Whadjuk Noongar people.
28. Cultural experiences: Connect with Noongar culture through immersive experiences. Join a guided walk with Dooga Waalitj Healing, share stories in a cultural yarn with Mirliny, or let the kids learn and create with Koorda's Crew.
29. Scenic flights: Board a joy flight with Rottnest Air Taxi for breathtaking views of the island below.
30. Skydive: Get a dose of adrenaline with Skydive Geronimo as you freefall at up to 200 km per hour before a beach landing.
31. Walking tours: Embark on a free, short tour with the enthusiastic Rottnest Voluntary Guides, complete with fun trivia and fascinating stories of the island’s history and native wildlife.
32. Hiking tours: For those eager to wander further, The Hike Collective offer guided hikes that make it easy for you to explore all that’s here. Enjoy the island’s beautiful trails and refreshing ocean dips along the way.
33. Bike tours: Cruise along with ease on an electric bike with guided commentary as part of Paul’s Eco E-Bike tours. Want to unleash your own pedal power? Laura the Explorer offers a day tour filled with bike riding, swimming and snorkelling, paired with island insights and lunch.
34. Bus tours: See more of the island without breaking a sweat. Discover Rottnest and Quokka Coaches provide air-conditioned comfort while you visit iconic island locations. Booking in advance is essential to secure your seats.
35. Historical train tour: All aboard the Captain Hussey train for a fun-filled journey! Enjoy scenic views and insightful commentary along the way. This delightful ride to Oliver Hill also offers respite from the summer heat, with shady seats and a sea breeze that rolls in through the open windows.
Slip out of the sun
36. Arcade games: Follow your sense of fun to the arcade, where games and great prizes await out of the sun.
37. Cool treats: Swing by the Simmo’s window at HAVZA or the retro Kuld Creamery caravan in Geordie Bay for icy delights by the beach. Cool down with a zingy juice or smoothie from the Boost Mobeel, or a fruity acai bowl from The Lane Cafe. Pelican are also serving up energy-boosting iced lattes, matcha, and creamy soft serves with all the toppings.
38. Must-try island bites: A visit to Rottnest Island wouldn't be the same without enjoying Rottnest Bakery's famous jam or Nutella doughnuts. These sweet treats have delighted visitors for generations.
39. Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels tour: Find respite from the sun’s rays underground as you weave your way to the gun’s ammunition supply and engine room, guided by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides.
40. Wadjemup Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the island, shared via compelling stories and immersive exhibits.
41. Pilot Boathouse: Expand your knowledge of the island’s maritime history at this insightful site.
42. Shopping: Pop in and browse unique souvenirs and bespoke wares at Indianic Boutique and Island Gypsy. You’ll also find handy items such as bathers and hats, should you find yourself short of any ocean-side essentials.
Seasonal events
43. Live music: Relax with your favourite cold beverage and the sounds of local talent at Hotel Rottnest, Sunsets Rottnest, The Mezz on Rotto, and Pinky’s Rottnest Island.
44. Christmas Day dining: Book in your nearest and dearest for an indulgent festive feast.
45. NYE Family Fireworks: Ring in a joyful new year with fun family entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display over Thomson Bay.
46. NYE celebrations: Share the anticipation for the new year in your choice of lively island location.
Stay a little longer
47. Tee off: Experience the charm of a twilight round of golf or lawn bowls at Rottnest Island Golf Course. The setting sun creates a stunning backdrop as you work your way through the course, racing daylight to complete your game.
48. Catch a movie: Unwind at the historic Picture Hall and enjoy a classic cinema experience, complete with buttery popcorn and creamy choc tops from the candy bar.
49. See a sunset: Witness the daily display of shifting colours over the horizon. No two days are the same, leaving a lasting memory to take back to the mainland.
50. Drink and dine: Those catching the late-night ferry can indulge in a variety of seasonal offers from the bars and restaurants you know and love.
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Tips for a time well spent
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
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