Summer School Holiday Fun

Go on a shared family adventure, where long, carefree days are filled with beachside fun, laughter, and moments that become cherished memories.

6 minutes

Geordie Bay on Rottnest Island

Soak in the summer school holidays on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. It’s a season when waters sparkle and the island hums with playful energy.

Summer is a special time here on the island, where shared memories are just waiting to be made. The summer school holidays take place in WA from mid-December to early February and fall over the Noongar seasons of Birak and Bunuru: the first and second summer. During this time of year, the weather is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from mid-to-high 20°C, however, it can get much warmer with heatwaves of up to 40°C. Sunny days and mild ocean conditions are here to stay for the season, creating the ultimate setting for school holiday fun.

Want to discover the best activities for kids and families on Rottnest Island during summer? Here’s your complete guide to spending summer school holidays on the island.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

With school holidays in full swing, the island buzzes with exciting tours and activities for all. This is a beautiful but busy time of year to visit, so booking early is essential.

Cycling Adventures

With hardly any cars on the island, two-wheeled travel is a playful way for the whole family to get around. As warm breezes tug on hats and wheels turn along wide, sandy paths, every corner reveals an inviting beach or bay. Coast together along the Rotto Mini Loop to discover some of the island’s most sheltered swimming spots. Pedal & Flipper Hire makes it easy with all the gear you need, with adult and child-sized bikes plus baby seats and trailers.

Cool Off with an Ocean Swim

Wadjemup’s beautiful bays and beaches are some of the top reasons to visit during the summer school holidays. The Basin is easily walkable from the main settlement and features all the amenities that make for an effortless beach day, including summer lifeguards, outdoor showers, and toilet facilities. When it’s time for lunch, relax under large, shaded areas while you prepare a feast on the public barbecues. Supplies including fresh food and cold drinks can be purchased from the General Store. Then, when everyone’s had their share of sun and surf, swing past HAVZA for a refreshing Simmo’s ice cream.

Just past the Basin’s rocky outcrops lies a cluster of bays; each offering calm, crystal-clear waters where young ones can paddle and spot darting fish in the shallows. Family-friendly swim spots such as Longreach Bay, Geordie Bay, and Fay’s Bay are also all easily accessible by bike or bus. In between swims, fuel up nearby at Geordie’s Cafe & Art Gallery, where you’ll find relaxed eats plus a playground for the kids. Top it all off with a sweet scoop (or two) from Kuld Creamery.

Little Armstrong Bay

Longreach Bay

Snorkel & Spot Sea Life

Kids who are more confident in the water will delight in all that dances below the waves. Secure your snorkel sets from Pedal & Flipper Hire and head to Little Armstrong Bay. This protected cove has shallow waters, making it a calm spot with ideal snorkelling conditions. Paddle through the water and share the excitement of spotting marine life and colourful coral together. The Basin and the bays make for wonderful snorkelling locations too.

Wildlife watching

The iconic kwoka (quokka) is on almost every island visitor's must-see list, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when you’re travelling here during the summer holidays. Quokkas are most active in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. For your best chance to spot them hopping around, catch an early morning ride or return on an evening ferry. This way, you’ll be here during the coolest times of the day.

Quokka Safety

To help keep the unique wildlife safe and healthy, please do not touch, feed or give water to the quokkas and always observe from a respectful distance.

Quokka spotting

Quokka joey

Quokka at The Basin

Quokka stand9ing on back feet and looking at the camera

Kwoka (quokka)

Cultural Experiences

Need a cool break on a warm summer day? Step inside Wadjemup Museum and immerse yourself in the island’s history. Afterwards, wander through the nearby Wadjemup Museum Sculpture Garden, where art, nature, and culture blend beautifully in a space that invites curiosity and reflection for all ages.

Little ones might also love the chance to explore culture through stories and imagination. Book with Koorda's Crew Tours & Workshops and take a guided walking tour together or let creativity come to life with unique craft workshops. Dooga Waalitj Healing also offer guided walking tours and custom cultural experiences on Country to foster a deeper understanding of Wadjemup.

Easy Eats

There’s no shortage of family-friendly places to pull up and grab a bite during the summer holidays. In the main settlement, Frankie’s on Rotto serves up crowd-pleasing sourdough pizzas loaded with all your favourite toppings – great for sharing after a day’s adventure. Nearby, you’ll also find Subway for subs, cookies, and even pizzas, plus the iconic Rottnest Bakery for buttery pastries.

Around the corner, Sunsets Bar & Dining offers some of the best sunset seats around. Look out over Garden Lake as a golden glow settles around you. Parents can enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine, while the little ones can pick from a diverse kids’ menu, featuring healthier options like hummus and carrots, plus classic cheeseburgers.

For breezy beachfront views and live music on weekends, head to Pinky’s Rottnest Island. The seafood is fresh, the cocktails are delicious, and child-friendly favourites offer something for everyone.

And of course, no summer Rottnest Island trip is complete without a visit to Pelican. Here, towering soft-serve cones come with all the sprinkles, sauces, and toppings your heart desires. These sweet treats are what summer holiday memories are made of.

Playful Games

Slip out of the day’s heat and into Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf. Find out who has the best swing on this exciting 18-hole mini golf course. Then, discover the bright lights of the arcade where air-conditioned comfort and classic arcade games await – with great prizes to be won too! Over at Rotto Rackets Sports, keep the competitive fun going with a few rounds of pickleball.

Day Tours

Make the most of your family day out. Whether you’re after a short burst of action or hours of shared discovery, these guided tours make island exploration feel effortless.

Eco Express Boat Tours: Hop aboard the Eco Express for an exciting family experience. Travel around the waters of Wadjemup and spot wildlife like manyil (long-nosed fur seals) along the way. Feel the breeze through your hair, and salt on your skin as you see the island from a new angle.

Rottnest Snorkel: For ocean swimmers aged six and up, book a guided family boat trip with experienced tour guides. They’ll take you around to sheltered reefs and vibrant snorkel spots, with friendly instructors and flotation aids to help everyone feel comfortable in the water.

Segway Tours WA: Travelling with teens? Discover the fun of a Segway and explore far and wide without breaking a sweat. Choose from three tours featuring adventure, coastal scenery or military history.

Snorkeling with an inflatable

Snorkeling at the beach

Sights while snorkeling

Snorkel mask: On

Family Events & Activities

Rottnest Voluntary Guides Summer School Holiday Program

Enjoy an action-packed program of free activities and tours for kids of all ages to learn about the island's natural environment, unique wildlife, and significant history during the summer school holidays.

Stay tuned for updates on the program and subscribe to be kept updated about new experiences, events, and special offers.