Excursion Leisure & lunch on rottnest island tour at Perth

A car-free natural paradise afloat in the Indian Ocean, just 35 minutes by ferry from urban Fremantle, Rottnest Island makes a perfectly scenic day trip option for travelers seeking a unique Western Australia outing. Mistakenly given its rather unappealing name by a Dutch explorer who first happened by in 1696, Rotto's namesake indigenous residents – the quokkas – are quite the opposite. During your first hour onshore at Thomson Bay, you’ll have a chance to meet and be enchanted by some of these small, furry, friendly marsupials – close cousins to the kangaroo and wallaby – as you begin discovering the colorful heritage of this beachside settlement.

An hour-long island orientation drive follows, reaching out further into Rottnest’s breathtaking landscape and revealing more of its history. The appetite you’ll have worked up by midday will soon be well-quenched by the leisurely lunch with complimentary wine or beer. Sip on a drink as you soak in the sea breeze and the island’s tranquil rhythm.

With lunch under your belt, a 90-minute stretch of freeform afternoon beach time allows for plenty of relaxed sunning, swimming, and scenery enjoyment before it's time to reboard the ferry for the 12-mile return ferry ride to the mainland. Alas, no quokkas allowed, even though you might be tempted to adopt one.

Points of interests

Points of Interest: Rottnest Island, Thomson Bay settlement, quokka encounter, lunch at Isola Bar e Cibo

Note

Please note: Much of the walking involved in this moderate excursion is at guests’ discretion, with access to the beach possible during free time. The island is not flat, so there are some inclines and areas of unpaved natural surfaces. The tour is not suitable for those who utilize a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Those prone to motion sickness should take precautions for the 30 to 40-minute public ferry ride. A waiver must be signed to participate. Bikes are available for rental when arriving in Thompson Bay, if desired. Comfortable beachwear and flat walking shoes are suggested. Bring along a bathing suit, towel, and your preferred sun protection. Special dietary preferences may be accommodated with 72-hour advance notice. The order of sights and activities may vary.