If you’re searching for the most enjoyable activities with your kids on Rottnest Island, look no further.
A mere 19 kilometres from Perth’s coastline, Rottnest Island is accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. The island entices visitors with its tranquil vibe, stunning shorelines, and prime snorkelling spots.
The island’s signature residents are the quokkas, which were initially mistaken for giant rats by the Dutch mariner Willem de Vlamingh in 1696. He thus named the landmass’ Rottnest’, which translates to ‘rat’s nest’. Nowadays, capturing a selfie with a quokka is a top visitor experience. We’ve curated a roster of our top child-friendly activities on Rottnest Island, and of course, meeting these friendly creatures is included.
Wadjemup Museum
The Wadjemup Museum is where guests can immerse themselves in the storied past of Rottnest Island, showcasing exhibits that include 40,000-year-old relics, antique postcards, modern art pieces, and sculptures set outdoors.
The museum is home to various displays covering various topics such as the island’s natural history, periods of incarceration, art and culture, and the local flora and fauna. With over 17 exhibits to peruse, a theatre, auditory experiences, and an engaging touchscreen designed for children, visitors of all inclinations will discover something to capture their interest.
In recognition of the island’s Aboriginal history and to honour the heritage of the Whadjuk Noongar people, the museum’s name has been changed to Wadjemup Museum.
To find the museum, head towards the historical Mill and Hay Store just behind the Rottnest Bakery and General Store within the Settlement area.
Take a photo with a quokka
A trip to Rottnest Island would only be complete with witnessing the island’s famous quokkas, which exude a pleasant presence.
Desiring a quokka selfie requires adherence to respectful guidelines. Quokkas, owing to their inquisitive nature, might come near. It’s crucial to refrain from petting or luring them with treats, as they remain wild and could potentially nip.
These creatures are predominantly nocturnal, so they’re most frequently encountered in the early dawn or dusk all year round. They roam freely within the main Settlement, but you may join a complimentary guided tour to venture into their natural surroundings.
Swim at The Basin
Thanks to its crystalline waters, the Basin is renowned for snorkelling and swimming on Rottnest Island, so remember to bring your snorkelling equipment.
The Basin is ideally suited for young families with its shallow, calm waters and shaded picnic area nestled among pine trees. To get to The Basin, follow the signs from the Settlement, passing by the tennis courts, until the vibrant turquoise water comes into view.
Segway tours
For those children 12 years and older, Segway tours offer an exceptional way to see Rottnest Island. These tours accommodate all levels of Segway proficiency, providing access to parts of the island that might be less accessible on foot.
You can choose from various tour lengths, from an hour-long excursion to an immersive day-long adventure. Family packages are also available, letting you pick a tour that aligns with your family’s preferences.
Be aware of marine life
Rottnest Island isn’t just a prime location for whale sightings; it also hosts diverse marine life, including a colony of New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks.
Dolphin sightings are common as they frolic in the waters around the island, and the surrounding reefs are a haven for various coral species, crustaceans and fishes. You might even encounter an Eagle Ray on your aquatic explorations.
Visitors are advised to be considerate and not to disturb these wild creatures to preserve the island’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
Rent bicycles
On the island, your choices for getting around are the hop-on, hop-off bus service or renting bicycles. For families that are fond of biking, Rottnest Pedal & Flipper provides a range of bicycles and all the necessary equipment for a delightful island adventure. Be mindful that some trails may be undulating, and it’s wise to tailor your cycling path to suit each rider’s stamina and skill level.
Eco E-Bike Tours are available for those who require help traversing the island. These four-hour excursions are crafted to be relaxing and provide ample opportunity to appreciate the coastal vistas, with intervals for swimming or strolling along the beachfront at any inviting bays.
The Island Explorer Bus Service
The Island Explorer Bus runs consistently, making stops at 19 strategic points daily, many right next to the sea.
A family fare is available at $50, accommodating two adults and two children. You can secure your tickets online or purchase them at the Visitor Centre or the machines at the main bus stops.
Little Salmon Bay
Little Salmon Bay stands out as a favoured destination on Rottnest Island for family outings. Its serene waters, natural reef pools, and the shelter provided by cliffs make it an idyllic spot. This bay is conveniently situated along the bus route of Rottnest Island, making it highly accessible. If biking is your preferred mode of transport, it’s a short ride from the Thomson Bay Settlement.
As a snorkelling haven, Little Salmon Bay is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and dynamic aquatic life. An underwater snorkel trail enhances the experience with a series of buoys linked to submerged information plaques. Following these underwater signs provides a comprehensive snorkelling tour of Little Salmon Bay.
Explore the lighthouses
While on Rottnest Island, two lighthouses are worth visiting.
The Wadjemup Lighthouse is located at the highest point of Rottnest Island. Although visitors are not allowed inside the lighthouse, the scenic spot offers a breathtaking view of Perth City on the distant mainland. It is worth noting that the lighthouse is the fourth tallest in Australia, standing at 38 meters.
Three other buildings in the Wadjemup precinct, including the Signal Station, the Battery Observation Post and the Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service, are also intact and linked by self-guided interpretive signage.
Another lighthouse worth visiting on Rottnest Island is Bathurst Lighthouse. It was constructed to assist Wadjemup Lighthouse and is located on the island’s northern edge. While it is not open for visitors, its elevated position offers a stunning view of the sunset over Pinky Beach, making it a worthwhile stop.
Whale watching cruise
Certified marine biologists from Rottnest Fast Ferries will provide live expert commentary and help you spot humpback whales breaching out of the waters of Rottnest Island.
Whale season along the Western Australian coastline is from August to early December. Going during this period offers the opportunity to spot these majestic underwater creatures. It is considered one of the most amazing experiences with the kids on Rottnest Island.
Aquaplay Kids Club Activities
Catering to energetic youngsters aged 6 to 13, the Aquaplay Kids Club is operational from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on weekdays throughout the school vacation periods. The club’s agenda includes an array of fun pursuits like water biking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing), water rolling, traditional paddleboarding, competitive tug of war, relay races, and sandcastle crafting. The provision of life vests ensures all activities are conducted safely.
The club is managed by a crew of amiable and spirited team leaders dedicated to keeping children engaged and physically active. When reservations are made for multiple children, the fee per child is $50, or a reduced rate of $45 per child.
Arrive by ferry
Getting to Rottnest Island from Perth is easy – take a ferry. Three ferry operators run between the island and Perth: Rottnest Express, Sealink, and Rottnest Fast Ferries.
Ferries depart from multiple locations in Perth, including Perth City, Barrack Street Jetty Elizabeth Quay, North Fremantle (Rous Head), Fremantle (Victoria Quay), and Hillary’s Boat Harbour, located 30 minutes north of Perth.
You can visit the historic Lomas Cottage
The government built this cottage in 1870 for ex-convict John Lomas. Information plaques around the cottage provide details about Lomas. The cottage now serves as an exhibition, with different displays each month. Currently, it features work by WA artist Tania Ferrier.
Glass-Bottom Sea Kayaking Adventure
Embarking on a glass-bottom sea kayaking excursion is often listed as a premier activity for families on Rottnest Island, providing a window to view the pristine waters from above and beneath.
Individuals of every age group can partake in the extraordinary adventure of gliding over a sea brimming with colourful fish, beautiful corals, and intricate reef systems, all while staying mostly dry. The informative live narration throughout the journey enriches everyone’s understanding of the underwater ecosystem.
Participants can join a group tour or arrange a private kayaking experience. These kayaking excursions, lasting around one hour, require participants to have a reasonable level of physical fitness.
Rottnest Island Family Fun Park
Beyond aquatic adventures, Rottnest Island also presents terrestrial amusement for families at the Family Fun Park. The park offers various pastimes to cater to diverse interests, including miniature golf, trampolines and timeless arcade games.
The amusement area features attractions suitable for kids and adults, ranging from vintage pinball machines to arcade classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and air hockey. For those seeking a more leisurely activity, the park’s deckchair cinema invites guests to unwind and view films at Rottnest Movies.
The Fun Park provides a selection of homemade crepes, freshly brewed coffee, ice cream, and chilled beverages for patrons to savour amidst their lively afternoons. While there’s no admission fee to enter the park, each attraction is priced separately.
Take an air taxi and fly over Rottnest Island
Rottnest Air Taxi provides private flights for those seeking transfers to and from Rottnest Island, offering the opportunity to view the island from a unique aerial perspective.
Rottnest Air Taxi offers a 10-minute scenic joy flight for those new to flying. The flight price depends on the chosen route and the number of passengers. Children under the age of three can fly for free.
Hire a boat
Rottnest offers over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays. If you want to explore the waters at your own pace, you can hire a boat from Boating West. They have a variety of boats available for half or full-day hire, ranging from 4.2 to 6 meters. Whether you enjoy fishing, water sports, sightseeing, spotting marine life, or cruising, Boating West can accommodate your needs.
The team lives nearby and can provide local knowledge about weather conditions, boat ramps, fuel stations, and fishing spots. Safety gear is included in the price of the fully equipped boats. It will be a fun day with the family. Take advantage of this activity with the kids on Rottnest Island.
Skydiving
Skydiving Geronimo offers skydives for individuals aged 12 and up. You can experience a 30-, 60-, or 66-second free fall to get your adrenaline pumping. The jumps range from 3000 to 4500 meters in height.
You are in safe hands. The tandem skydiving instructor is experienced and has done this many times before. They will assist you in jumping and deploying the main parachute. Your only task is to focus on doing ‘the Superman’ for your in-air photo.
Do you have your jumpsuit on? Is your harness tight? Have you completed the safety briefing? If so, open the doors and go!
Check out the Pilot Boathouse
Delve into Rottnest Island’s heritage and cultural tapestry at the notable Pilot Boathouse. This site displays the island’s nautical past, featuring a model pilot boat and archival photos. The boathouse structure was initially erected to aid maritime navigation, helping vessels safely bypass the reefs en route to Freemantle Harbour. Situated just to the east of the Visitor Centre by the sea barrier, its doors are open for exploration from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every day; it is advised to schedule your trip within these times.
Experience a thrilling ride on the Rottnest Express
For thrill-seekers, the Thrill Ride excursion is a must-try. Dubbed the “oceanic rollercoaster,” this adventure propels you at great velocities along the picturesque shores of Rottnest. It is important to note that this excursion is not recommended for children below 4, pregnant women, or people with existing back problems.
Throughout the 45-minute excursion, glide over the cerulean waves, enjoying the refreshing sea air. During the journey, watch for the chance to witness sea lions, seals, and even dolphins in their natural habitat.
Enjoy dining at the top restaurants on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island boasts a plethora of eateries, spanning from laid-back cafés to upscale restaurants. Frankie’s on Rotto invites guests to unwind in its cozy environment while enjoying delicious, freshly prepared pizzas. Conversely, Pinky’s Beach Club offers an enchanting vista of the sandy shore and the Bathurst Lighthouse, especially when the sun sets.
Located near the ferry dock, Dome’s Cafe presents a menu that changes with the seasons, complemented by an assortment of warm and chilled drinks. For those enchanted by confectionery, the Rottnest Bakery is the ideal spot to savour homemade vanilla slices or jam-filled doughnuts.
