By bike

Travel under your own steam exploring the island via a network of roads and bike paths. With the ability to stop wherever (and whenever) you please, the cycling experience on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island lets you appreciate every moment.

Cycling

A fun, environmentally friendly way to explore the island

Cycling on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is more than a mode of transport, it’s a way of life. As a vehicle-restricted island, people love the switch from petrol to pedal power, enjoying a slowed down pace that’s not only good for their health but also the environment.

Ideal for young children and families, experience that childlike joy and nostalgia as your own memories from your younger days start to return as you explore.

Whether you bring your own wheels or hire a bike once you've arrived, you can pedal to every corner of the island or cruise along on an electric bike, enjoying stunning views and that salty sea air.

Caution: Train in Operation

A train is active on the island. Pedestrians and cyclists, please be cautious, look both ways at railway crossings and keep off the tracks.

Kids riding bikes under fig tree in Main Settlement, with quokkas in the foreground.

Riding in the main settlement

Enjoy the 22km of cycle trails on Rottnest Island, winding through grassy headlands, past incredible ocean vistas, colourful salt lakes and an array of birds and wildlife.

Riding at Little Salmon Bay

Riding to Oliver Hill

See the island sights with ease on an electric bike tour at Geordie Bay.

Paul's Eco E-Bike Tours

Pedal & Flipper Hire

Where to hire bikes

Pedal & Flipper Hire are the island’s hire specialists with an expansive fleet of bikes available including step-through and cross-bar bikes, electric bikes and a large selection of kids’ bikes.

In addition to the large range of bikes and equipment, they provide helmets (which are required by law), locks, island information and cycling advice. The team is trained to personally fit customers to bikes to ensure optimal comfort and safety.

You can also hire a bike from your ferry provider or opt for a guided tour on wheels with Paul’s Eco E Bike Tours.

Cycling the coast

Frequently Asked Questions

There are more than 22 km of cycle paths across the island, with routes for every ability.

The Rotto Mini Loop takes just 30 minutes, weaving through the Wadjemup bushland to The Basin, past Longreach and Geordie Bay. The 10 km Beaches, Lighthouses, and Lakes trail takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, plus however long you want to spend lazing and swimming at the expansive beaches. The full 22 km island loop takes anywhere from three to five hours, varying by how many stops you make along the way.

You can find more information about the trail in our guide to cycling on Rottnest Island here, as well as shorter options if you don’t have enough time – or energy – for the entire loop.

With few vehicles and many cycle paths that weave throughout Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, cycling is one of the best ways to get around. There are cycling routes for every level on the island, offering uninterrupted views as you ride from lakes to beaches and bays, with the added freedom of being able to stop wherever and whenever you please.

Cycling between the Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay settlements is quick and easy, but the full 22 km island cycle loop is suited for experienced bike riders. There are also some challenging hills in places. If you’d like to make it a little easier, opt for a shorter trail such as the Rotto Mini Loop, or you can always hire an electric bike or bring your own.

Pedal & Flipper Hire has one of the largest fleets of hire bikes in the southern hemisphere. Bikes are also available to hire directly through your ferry operator. However, in peak season, there can be occasions where bikes are fully booked. For this reason, we recommend reserving your bikes as early as possible before you arrive.

If you are unable to secure a hire bike, you can choose to bring your own with you on the ferry. Freight charges and conditions may apply so it is best to contact your chosen ferry operator directly for more information.

There are great alternative ways to explore the island too. The Quokka Coaches Island Explorer hop-on hop-off bus service is a flexible option allowing you to venture around at your own pace. Or you can opt for one of the guided bus tours from Quokka Coaches or the Rottnest Express Discovery Tour. An accommodation shuttle is also available to all visitors, allowing easy travel between the Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay settlements. You may also like to book a private transfer with Quokka Hopper, or simply walk – there are a number of experiences within easy walking distance from the main settlement.

Yes, bicycle helmets are required by law; these are supplied with all equipment hired.

Yes, you can certainly bring your own bike to Rottnest Island.

To bring your bike with you by ferry, simply add bike freight to your ticket when booking.

Electric bicycles and electric rideables (e-rideables) are permitted on the island in accordance with the requirements of the Road Traffic Code 2000. If you wish to bring an electric bicycle or e-rideable to the island, please ensure that your device is compliant. For more information, please visit the Road Safety Commission website.

To bring your device with you by ferry, simply add bike freight to your ticket when booking.

The person signing the hire agreement must be 18 years of age or over.

For full terms and conditions of hire, please check with your ferry provider or Pedal & Flipper Hire.