Relax at Salmon Bay along the Wardan Nara Bidi

Walk Wadjemup’s southern coast

Threading its way along the southern coast of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, you’ll find the panoramic Wardan Nara Bidi, allowing hikers to bask in the stunning views of some of Wadjemup’s beautiful, rugged bays. At 9.8 km one-way, be sure to allow around three or four hours to complete it.

Starting at Porpoise Bay, the trail pushes walkers uphill — which is worth it for the expansive 180° view out across Parker Point and the entire southern side of the island. Curving around the coast at Salmon Bay, the Wardan Nara Bidi then turns inland and takes walkers to the Oliver Hill gun battery. For the more adventurous, you can do a guided tour of the tunnels that burrow under the hill, and learn about Wadjemup’s role in World War II.

The trail then continues on, passing by Wadjemup Lighthouse, and meandering alongside Strickland Bay. Stay a while and watch the surf roll in. Before the trail ends at Narrow Neck, hikers can experience the Mammong Dreaming sculpture. Created by Noongar artist Peter Farmer in 2016, it depicts a great whale flashing its flukes. An audio sign allows you to listen to its story, as told by Traditional Owner Kerri Anne Winmar.

Those heading east to west can relax at Rocky Bay, or explore the western side of the island. The more intrepid explorers can choose to continue along the Karlinyah Bidi to Geordie Bay. Walkers going west to east will find the expansive vista of Salmon Bay the ideal place to set down their packs and take in the refreshing views of the turquoise waters — the ideal place to ground yourself in Wadjemup’s rugged beauty.

Wadjemup daisies at Parker Point

Hiking the coast

Mammong sculpture

Oliver Hill

View from Wadjemup Lighthouse

Narrow Neck

Little Salmon Bay

Carry adequate water supplies

Outside of the main settlement, there is limited access to drinking water. Drinking water refill points can be found within the Thomson Bay settlement and at the Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Keep an eye out for

Oliver Hill Battery

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Surfing at Strickland Bay

Eastern ospreys at Salmon Bay

Where to start the Wardan Nara Bidi

The Wardan Nara Bidi starts at Porpoise Bay and winds its way across the island to Narrow Neck. You can take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus and get off at Stop 4, and walk the short way to the trailhead. It finishes near the Rocky Bay bus stop, Stop 13, providing a convenient spot for hikers to rest, recover, and relax on the bus ride back to the main settlement.

Download the trail map

Wadjemup Bidi Fact Sheets - Wardan Nara Bidi

Beware of snakes

Be aware there are venomous snakes on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The dugite is a timid creature, but may bite if harassed. If bitten, seek immediate medical assistance.

Learn the Noongar names

Ngobar
Coastal

Maambakoort
Ocean

Yoondoordoo
Eastern osprey

Dek-koordiny-mart
Wadjemup daisy

Frequently asked questions

The hike takes walkers along both paved and rough surfaces, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. It can get hot at any time of the year too, so bring a hat and sunscreen, and at least two litres of water with you.

The Wardan Nara Bidi provides a bit more of a challenge for avid hikers with rough surfaces, gradual inclines, and a section of beach walking. It’s recommended to have some bushwalking experience first before setting out on the Wardan Nara Bidi.

The Wardan Nara Bidi is quite well-appointed. You can find toilets at Parker Point, Oliver Hill, Strickland Bay, and Narrow Neck.

Fill up your water bottles before you leave the main settlement though, as there isn’t water available on the trail.

Rubbish bins can be found at the bus stops at each end, so please take your rubbish and recycling with you.