Camping on Rottnest Island is a fantastic way to get to know this hidden gem, especially if you’re a backpacker or trying to stick to a budget.
If you’re still wondering whether a trip to Rottnest Island is worth the money, then this complete guide will help you decide. It will tell you all the important things you need to know in order to make your day there perfect.
While it’s not a cheap trip, I definitely think going to Rottnest is worth it. Whether you’re planning on visiting Perth anyway or are coming just to see the little island, it’s a great place to spend the day.
Or I’ve you’ve got a bit more time, why not stay on Rottnest Island for a few nights and go on a fun camping or glamping adventure?
Too expensive? That doesn’t have to be necessarily true. Camping sites on Rottnest Island are actually quite affordable if you know a few tips and come with the right equipment.
Once you’ve seen the island, you should discover more of Western Australia and drive south on an epic road trip from Perth to Albany.
Why Rottnest Island is perfect for a camping adventure
So why is Rottnest special?
Firstly, you can find some of the West Coast’s best beaches here, and the picturesque landscapes will make you feel as if you’re a thousand miles away from Perth’s busy streets. It’s the perfect way to escape the city for a day and enjoy the incredible nature the area has to offer.
Of course, what makes Rottnest so popular are the quokkas, small marsupials that are so used to human presence that they’ll let you get up close and take the perfect photo. They live all over the island, and riding around trying to spot them is so much fun.
Camping on Rottnest Island is an incredible experience. Most tourists come only for a day trip, but if you get the chance to stay overnight, you’ll get to see unpolluted night skies and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.
Aside from crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and friendly quokkas, the main reason why I enjoy going to Rottnest so much is the fact that there is next to no motorised traffic.
You’ll find busses and some smaller trucks taking tourists around the island, however, the most popular method of getting around Rottnest is by bike. This means you’ll get to enjoy nature largely undisturbed by cars and can take your time cycling around.
It really is a version of paradise.
Is Rottnest Island good for backpackers?
As a backpacker, you might be looking for cheap activities, and Rottnest Island may not seem like a realistic choice. However, you might not need as much money for a day trip as you think, and your only big expense will be the ferry ticket. A trip to Rottnest is definitely worth it.
You can also avoid the expensive hotels on Rottnest Island by camping there for a night or two instead, which is something a lot of backpackers do when visiting the area and one of the best budget tips.
While Rottnest Island isn’t a typical backpacker destination, it’s definitely possible to come here on a budget. Since it’s such a popular place to visit, you can even explore the island as a solo traveller and meet plenty of peoplle along the way.
History and facts about Rottnest
Rottnest Island is located around 17 kilometres off the coast of Perth on Australia’s West Coast. It has an area of around 19 km2 and a small permanent population of just over 300 people.
The island is known as Wadjemup to the local Noongar people. Evidence of human life can be dated back as far as 30,000 years, although Rottnest only separated from the mainland around 7,000 years ago.
The island was first “discovered” by Dutch ships in the 17th century. They named it “Rat’s Nest” Island because of the quokkas, which they mistook for rodents. Over time the name Rottnest Island developed from this misunderstanding.
Since British settlers found their way to the Swan Valley, the island has been used as a prison, for military purposes and as an internment camp. You can still visit many of the colonial buildings.
In April of 2020, the island was being used as a COVID-19 quarantine location for incoming cruise ship passengers.
How to get to Rottnest Island
Organising your transport will be the most important part of your trip to Rottnest Island.
Ferries
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Rottnest Island is, of course, by ferry. There are numerous operators taking tourists to the island and back to the mainland every day.
The most popular ferry services are Sealink, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and Rottnest Express. They offer similar routes and departure times, and their pricing is nearly identical. I have not experienced any notable difference between the operators, so it is not very important which one you choose.
What’s better: a day trip to Rottnest or an overnight stay?
Most backpackers choose to do a day trip to Rottnest Island to save some time and money. In my opinion, that is definitely enough to see a good amount of the island and not feel as though you’re missing out.
However, there is the option to stay overnight at one of the many hotels or campsites, and it really gives you time to explore.
Rottnest is too large for you to see everything in just one day. The Western end of the island is usually neglected by day trip tourists since it’s quite far away from the port.
If you’re not short on time or money, I’d highly recommend staying on Rottnest for two to three days so you can really enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you should look into the campsites available on the island. They’re decently affordable, especially if you’re travelling in a larger group. Camping on Rottnest Island is the perfect way to find budget accommodation and get to enjoy the island without spending a lot of money. It will really upgrade your experience and make your time there a lot more enjoyable.
How to get around Rottnest Island
Since there are no cars available for rent on the island, you will either have to walk (which will take far too long), rent a bike or take the bus to get around.
Renting bikes on Rottnest Island
You can bring your own bike on the ferry if you have one. It will cost you $15 AUD to take it.
Renting one costs $30 AUD for a normal bike and $46 AUD for one with a cargo trailer. It’s most convenient to rent your bike from the ferry operator as you won’t have to think about when to return it and where to pick it up.
The bikes come with you on the ferry. Make sure to get off the boat early so you don’t have to wait in line for a long time.
Each bike comes with a helmet that you should wear as much as possible. Most of Rottnest’s roads are paved, and if you fall, you’ll regret not having a helmet on.
Quokkas look like they are permanently smiling, which is why they are so popular for selfies. Don’t get too close, though and never touch a quokka. They might be used to humans, but they are still wild animals that can, of course, bite.
Feeding or touching them is also very harmful to the little animals, and you should respect their personal space. Getting up close for a photo is fine if you’re careful not to disturb them too much.
Again, never feed a quokka or give them water. They are living a very comfortable life on Rottnest Island with few natural predators and plenty of food sources. Human food will only harm them and teach them to be reliant on humans.
The Basin
The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest Island and can get a little bit crowded. It’s worth it, though.
Pearse Lakes
While there’s not much left of the lakes in this photo, they’re usually a pinkish colour and quite a sight to see.
WADJEMUP LIGHTHOUSE
Wadjemup Lighthouse is one of Rottnest’s major lighthouses and provides fantastic views and a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Salmon Bay
This world-famous beach is known for its impressive waves and crystal-clear waters.
Longreach Bay
Located right next to the Basin, this is a quieter beach where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
Rottnest Island Camping & Backpacker FAQ
Is Rottnest Island good as a backpacker?
You may think that Rottnest Island isn’t the best place to go if you’re on a budget, but it’s actually more affordable than you think and a great spot for backpackers who want to enjoy nature.
Can you camp on Rottnest Island?
Yes, Rottnest Island has a large campground where you can stay overnight in tents.
What’s the best camping site on Rottnest Island?
There is only one official campground on Rottnest Island, which is located very close to the Settlement.
Does anyone live on Rottnest Island?
There are around 300 people living on Rottnest Island permanently.
Is Rottnest Island worth it?
Yes, this beautiful island has some of the best beaches in Western Australia, and it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see quokkas in the wild.
Can you do Rottnest Island in a day?
Yes, Rottnest Island is a popular day trip destination.
How many days should you spend in Rottnest Island?
One day is enough if you’re short on time, but ideally, plan to stay one or two nights on the island.
Is Rottnest Island hilly?
Yes, Rottnest Island has quite a few hills, which can make riding a bike a real workout.
How did Rottnest Island get its name?
The name Rottnest originates from Rat’s Nest, which is what the Dutch first called it because they mistook the quokkas for rodents.
Was Rottnest Island a prison?
Yes, Rottnest Island was briefly used as a prison.
Is it worth staying on Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island is a beautiful place to stay, and you can see a lot more if you spend a night or two here, so it’s definitely worth it.
Why is Rottnest Island famous?
Rottnest Island is famous for its beaches, the quokkas and untouched nature.