On-Shore Facilities
Although arriving by boat gives you the freedom to explore the island’s bays unhindered, you will still need to touch down to refuel and grab supplies. And when you do, it is an opportunity to enjoy some land-based experiences, including dining, hiking, and island tours. Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is known for its postcard beaches and dappled green waters, but history and relaxation await on land — just organise a place to anchor and you’re free to roam.
Practical tips
Buying food
If you’re looking to buy groceries on the island, there are two options:
● Rottnest General Store:
- Central location, on Digby Drive right in Thomson Bay.
- Open seven days, head to the website for current opening hours.
- New stock arrives daily.
- Liquor department in-store.
- Click and collect is available.
● Geordie Bay General Store:
- Convenient for arrival from the other side of the island, it’s on Hydroflyte Loop, in Geordie Bay.
- Open seven days, head to the website for current opening hours.
- New stock arrives daily.
- Liquor department in-store.
- Click and collect is available.
Fuel and potable water
Diesel, unleaded, and premium unleaded fuel are all available from the Fuel Jetty in Thomson Bay. It is open 24 hours, seven days a week. You can serve yourself and make the payment with credit card (Mastercard or Visa) or EFTPOS. Small quantities of unleaded fuel and LPG are also available from the Geordie Bay General Store.
You can get potable (drinkable) water from the service pillar at the head of the Fuel Jetty, but you need to provide your own hose and it has to take a standard domestic tap fitting. Potable water is also available on the Geordie Bay Jetty where a 20 metre hose reel is provided. Please only take what water is necessary and don’t stay too long as both spots are 20-minute loading zones.
Bus routes and timetables
There are no private vehicles on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, so once you land, the best ways to get around are by walking, biking, or catching the bus. There are several bus tours and hop-on-hop-off buses which can transport you anywhere you need to go on the island — a lifesaver in colder weather. The bus options and current timetables can be found on the Wadjemup / Rottnest Island website.
Rottnest Island public toilets
Public toilets are available in various locations across the island, including:
● Thomson Bay
● The Basin
● Longreach Bay
● Geordie Bay
● City of York Bay
● Stark Bay
● Narrow Neck
● West End
● Strickland Bay
● Green Island
● Parker Point
● Kingstown Barracks
Accommodation
After a hot day of salt spray and wind out on the water, it can be a relief to rest for the evening on dry land. If you’re looking to moor your boat and find some accommodation for a couple of nights, there’s plenty to choose from. A hostel or campground for a budget-friendly stay, the nostalgic, historic Stay Rottnest bungalows and cabins, or some luxury stays at Samphire Rottnest or Discovery Rottnest Island.
However if you’re visiting in summer, the accommodation will often be fully booked, so it is a good idea to anticipate your need for a night on land ahead of time.
How to report an issue
To report an issue with mooring facilities, contact Marine Administration on (+61 8) 9432 9320 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST, Monday to Friday). Alternatively, email moorings@rottnestisland.com.
To report an issue with island facilities such as toilets or showers, please contact the Visitor Centre on (+61 8) 9372 7730 (see current opening hours here)
If you have an issue with a mooring while on the island or require assistance from the rangers, contact (+61 8) 9372 9788 or Channel 16 call sign ‘Rottnest Rangers’.
See further important information about boating safety and emergencies here.
How to spend your time on land
● Wadjemup Museum: Learn the complex history of the island.
Find more information about experiences and attractions on the Wadjemup / Rottnest Island website here.