Weave around Wadjemup / Rottnest Island at your own pace. This complete island loop takes you on paved roads and paths to witness flourishing flora and fauna and major habitats.
Picture this: It’s a refreshing, yet mild winter’s day. You’re collecting your bikes from Pedal & Flipper Hire and are preparing to cover as much of this beautiful Class A Reserve as you can. With nothing but time and perfect conditions, hours of adventure on the Island Ride trail await.
Distance: 22 km
Time: 3 - 5 hours
Unleash your pent-up indoor energy on this expansive cycling trail. Expect to spend anywhere from three to five hours gliding around, depending on the pace of your pedalling and how often you make pitstops to admire the surrounding scenery along the way.
On a cool day, there’s no sense of urgency to head off to beat the heat of the day. Instead, take your time enjoying the surrounds of the main settlement. With hours of activity ahead, ensure you have ample fuel. Grab a table at Dome and sip and savour hearty flavours, or swing into The Lane Cafe or Rottnest Bakery for a barista-made coffee and takeaway treats to enjoy later in your journey. When you’re ready to ride, here’s what you can expect to see along the way:
This trail first takes you along the island’s southern side where you can embrace the burst of energy that is unleashed as you cover the first few kilometres of the trail towards Henrietta Rocks. Here, the lapping waters are home to boya-k maambakoort-koop (sea coral) and the remains of a shipwreck which can be spotted from the trail, shore or steps that lead down to the sand.
Continue along the curved path around Porpoise Bay over to Parker Point and Jeannie’s Lookout; both offering unobstructed views of the waters that glimmer with alluring blue hues. Just around the corner lies a huge osprey stack to admire at Salmon Point. Sightings of the resident osprey may be a pleasant surprise here too.
The end of your southern journey signals its presence as you pass through the aptly named Narrow Neck. The land tapers tightly, offering glimpses of surrounding coastline on both sides as you cruise along.
Relax, you’ve made it halfway! Take pause, stretch your legs and fill your lungs with the fresh air that swathes this western-most point of the island. Whether the skies are silver and speckled with rain clouds or bright and blue, this area forms a beautiful backdrop to observe all that’s on offer. Witness the local wildlife from the Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh viewing platforms. These vantage points have binoculars at the ready for when flippers, scales or feathers catch your eye. During the winter months, you can commonly spot the manyil (long-nosed fur seal) colony on the rocks below from Cathedral Rocks. Kwilena (bottlenose dolphin) and humpback maamoong (whale) sightings also take place as early as June, with migration season in full force from August through December.
When the rumbles of your stomach start to overpower the rhythmic crescendo of the coast, West End is a welcome place for an extended rest. Grab a steaming toastie and a warm drink from Lexi’s on Rotto: the retro caravan with outdoor seating and an enviable view. You can also make use of the shelter, seating and toilet facilities that are available here before continuing your quest for adventure.
As you make your way back towards the main settlement, the return path winds past a collection of coastal gems. Make your way out of the crisp western winds through Narrow Neck and head north towards Catherine Bay. The views here are turquoise and tranquil, even throughout the winter months. Continue towards other quaint coves, like Little Armstrong Bay and Parakeet Bay, where you can pad your way over soft sands and give your hard-working legs a brief respite.
Powered by picturesque surrounds, the paths loop around the northern arcs of the kabikarning (salt lake) systems. This makes for a particularly spectacular sight after winter rains which replenish the lakes and all the life they hold. Cast your eyes back to the coastline as Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay burst into view. Both bays bustle with boaters and bathers alike during summer, so appreciate the leisurely energy that resides here when the days are shorter and cooler. If you need one final burst of energy to propel you, call into Geordie’s Café & Art Gallery for something to sip or snack on. From here onwards, take the trail inland and watch the headlands transform into thriving bushland and teeming balyan boodja (wetlands). As you re-emerge back into the gentle thrum of Thomson Bay, relish in all that you’ve seen on your journey and the memories that will accompany you back to the mainland.
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
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