Top Attractions in Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island Essentials

Rottnest Island, known as Wadjemup to the Whadjuk Noongar people, features a mix of maritime history, unique wildlife, and coastal landscapes. This selection highlights the island's dual lighthouses—the 1849 Wadjemup and the scenic Bathurst—alongside natural landmarks like the saline Government House Lake and the sheltered waters of The Basin. Heritage sites include the WWII-era military installations at Oliver Hill and the Wadjemup Museum, which documents the island's colonial and Aboriginal history. The car-free terrain allows for quiet exploration of viewpoints and white-sand beaches.

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Completed in 1849, the original 20-metre Wadjemup Lighthouse was Western Australia's first stone lighthouse and was built to provide a…

Bathurst Lighthouse

Bathurst Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses on Rottnest Island, the other being Wadjemup Lighthouse.

The Basin

The Basin is a popular swimming location on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Oliver Hill

A significant WWII heritage site featuring restored 9.2-inch guns and an extensive network of underground tunnels. It serves as a key military history landmark and the terminus for the island's heritage train line.

Government House Lake

Government House Lake is a saline lake on Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Vlamingh Lookout

Elevated vantage point offering panoramic views across the island’s interior salt lakes and the coastline. It is named after Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh, who landed on the island in 1696.

Pinkie Beach

A white-sand beach located at the base of Bathurst Lighthouse. It features calm waters protected by a reef and is a site for snorkeling and swimming near the main settlement.

Wadjemup Museum

Housed in the historic Old Mill and Hay Store, this museum exhibits the island's history, including its connection to the Whadjuk Noongar people, maritime shipwrecks, and its period as a colonial prison.