A journey to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island promises a world of adventure. And the best part? The most memorable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime won’t cost you a cent.
From the moment you arrive to when you settle into your seat on the ferry home, this island offers endless opportunities to disconnect from the day-to-day and immerse yourself into its unique wonders. And as you watch the island shrink into the distance behind you on your journey back to the mainland, you’ll find the value of your time spent here lingers long after.
Here is our guide to a wealth of free and low-cost experiences waiting to be embraced, guaranteed to become lifelong, priceless memories.
From the moment you depart the mainland, the ocean unfolds in front of you, and it begins. Surrounded by the expanse of ocean on your short journey towards the island, you’ll find yourself drawn to its natural beauty as it appears on the horizon. Whether you’re walking the Wadjemup Bidi trails, taking a refreshing dip in the bays, spotting quokkas hopping around, or stopping for a picnic at a lookout point that makes Perth city seem so small, yet so close— nature’s charms are yours to explore here.
The island’s sun-drenched coastline beckons its visitors to explore the treasures along the water’s edge. Even if you’re exploring Rottnest Island with a budget in mind, there are plenty of free seaside activities available from swimming through the underwater sanctuaries to venturing out to shipwrecks, just a short paddle from the shore.
Beyond the island’s beaches and bays, there’s a collection of wallet-friendly land-based activities that nurture a deeper understanding of the island you’re visiting. Join a free walking tour with the Rottnest Voluntary Guides to seek out the native flora and fauna freckled around the island or to gain insight into the significant history of Wadjemup. Plan your visit based on the exhibitions at Wadjemup Museum (entry by donation) and the calendar of free events that add even more vibrancy to the island’s atmosphere throughout the year.
There are plenty of affordable venues on the island for a delicious feast with your friends and family, but some of the best dining experiences are the ones you create for yourself. With public barbeques at Geordie Bay, The Basin, and Thomson Bay, you can set up a midday or sundowner feast with unbeatable views, surrounded by nature. Thomson Bay makes for an idyllic spot for a shared meal with your loved ones, with its shady trees and protected waters.
Wadjemup invites you to slow down the pace, and it’s easy to do that on foot allowing you to soak up the island surrounds. Within a 10-minute walk of the main settlement, you can find salt lakes nestled in lush landscapes, panoramic views of the island, and the crystal-clear waters of The Basin and Pinky Beach. For those wanting to travel further afield, the accommodation shuttle bus is an affordable way to travel between Kingstown Barracks in the south and Geordie Bay to the north, at just $5 for a day pass.
When you put spontaneity aside and plan your visit to Rottnest Island in advance, you can often find a range of discounts and special offers. Everything from discounted ferry tickets to tours and activity deals are available so that you can connect to all that is here while staying within your budget.
Travelling to Rottnest Island on a budget doesn’t mean that you’re restricted to a day trip. There’s a range of accommodation options on Rottnest Island that allow you to extend your visit and witness the quiet and stillness of the evenings and early mornings.
Sleep under the stars at the campground and wake up to the natural sounds of the island or stay in a shared hostel or private family dorm, just ten minutes from the main settlement. Choosing to travel in the low season (even mid-week vs the weekend) can also make a big difference.
Make your visit even more meaningful with helpful advice from those in the know.
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