Rottnest Island Tours
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The best way to explore Rottnest Island

Rottnest covers 19 square kilometres, so walking gives you only a small slice of it. Renting a bike lets you reach hidden bays, quiet viewpoints, and quokka-friendly trails at your own pace.

Cyclists on Rottnest Island with ocean view, accessible via ferry from Perth or Fremantle.
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Why opt for the bike hire?

✔️ More freedom: A bike lets you explore Rottnest’s 63 beaches, 20 bays, coastal lookouts, and quokka spots at your own pace without relying on island buses.
✔️ Access quiet spots: Pedal to places bus tours can’t reach, like Salmon Bay, Parker Point, Jeannie’s Lookout, and the West End boardwalk.
✔️ Easy logistics: The tour includes round-trip ferry from Perth, Hillarys, or Fremantle plus pre-booked bike hire, so you skip rental queues on arrival.
✔️ Smooth scenic routes: Ride dedicated cycling paths around salt lakes, lighthouse trails, and ocean-side roads with views of turquoise water.
✔️ Great for active days: Perfect if you want a mix of beach hopping, short walks, swim stops, and photography without being tied to fixed tour schedules.
✔️ Nature immersion: Feel the breeze, hear the birds, and stop whenever you like for quokkas, seals, or a swim at bays like Little Parakeet or Little Salmon.

Couple with bicycles on Rottnest Island beach, Western Australia.

Things to know before hiring a bike on Rottnest Island

  • This is a full-day experience that includes your return ferry, island admission, and pre-booked bike hire, so everything is sorted before you even arrive.
  • You can depart from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys. Crossing times range from 25 to 90 minutes depending on the jetty you choose.
  • Bikes are ready for pickup near the main jetty, saving you from rental queues and ensuring you can start exploring straight away. Helmets and security locks are included.
  • Rottnest has 22 km of cycling routes and many areas are only reachable by bike, including Parker Point, Salmon Bay, Cape Vlamingh and quiet inland trails around the salt lakes.
  • There are no private vehicles on the island. Only service vehicles operate, so cyclists share the road mainly with walkers and shuttle buses. Routes include both paved and hilly sections.
  • Wind and afternoon heat can make longer loops tougher. Start early if you plan to do the full West End circuit. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks since some stretches have limited shade.
  • Bike upgrades like e-bikes, child trailers, and baby seats are limited. If you need these, book early, especially during school holidays and summer weekends.

Highlights of the tour

Group cycling towards Wadjemup Lighthouse on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Climb to the island’s highest point for sweeping 360° views. The ride up is steady but rewarding, offering a great sense of Rottnest’s size, coastline, and surprising inland terrain.

Rottnest Island coastline with lighthouse and turquoise waters, view from above.
Clear waters and rocky shoreline at The Basin, Rottnest Island with a distant lighthouse.
Boardwalk leading to ocean view on Rottnest Island, Australia.
Rocky shoreline at Henrietta Rocks, Rottnest Island, with clear blue water and rugged cliffs.

Plan your visit

Person with a bike on Rottnest Island overlooking the ocean during a guided bus tour.

Visitor Centre timings: 7.30am until 30 minutes after the last ferry

Duration: The tour lasts for 7 to 9 hours depending on your boarding point.

Best time to visit: If you want the best weather for cycling on Rottnest then September to April is when you should go. The weather is warm and the seas are calm and longer days make cycling, snorkelling, and beaches ideal.

Rottnest Express ferry leaving jetty with cars and buildings in Fremantle, Australia.

From Perth: Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty (map)

From Hilarys: 5PFR+P2H Hillarys, Western Australia, Australia (map)

From Fremantle: Rottnest Express B Shed Ferry Terminal, Peter Hughes Drive (map)

Woman enjoying ocean view from Rottnest Island lookout.
  • Sun protection essentials: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable.
  • Plenty of water: There are limited refill points outside the main settlement, so pack enough for the full loop.
  • Swim gear + quick-dry towel: Perfect for spontaneous dips at The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, or Parakeet Bay.
  • Comfortable shoes: Even though you’re cycling, short walks to lookouts, boardwalks, and beaches need good grip.
  • Snacks or a light packed lunch: Food options are concentrated near Thomson Bay; you won’t find cafés around the island.
  • Phone power bank + offline map: Coverage can be patchy, and an extra charge ensures navigation, photos, and emergency access.
Tourists dining outdoors with a view of Rottnest Island beach and boats in the background.
  • Shops, cafés & eateries: Most food outlets, groceries, and takeaway spots are concentrated in Thomson Bay near the main settlement.
  • Restrooms & change rooms: Public toilets and changing facilities are scattered across the island, especially near major beaches.
  • Water refill stations: Available in the settlement and select points around the island, but not everywhere.
  • Bike repair stations & first-aid: Basic repair stands, pump points, and a visitor centre offering first-aid assistance ensure support during your ride.

Frequently asked questions about hiring a bike on Rottnest Island

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, as same-day rentals can sell out quickly.