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Why Little Salmon Bay should be on your Rottnest Island itinerary

Little Salmon Bay | A tranquil snorkelling haven on Rottnest Island

Once you’ve arrived on Rottnest Island, make your way south to explore Little Salmon Bay. It's a small, sheltered cove famed for its calm turquoise waters and family-friendly snorkelling experience. Follow the marked snorkel trail through limestone reefs and coral gardens teeming with fish, or simply float in the shallows and soak in the serenity that defines this Rottnest gem.

Where is it located?

Address: Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia

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How to access?

Little Salmon Bay is located on the southern coast of Rottnest Island, about a 25-minute bike ride or short bus ride (stop 6) from the main settlement at Thomson Bay. You can also walk here in roughly an hour via the scenic coastal trail that connects Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay.

Things to know before booking Little Salmon Bay tours

  • You don’t need a separate ticket to visit Little Salmon Bay. Access is included with your Rottnest Island admission, which comes bundled with most island tours.
  • The bay is located about 6 km from Thomson Bay, the main ferry terminal. You can reach it by bike (around 25 minutes) or catch the Island Explorer Bus, which stops right at Little Salmon Bay (Stop 6).
  • The calm, sheltered waters make it one of the best spots for beginner snorkelers and families. You’ll find reefs close to the shore and plenty of fish even in shallow areas.
  • Pack your snorkeling gear or rent it from the Pedal & Flipper Hire near Thomson Bay before heading here. The bay is quite secluded and there are no rental shops or cafes.
  • The bay gets busy by late morning, so visit early for clear waters and quieter surroundings, or come at sunset for beautiful golden reflections over the lagoon.

Why visit Little Salmon Bay?

Diverse marine life

Little Salmon Bay feels like stepping into an open-air aquarium. The water here is so clear that you can spot schools of tropical fish gliding through sea grass and coral even before you put your mask on.

The island’s most peaceful snorkelling trail

Unlike the busier Parker Point, the underwater coastal trail here is smaller, calmer, and feels more intimate. You’ll follow interpretive plaques that guide you across coral gardens and limestone ledges making it perfect for beginners.

A cove designed for slow, sunny hours

Sheltered by rocky headlands, Little Salmon Bay is rarely windy. The waves break softly, the sand is fine, and the water stays shallow far into the distance. This place is ideal for floating, picnicking, or simply staying put for hours.

A photographer’s dream corner of Rottnest

With its turquoise shallows framed by golden cliffs, Little Salmon Bay often steals the spotlight from more famous beaches. When the late afternoon sun hits the water, the bay glows and this is the shot everyone ends up taking home.

Exploring Little Salmon Bay

Two people snorkeling with yellow fins in clear water at Rottnest Island.
Couple snorkeling near Rottnest Island beach with clear water and trees in the background.
Couple snorkeling near Rottnest Island beach with clear water and trees in the background.
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Follow the 700-metre snorkel trail:

Swim at your leisure through clear water, guided by a series of aquatic plaques anchored to the seabed. Here, each panel describes the bay’s vibrant marine life and coral types you’ll see along the way. Corals such as soft pink and lavender sea fans, brain corals, and staghorn corals are quite common. Marine life includes schools of Western Buffalo Bream, bright Green Moon Wrasse, and tiny stripeys darting among the corals.

Swim in protected waters

Thanks to its natural shelter from winds and its status as a Marine Sanctuary Zone, the bay offers some of the island’s calmest, cleanest water. It's great for relaxed swimming or introducing kids to the ocean without big waves.

Hit the trail on wheels

Arrive by bike or hop on the Island Explorer bus to reach this spot, then explore nearby tracks (like Wardan Nara Bidi) that offer beautiful coastal hikes and views just a short walk away.

Know before you go

  • There are no fixed visiting hours for Little Salmon Bay. You visit during your day-trip on Rottnest Island and simply return before the last ferry.
  • Expect to spend about 1–2 hours here if snorkelling the trail, or a relaxed half-day if you include beach time and photography.
  • Facilities are minimal at Little Salmon Bay: no cafés or stores on-site, and the nearest toilets are a short walk away at Parker Point.
  • The bay includes a 700–800 metre snorkel trail, marked with underwater signage, ideal for exploring marine life in calm, shallow, family-friendly waters.
  • For best conditions, visit early morning when winds are light and water clear; afternoons can bring more wind and more visitors.
  • Snorkelling gear: Bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel if you want to explore the underwater trail. Rentals are only available near Thomson Bay.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun can be harsh and coral ecosystems are sensitive, so opt for eco-friendly sunscreen.
  • Water and light snacks: There are no cafés or kiosks near the bay, so pack your own refreshments.
  • Towel and change of clothes: Facilities are minimal, so it’s best to dry off and change before heading back.
  • Camera or GoPro: The water clarity and marine life make this one of the island’s most photogenic snorkel spots.
  • Hat and shade cover: There’s limited natural shade at the cove. A hat or small umbrella helps on hot, windless days.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Little Salmon Bay

How do I get to Little Salmon Bay?

You can reach Little Salmon Bay by bike, about 5.2 km from Thomson Bay, or take the Island Explorer Bus and hop off at Stop 6.

Where does the underwater snorkel trail start?

The trail begins right off the beach, look for the first marker buoy a few metres from the shoreline. It loops around the bay and returns near the entry point.

Is Little Salmon Bay good for beginner snorkellers?

Yes, it’s ideal for beginners for its calm, shallow waters and clear visibility. You can even easily spot colourful fish and coral close to shore.

Are there lifeguards on duty?

No, there are no lifeguards stationed at Little Salmon Bay, so visitors should swim within their comfort zone and check conditions before entering the water.

Can I bring food or have a picnic here?

Absolutely. There are no cafés nearby, but visitors often bring packed lunches and enjoy picnics on the sand or grassy areas.

Are there restrooms or changing facilities nearby?

There are basic toilet facilities near the bay, but no changing rooms or showers, so plan accordingly.