1. Ride a Bike Around the Island
Wanna get your legs fit? Bring or hire a bike at Rottnest. There are sealed roads on the island, but they are undulating so you can give yourself a great work out in between relaxing on the silky sand beaches. Bike hires on the island are $30 / day and it is $20 each way to bring your own bike on the ferry.
It is the coolest, well figuratively as the bus is a lot cooler in summer, but so much fun riding around, dodging quokkas, and feeling the breeze whip through your hair. I use Bluetooth headphones and pair them with my phone and either stream Spotify or listen to downloaded music on my sojourns.
It’s 10 km from The Settlement to West End. If you go straight there it takes about an hour, but I suggest stopping along the way to take a dip in the crystal clear, blue water and to give your legs a break.
It’s about 3 hours around the island. Take plenty of water and snacks as even in winter it is hot and you will need the extra energy to keep your legs pumping. I would recommend doing Oliver Hill & The Wadjemup Lighthouse as separate half-day trips as ascending the hills can be quite a challenge, but the views are very worthwhile. Hire a bike HERE
2. Surf the Indian Ocean
There are amazing waves at Rottnest!! Where do you ask, well that is for you to find and me to know. With over 50 KM of coastline the wind is always off shore and there is generally plenty of swell.
Winter is best as the winds are lighter and there is ground swell being generated from Antarctica. The water is generally in the hi teens – low 20’s, so a 3 / 2 mm wet suit will ensure that your aquatic appetite is satiated.
3. Have a Hit of Tennis
Who comes to an island to play tennis? Believe it or not, there are 3 public tennis courts at Rottnest. They are all hard court and kept in good shape. There is no racquet or ball hire so be sure to bring your own.
Water is a must as are chairs and shade. Also, don’t be surprised if you see one of the local skink’s sunning itself on the warm asphalt.
4. Grab a Golf Club
There is a great golf course on the island. Whilst the greens are short it’s great for a laugh with friends. All you need is a 9 iron / sand wedge, a putter and a few cold beverages and you are set for a few hours of fun.
Reasonably priced and located next to Pinky’s Beach and The Basin, treat yourself to a dip in the Indian Ocean after your hard work on the links.
And best of all, the greens are mostly sand, so divots are not a major concern. Whack away and enjoy your day!! Book a tee time at HERE
5. Run on a White Sand Beach
What is better than running on the beach? Not, much eh? I like to run on the sand as we all know that knees deteriorate with age, it’s easier on the bod.
Choose from a flat run on a long beach to challenging yourself going up sand dunes to functional training on the foreshore. A quick dip in the refreshing water is always recommended and then a cold beer.
6. Sit Back, Relax and Read a Book
One of our biggest complaints in life is that we are “time poor.” Well, here on the island, time is plentiful and if you have the inclination, then you have the time.
I have read more whilst at Rottnest than I have in the last several years. It is a dying art form and has been so nice to pick up a book and just read.
Regardless of your taste, it’s just nice to wrap your mind around something philosophical or completely let go and read some trashy, gossip column.
7. Snorkel a Pristine Reef
There is amazing snorkeling around the island. Pristine beaches, crystal clear, turquoise water and abundant fish life provide for a plethora of fun.
From shallow coves to deeper bays and some fantastic scuba diving around the island. Diving, however at Rottnest, is not for the faint-hearted and a high level of skill is necessary to ensure it is conducted safely.
As you can see, Rottnest is an extremely special place. It’s rich history, idyllic beaches, and tranquil atmosphere ensure fun for all ages. We are truly fortunate to have such a natural playground at our doorstep and need to ensure that it is protected for future generations to come.
