Cycling around Rottnest Island isn't just a mode of transport, it's an immersive journey that promises uninterrupted moments of awe and wonder.
With a network of roads weaving across the island, all you need to do is ready your wheels, pack up some sustenance and pick a direction for a guaranteed day of scenic bliss by bike. While the island offers up plenty of opportunity for free-style adventuring at your own pace, this 10 km loop trail is the perfect tried-and-tested itinerary to guide your immersion in the island’s natural beauty for the day.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
Embark on the Beaches, Lighthouses, and Lakes cycle trail for a deeper look into the unique terrain of Rottnest Island. Spanning a comfortable 10 km loop, this route offers a leisurely biking experience that allows you to soak in the island’s spectacular natural sights. Depending on your pace and itch for exploration, expect to spend anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours pedalling along the coast and inland, with ample opportunities to pause and soak in the island’s offerings.
Kick off your pedalling adventure from the main settlement, ensuring you’ve stocked up on snacks from The General Store or Rottnest Bakery for a well-deserved picnic on your travels. From there, cycle south and make a pit stop at Kingstown Barracks and Bickley Battery, where you can delve into the island's military history, exploring the area on foot before jumping back on your bike.
As you continue southward, the trail unfolds to reveal some of Rottnest Island’s most picturesque beaches, each beckoning with its own unique charm. Henrietta Rocks and Parker Point stand out among the highlights, particularly for avid snorkellers eager to stop and explore the wonders beneath the waves. At Henrietta Rocks, an intriguing shipwreck awaits just 50 metres offshore, nestled in the lush seagrass teeming with diverse marine life. Meanwhile, Parker Point boasts an informative snorkel trail with interpretive plaques embedded in the sea floor. Follow the signs underwater to gather insight into the curious creatures that inhabit the surrounded waters. Keep an eye out for striking pink coral and brightly coloured nudibranchs.
If a snorkelling session isn’t on your wish list for today, simply pause for a moment to admire the coastal views. Then, when you’re ready– because this is your time to slow down – continue your journey towards the island’s southern-most tip. Along the way, make a stop at Jeannie’s Lookout. This serene vantage point overlooks Jeannie’s Pool, tucked within the rocky shores below. This tranquil cove boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that reveal an intricate reef system, inviting contemplation and appreciation of nature’s wonders.
Continuing along the coast, you’ll soon reach the iconic Salmon Bay. Here you can see your next destination in the distance, Wadjemup Lighthouse. As the lighthouse beckons, your ride veers inland towards Wadjemup Hill – the island’s highest point. Keep an eye out for the quokkas in the cluster of trees, their presence adding a touch of charm to the landscape. The pedal up Wadjemup Hill is a steady one, but once you’ve conquered it, the summit offers a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the panoramic views.
Wadjemup Lighthouse stands as an integral part of the island’s maritime history, its construction dating back to 1896. Take this opportunity to join a tour inside the lighthouse, where a Rottnest Voluntary Guide will lead you up the 155 spiralling stairs, offering insight into the workings of the lighthouse that still functions today. At the top, be rewarded with 360-degree views that span the island’s rugged coastline and the winding cycle paths you pedalled to get here.
After descending the stairs of Wadjemup Lighthouse, treat yourself to a well-deserved break at Kalli’s on Rotto, conveniently located opposite the lighthouse. Here, you can indulge in a refreshing drink and bite to eat as you relax in one of the deckchairs while enjoying the panoramic views of the island. It’s a welcome moment to recharge before hopping back on your bike.
It’s time to hop back on your bike and resume your adventure back to the settlement. As you pedal away from the lighthouse, follow Digby Drive all the way back to the main settlement where you’ll weave through the island’s network of mirrored lakes and wetlands, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the island’s rugged terrain.
Embrace the serenity as you glide past the waters of the lakes, their surfaces reflecting the surrounding landscape like glass. For an even closer encounter with nature’s peacefulness, we recommend pausing here to wander along the boardwalks that meander through the wetlands. With each step, you’ll feel as though you’re walking on water.
These wetlands serve as a sanctuary for a diverse array of birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for banded stilts, Australian shelducks, and crested terns, among other winged residents that call this habitat home.
As you pedal onwards towards the settlement, let the beauty of the wetlands linger in your memory. Whether you’re drawn to the island’s rich history, pristine beaches, or inland lake systems, this cycle trail promises a memorable journey filled with discovery and wonder at every turn. So, hop on your bike, soak in the island breeze, and let the journey unfold.
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