Two girls observing a quokka foraging in the mulch.

School Holidays

ISLAND FUN FOR EVERY FAMILY

SPEND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ON WADJEMUP / ROTTNEST ISLAND

Just a short ferry ride away from Perth, you can discover Wadjemup / Rottnest Island and all it has to offer. This family-friendly destination is teeming with activities, adventure, and the chance to spot the island’s iconic quokkas at any time of year. In the warmer months, discover serene bays and beaches with tranquil, turquoise waters for safe swimming and snorkelling.

Cooler months present the opportunity for cosy quests wandering further in nature. Whenever you visit, adventure awaits for all ages, at every corner of the island.

Use this page and the guides within it to plan and book your next family visit to Wadjemup.

WA School Holiday Dates

There’s lots to enjoy on Rottnest Island during every school holiday period. Use the table below as a planning guide for Perth school holidays.

2026-27
Winter School Holidays	Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
Spring School Holidays	Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October 2026
Summer School Holidays	Thursday 17 December 2026 – Sunday 31 January 2027
Autumn School Holidays	Saturday 10 April 2027 – Sunday 25 April 2027

Check the WA Department of Education website for the latest information.

Book Early

Ferries, tours, and popular activities can book out fast during peak periods like the school holidays and over Easter. Plan ahead and lock in your itinerary early to avoid disappointment.

Seasonal School Holiday Guides

Rottnest Island reveals a new side with every season. In summer, the surrounding waters sparkle and invite blissful beach days. Autumn and spring drape the island in mild temperatures and soft colours, ideal for easy bike rides and outdoor adventures, and winter presents a peaceful side of Wadjemup, filled with active wildlife and quiet walking trails.

Summer School Holiday Fun

6 minutes

Family enjoying the beach on a cool Autumn evening at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Autumn school holiday inspiration for all the family

6 minutes

Winter School Holiday Fun for All

5 minutes

Spring Into a School Holiday Adventure

4 minutes

Longreach Bay

Rottnest Voluntary Guides School Holiday Programs

The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (RVGA) offers free, seasonal programs for kids. Each program is filled with tours and events that invite hands-on discovery and interactive learning that sparks curiosity in every age group.

DISCOVER SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS

From festive family events to immersive cultural experiences, there’s always something happening here on Wadjemup. Discover what’s on during each season and plan your island visit around the events that excite your family the most.

A Volunteer from the Rottnest Island Volunteer Guides showing a family the coastline on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Voluntary Guides Autumn School Holiday Program

Enjoy family fun during the April school holidays with a program of hands-on tours and activities at Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Voluntary Guides Summer School Holiday Program

Make the most of the summer school holidays on Wadjemup with a free program of family-friendly tours and activities.

Annual round-robin Australian Rules football carnival

Wadjemup Cup 2026

Clontarf students from across WA will play in a round-robin football competition, vying for the coveted Wadjemup Cup.

Connect to Kambarang 2026

Connect with the cultural richness of Wadjemup this October in honour of the new season of Kambarang and NAIDOC Week.

Rottnest Voluntary Guides Spring School Holiday Program

Make the most of the blossoming spring season on Wadjemup with a program of tours and activities these school holidays.

Picture of two children and a Quokka mascot underneath a

Little Quokka’s Big Birthday Weekend

Celebrate the joy of welcoming a new brood of quokka joeys during two fun-filled days this September!

Rottnest Voluntary Guides Winter School Holiday Program

Discover the wonder of Wadjemup in winter and enjoy family fun with a program of free activities these school holidays.

Cultural Yarns: National Reconciliation Week 2026

Explore connections to Country, community and culture through the sharing of stories and experiences.

Collaborative Weaving Workshop with Sharyn Egan

Be part of creating a large-scale woven artwork for the Wadjemup Sculpture Garden.

Weaving workshop tools and materials for Sharyn Egan's Weaving Workshop.

Weaving Workshop with Sharyn Egan

Create your own woven artwork while learning Noongar weaving techniques and cultural stories.

Couple exploring the artworks in the Wadjemup Museum.

Artist Talk with Sharyn Egan

Hear from Noongar artist Sharyn Egan about her artworks featured in the Connections to Wadjemup Exhibition.

Family riding bikes in front of accommodation at Rottnest Island.

Deals

Seasonal Specials for the Whole Family

Make the most of your family adventure on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Explore the seasonal offers available now.

Explore deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Every season holds its own unique charm and appeal. It simply depends on what you’re here to see and do. The warmer months are best for water-based activities like swimming and snorkelling, while the cooler months are ideal for wildlife watching and longer cycling or hiking expeditions.

Absolutely. With wide pathways and ramps to most facilities, the island is an accessible destination for all ages and abilities. If you want to stay close to the main settlement, there are plenty of attractions within walking distance. Bus services and bike hire are also available. Pedal & Flipper Hire offer baby seats, child trailers and kids’ bikes to make it easy for everyone to get around.

You’ll be surprised by how much you can fit into a day trip with the family, with the island just a short ferry ride away from Perth. Once you arrive, many main attractions are just a few minutes away from the main jetty, making it easy to see and do a lot in a few hours.

There are free tours and ample nature-based activities to provide maximum fun with minimum spend. Browse this list of value-packed island adventures for more inspiration.