Guidelines & Regulations

Simple rules for boat users visiting the island

We all have a part to play in keeping Wadjemup / Rottnest Island an enjoyable, safe, and beautiful place to visit. The policies outlined below apply to everyone who visits the island..

 

  • Alcohol and noise

    Alcohol can only be consumed at licensed premises. Western Australian law prohibits drinking alcohol on beaches, jetties, streets, and all other areas. Visitors who disregard this will receive infringements or face eviction from the island.

    Noise should always be kept to a minimum, especially after 11 pm. Be mindful of music, generators, and other noise which may impact the comfort of other visitors.

  • Barbecues

    Visitors are welcome to use the barbecues at Geordie Bay, The Basin, and Thomson Bay. Their locations are marked on the Wadjemup / Rottnest Island Interactive Map  and in the Marine and Boating Guide. However, the lighting of fires is completely prohibited on Rottnest Island.

  • Camping

    All guests camping on the island must do so at a designated campsite. Sites are limited and subject to availability, but bookings can be made online with Stay Rottnest Campground at stayrottnest.com or on +61 1800 111 111. Camping outside of the designated sites is strictly prohibited.

  • Drinking water

    Boat users are strongly encouraged to fill water tanks from the mainland prior to visiting Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. This aids in conserving the limited supply of freshwater available from the Geordie Bay Jetty and Fuel Jetty in Thomson Bay. Please be advised that restrictions apply and that water is desalinated on the island.

  • Dive flags

    For everyone’s safety, dive flag regulations must be observed. Boat operators are reminded to maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from vessels and divers using the international ‘A’ flag. All divers using underwater breathing equipment (SCUBA) are required to fly or tow this flag. Be aware that dive contractors may be working within the moorings areas from time to time.

  • Loading zones

    Guests are reminded to observe the 20-minute maximum time limit when using loading zones. There are four loading zone locations on the island, outlined below.

           -    Fuel Jetty at Thomson Bay
           -    Geordie Bay Jetty
           -    Hotel Jetty
           -    ‘T’ Jetty on the Main Jetty

  • Domestic pets

    In the interest of conservation and safety, domestic pets are strictly prohibited from entering the Marine Reserve. Any person in breach of this policy is required to remove the pet immediately at their own expense and  will face penalties.

  • Personal property

    Personal property may not be left on the island. All items should be taken with you upon departure. If any visitor leaves personal property in the Class A Reserve, it will be treated as abandoned property and subsequently disposed of by the Rottnest Island Authority.

  • Jet skis and personal watercraft (PWC)

    Visitors are advised that there are no designated water ski areas within the Marine Reserve. Most bays around the island are subject to a five-knot speed limit. Maps and further details are available on the marine maps and resources page or by contacting the Department of Transport.

  • Rafting of vessels

    Rafting of one vessel to another is permitted when vessels are on anchor, but only one vessel can raft to another at any one time. Approved vessels of up to 6.75 metres on swing moorings are permitted only where a mooring has been certified with “+ 6.75m” rating. Appropriate admission fees apply.

  • Sandboarding

    Dune blowout poses a constant threat to the island’s preservation. Therefore, sandboards and similar equipment used to slide down sand dunes are strictly prohibited. Penalties apply to anyone in breach of this policy.

  • SCUBA tank refills

    SCUBA tanks can be refilled on the island. This service is available at Pedal & Flipper Hire.

  • Swimming

    For your own safety, avoid swimming near moorings, jetties, and designated anchorage areas. On specific days, boating-prohibited areas are created around the island to provide areas for swimming. These are identified by either signs or float lines. Swimming is not permitted in the locations listed below.

           -    ‘T’ Jetty
           -    End of the Main Jetty
           -    Between the Main Jetty and Fuel Jetty