[2025 Rottnest Island Attraction] Travel Guide for Rottnest Island Salt Lakes (Updated Mar)

One of the 12 salt lakes in rottnest 😊😍 Interesting fact: These lakes are four times saltier than the sea😲 Plants like beaded samphire, coastal bonefruit, grey saltbush, and coastal pigface all exist close to the lakes’ edges. Be sure to stay on the marked trails, though, to make sure you don’t trample the delicate, thousand-year-old microbialites that grow on the shores. It creates a unique wetland habitat, crisscrossed with walking trails, that’s ripe for quiet exploration and reflection. #rottnestisland #2023TravelWish #summervacation #oneofthosedays #saltlake #wandering #wanderingsoul

#favouriteitinerary Here’s a fun and active 1-day Rottnest Island itinerary — perfect for cycling and exploring the island’s highlights: Morning: Arrival and Exploration • 7:30 AM – Ferry to Rottnest Island Depart from Fremantle or Perth. The ferry from Fremantle takes about 25 minutes, while from Perth, it’s around 90 minutes. • 9:00 AM – Bike hire and gear up Pick up your bike (pre-book if possible!) and grab a map at the Visitor Centre. You can also rent snorkel gear if you plan to swim. • 9:30 AM – Cycle to The Basin and Pinky Beach A short ride from the main settlement. The Basin is perfect for a quick swim, while Pinky Beach offers beautiful views of Bathurst Lighthouse — a great spot for photos! Midday: Scenic Cycling and Lunch • 11:00 AM – Cycle the West End route (or a shorter loop) If you’re up for it, take the 22 km West End loop — stunning coastal views, hidden beaches, and lookouts like Cape Vlamingh. • Options for shorter routes: The Salmon Bay or Little Armstrong Bay routes are more relaxed but still scenic. • 12:30 PM – Lunch at Thomsons Rottnest or The Lane Café Return to the main settlement or stop by a beachside picnic area if you packed your own food. Afternoon: Quokka Spotting and Beach Time • 1:30 PM – Quokka selfie time! Wander the settlement area — quokkas tend to gather in shaded spots around the cafes or near the old buildings. Remember: no touching or feeding them! • 2:00 PM – Snorkeling at Little Salmon Bay or Parakeet Bay Both beaches are great for snorkeling — crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. Evening: Wind Down and Return • 4:00 PM – Sunset at Pinky’s Beach Club Grab a drink and relax with views of Bathurst Lighthouse. • 5:30 PM – Return your bike and head to the jetty • 6:00 PM – Ferry back to Fremantle/Perth ##australiatrip

#favouriteitinerary 🚲 Rottnest Island Cycling Guide Cycling is the best way to explore Rottnest Island — no cars, just open roads, turquoise waters, and quokkas at every turn. Here’s your go-to guide for a day of biking bliss! 🌅 Morning: Gear Up & Get Going 1. Bike Hire (8:30 AM) • Pedal & Flipper is the main bike rental spot near the ferry terminal. • Options: standard bikes, e-bikes (great for hills), or even tandems! • Tip: Book your bike online with your ferry ticket to save time. 2. Route Options: • Easy ride: The Basin & Pinky Beach (4 km round trip) — perfect if you want a relaxed morning swim. • Intermediate: Northern Loop (approx. 10 km) — Longreach Bay, Geordie Bay, Parakeet Bay. • Full island loop: Rottnest Island Round Trip (22 km) — takes you past Cape Vlamingh, Wadjemup Lighthouse, and Salmon Bay. 🌊 Midday: Beach Hopping & Snorkeling 3. Pinky Beach & The Basin (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM) • Swim in the clear, calm waters of The Basin — great for snorkeling! • Snap a photo with Bathurst Lighthouse as your backdrop. 4. Little Parakeet & Geordie Bay (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) • Bike north to these quieter beaches. • Tip: Geordie Bay has a café and a small store — perfect for a snack or cold drink. 🥗 Lunch & Relaxation 5. Lunch at Frankie’s on Rotto (1:00 PM) • Located in Thomson Bay, they serve fresh pizzas, salads, and local seafood. • Or grab a picnic lunch and relax by the beach. 🏞️ Afternoon: Explore the West End 6. Cape Vlamingh & Cathedral Rocks (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM) • If you’re up for the full loop, cycle to the West End for rugged cliffs and epic ocean views. • Spot New Zealand fur seals playing in the water at Cathedral Rocks. 🌅 Sunset & Wrap-Up 7. Sunset Drinks at Hotel Rottnest (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) • Unwind with a drink at this iconic beachside pub. • Great views of the sunset over Thomson Bay. 🌿 Pro Tips: • Water & Snacks: Bring plenty — limited refill points. • Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential. • Quokka spotting: Best chances are near Thomson Bay or in the shady areas around the main settlement. • Ferry back: Don’t miss your return ferry — check your schedule and allow time to return your bike! ##australiatrip