Budget Travellers Day Trip Guide to Rottnest Island Western Australia

A visit to Rottnest Island is one of the must see attractions on any visit to Perth, Western Australia but getting there and sightseeing on the island can be costly. Use this handy guide to a day trip to Rottnest Island for budget travellers if you want to make the most of Rottnest Island's unique wildlife and inviting beaches and bays and not break the bank.

Detailed Map of Rottnest Island

Getting to Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island or "Rotto" as the locals call it lies just 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth and is easily accessed from both Perth and Freemantle by a short ferry ride. Rottnest Express has ferries departing from Pier 2 Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, Northport Terminal in North Freemantle and C Shed Victoria Quay,

Rottnest Express Ferry to Rottnest Island from Freemantle

Ferry costs to Rottnest Island can be expensive. It is cheaper to depart from Freemantle rather than Perth as it is the shorter journey of the two, so if you can, combine your trip to Rottnest with a visit to Freemantle. Departing from Perth makes for a longer day which means less time on Rottnest.

One of the ways to make substantial savings on ferry crossings is to book in advance. During the summer months Rottnest Express offer 15% discount for booking 10 days in advance and 20% discount for booking 20 days in advance. Rottnest Fast Ferries also operate a day return service but prices are considerably higher than Rottnest Express.

Catch the Ferry to Rottnest Island - A Short Trip from Perth and Freemantle

Rottnest Express offer an all day return adult fare from Freemantle for around $50. If you are able to travel on a Tuesday, Rottnest Express offers a same day return fare for $39 until the end of October 2015. Rottnest Express also offers deals from time to time and special summer fares so make sure you check out their deals page before you book.

Buying Food and Dining Out on Rottnest Island

You can save money by packing a picnic lunch and heading to one of the 63 beaches and bays for the day. If you would rather buy food on Rottnest then Subway (located in the Thomson Bay Mall) probably offers the best value for money at around $5-6 for a 6 inch sub.

Rottnest Island Dome Restaurant

If you prefer to eat at a restaurant then you could try Aristos for yummy fish and chips along with great views out onto the waterfront for around $20 per head or you can get cafe style food at Dome that won't break the bank. There is also a bakery and an icecream palour on Rottnest.

Make sure that you take as much water and drinks with you as you can carry. It can get very hot on Rottnest and there is not a lot of shade in many places. Drinks on the island can be expensive. A small bottle of water, for instance, will set you back $4.00.

Getting Around on Rottnest Island

Bus Service on Rottnest Island
There is a free shuttle bus until 8 pm that operates between the main accommodation areas on Rottnest Island. It departs from the main bus stop in the Thomson Bay Settlement and travels to Geordie Bay Store for Geordie, Fay's and Longreach Bays.

For views of the whole island take the Rottnest Island Explorer Bus Service for around $20 or less if you have a pensioner or student concession card. Your ticket entitles you to hop on and off the bus as much as you like over the whole day affording you plenty of opportunity to visit several of the more popular beaches and bays on Rottnest Island such as Pinky Beach and Salmon Bay.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and will give you many spectacular views of some of the best beaches that Rottnest Island has to offer. For the best views be sure to sit on the left hand side. Buses depart from the main bus stop in the Thomson Bay Settlement. Tickets can be purchased at the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre.

Rottnest Island Explorer Bus Route

Walking Around Rottnest Island

Don't shell out for a bus or tour unless you want to take in the whole island. Walking the 24 kilometres or 15 miles around Rottnest Island won't cost you a cent. Remember though that to visit the secluded beaches and bays you will need to add further distance to the whole trip.

Rottnest Island View

In hot weather walking the whole island is not always an option except for the superfit. Fortunately there are several very good beaches such as the Basin that are only a few kilometres away from the main jetty and easily accessed on foot (allow about 30 minutes). These are perfect for relaxing and swimming.

The Basin Beach, Rottnest Island

There are lots of paths and trails all around Rottnest Island.  The new Wadjemup Trail walk offers visitors access to areas to explore on Rottnest away from bitumen roads such as Bickley Bay (18 kms return) and The Lakes section taking in Little Parakeet Bay (8 kms return).  You can now walk from Oliver Hill to Wadjemup Lighthouse on the Salmon Bay Walk. More details about the Wadjemup Trail

Walk Close to Settlement Rottnest Island

Cycling Around Rottnest Island
Cycling around Rottnest Island offers a good alternative to walking and means you can cover more distance. If you already own a bike or can borrow one you can easily get around Rottnest. Be aware though that Rottnest Island is hilly in some places and a good level of fitness is needed particularly if you are cycling in hot weather.

You can also hire bikes directly on Rottnest Island for the day for under $30 for a multi-geared bike. Couples may like to consider a tandem at around $45 against $60 for the hire of two cycles. Pedal and Flipper also offer snorkel gear hire and electric bike hire ($60 full day) on Rottnest Island.  For only a little more you can hire a bike from Rottnest Express and ride it straight off the jetty.

Hire a Bike from Rottnest Express and Ride it off the Main Jetty

There is a free suggested cycle route of Rottnest Island on MapMyRide which is just short of 22 kilometres if you are serious about making a loop of the island.

Hire a Bicycle to Get Around Rottnest Island

Where to Find Quokkas on Rottnest

Quokkas are all over the island but you won't necessarily see many particularly on hot days unless you look for them. Quokkas are actually nocturnal creatures but constant feeding of the quokkas despite warnings has lead these tiny marsupials to become more active during the day especially in the morning and evenings.

Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Even in the heat of the day you will find quokkas just off the boardwalk at the end of the Garden Lake walk trail. Take the informative free guided Quokka tour (from the Salt Store) to learn more about these unique animals and the history of the island.

Free Quokka Tour on Rottnest Island

Free Tours on Rottnest Island

Apart from the daily free Quokka tour there are a range of free tours offered on Rottnest Island. Some examples of free tours available are:  Reefs Wrecks and Daring Sailors Discovery Walk
Vlamingh Lookout and Salt Lakes Walk, History of the Settlement Walk. Tours depart from outside the Salt Store. List of free tours of Rottnest Island

Salt Store 1868 Rottnest Island

What to Take on a Rottnest Island Day Trip

Day Pack
Water and drinks
Picnic lunch and snacks
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sun Shelter
Bathers or swimming costume and towel
Snorkel and Flippers
Bike


Useful Rottnest Island Links
Experience Perth Rottnest Island
RottnestIsland.com
Trip Advisor Rottnest Island

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An Unfortgettable Day Whale Watching at Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia

Hervey Bay is a great place to have a whale watching experience and you are more or less guaranteed to see whales in the season which runs from about late April to the end of October.  Yes whales watching tours are not cheap but it really is worth the trip.  If you are close to Hervey Bay make sure don't miss out on your chance to see humpback whales at Hervey Bay.

Hervey Bay is a small seaside town in the sunshine state of Queensland, Australia sometimes coined the "Whale Watching Capital of the World."  Every year humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to warmer waters to give birth to their calves, arriving in Hervey Bay from late July until early November. 

Hervey Bay Whale Watching is Just Four Hours from Brisbane

Whale watching at Hervey Bay was an unforgettable experience for me. I was lucky enough to watch these beautiful creatures playing and having fun in the water. It truly was a privilege.  Even though the whale watching tour I took wasn't perfect in many ways it didn't matter as the whales were stunning.

Humpback Whale Breach, Hervey Bay, Australia

There are a number of whale watching tours departing from Hervey Bay from full day to half day experiences. Prices range from $110 for a half day to about $130 for a full day which usually includes a buffet lunch.  Other tour inclusions are free wifi, morning and afternoon tea and a variety of viewing platforms and options,

Whale Watching at Hervey Bay - The Back of the Boat is a Good Place to Take Photos

I went with Tasman Venture Whale Watch Tours on a weekday afternoon tour of around four hours in late October. The commentary was good and the afternoon tea pretty average. I appreciated the complimentary DVD. One advantage of the afternoon tour was the added bonus of lovely afternoon light and a pink tinged sky on the return journey.

Afternoon Whale Watching Tour from Hervey Bay Affords Good Light for Photos 

On the downside the Tasman Venture boat was very crowded on my tour and it was hard to get a good position to take photographs at times, which was disappointing. Also there is no monitoring of viewing platforms which potentially turned it into a bit of a bumfight once whales were in sight. If I were to do it over I would definitely go on a tour with smaller numbers.

Be prepared to not necessarily see a lot of whales. Sightings are governed by luck, knowledgeable crews and time of year. As it was near the end of the season when I went, whale sightings were limited. We did see a mother and calf frolicking in the water and later saw an adult male and that was it.  More than enough though and very exciting.

Waiting for Whales to Appear on Whale Watching Tour

Take a good book to read as there can be a bit of waiting around for the whales to appear. While you wait listen to whale song and learn a bit about the life cycle and habits of the humpback whale. Once the whales appear it makes the wait totally worth it.

Humpback Whale Breach Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tour

Make sure your camera or phone is set to the highest megapixel setting to ensure that you can enlarge your best photos or just crop part of them without losing quality. A humpback whale breaching makes for a spectacular shot. Try to take close ups of the whales too. If you are in luck a whale will approach the boat or "mug" it as it is often called. Sometimes some of the best photos of whales are the detail shots.

Humpback Whale Close Up Shot of Flippers, Hervey Bay Whale Watching

The boat hugged the coastline of Fraser Island affording excellent views both ways on my whale watching tour. It is worthwhile packing binoculars, if you have them, for any wildlife viewing opportunities and because whales can sometimes be quite far away.  One of the highlights of this trip for me was the chance spotting of a wild dingo roaming the Fraser Island beach.

Fraser Island Views from the Boat on the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tour

Back at the Hervey Bay Marina it was already dusk.  I took the opportunity to take some photos of moored boats. As it was dinner time I rounded off the day with a helping of fresh fish and chips which were absolutely beautiful and worth sampling whether you are from another part of Australia or an overseas visitor.

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Hervey Bay Marina Entrance

Moored Boats at Hervey Bay Marina, Queensland

Useful Links

Discover Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay on Wikipedia

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Serpentine Falls Day Trip, Serpentine National Park, WA

A day trip to Serpentine National Park is a day to remember. Whether you visit to picnic, swim, bushwalk or all three Serpentine National Park offers something for everyone.

Just 60 kms from Perth, the Serpentine National Park is easily accessed from the city. Mandurah is just 35 minutes or so away.





Get there early as this park is well patronized - around 80,000 visitors each year. In summer months park gates are closed if capacity is reached, There is an admission fee of $12.00 per car with concessions available for pensioners and students. Leave your money in the honesty box if the post is not attended by a ranger. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm daily.

The fee generally includes the park brochure but it is not uncommon for these to run out. Fortunately the signage of the tracks is relatively good at Serpentine so a park brochure is not essential.

Resident Kangaroos at Serpentine National Park Picnic Area

Visiting the Serpentine National Park takes some prior planning. Make sure you bring your own food and plenty of water as there is no kiosk. Sunscreen and a hat are musts particularly if you are intending to hike one of the parks walking trails. Public toilets are provided.

Next to the main carpark there are plenty of places to picnic under shady trees. A resident group of kangaroos sheltering from the midday sun congregate around the many BBQ's and picnic tables. Feeding the kangaroos within the park is strictly forbidden as this can lead to dependency and animal health issues.

Barbecues in Picnic Area for Park Patrons, Serpentine National Park

There are three bushwalks within the park. Even if you are not into hiking at the very least take the short stroll to the Serpentine Falls to stretch your legs and to cool off on a hot day. For the longer hikes you will need a good stanard of fitness, Ensure you are carrying enough water and a first aid kit. Remember to time your trip so that you are back at your car by no later than 4.45pm as park gate closing is punctual.

1. Serpentine Falls Walk Trail (Class 1 Walking Trail)
   Serpentine Falls is just 500 metres return along an easy Class 1 track with wheelchair access. Take your swimming costume for a refreshing swim in the waterhole at the base of the waterfall. There isn't really anywhere to change easily at the Serpentine Falls so put your bathers on before you leave the carpark.
   
   

   

   Easy Class 1 Track Leads to Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park

   
   The track comes to an end at the Serpentine Falls. There is a railing with steps leading down to the water's edge. There are also several viewing platforms and vantage points. Serpentine Falls offers a great photo opportunity for the keen photographer.
   
   
   

   

   Swimming at Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park

   
   At the Serpentine Falls the cliffs can be scaled in places for diving off although these are slippery in places and extreme care is needed. Several accidents have claimed lives recently highlighting how easy it is to lose balance and fall. Consumption of alcohol at the Falls is strictly forbidden and is enforced by park rangers.


2. Kitty's Gorge Walk (Class 4 Walking Trail)
   Listed as one of 30 top bushwalking trails in Western Australia, Kitty's Gorge Walk is worth the 11 km walk each way. The walk is rated medium and does require a good standard of walking fitness. Those who complete the track are rewarded with rocky granite outcrops, waterfalls, secluded swimming holes, historic mud cottages, wildflowers, wildlife and views above the gorge. Bushwalker information on the Kitty's Gorge Walk







Walking Trail Sign Serpentine National Park



3. Baldwin's Bluff (Class 4 Walking Trail)
   The Baldwin's Bluff track affords spectacular views of the Serpentine Falls and up the valley. The trail leads to a prominent ridge southwest of the Serpentine Falls and is approximately 6 km's return and takes about 2 hours.

Useful Links

Parks and Wildlife of Western Australia

Serpentine National Park Guide

Serpentine National Park  Flora and Fauna Guide
Australian Walk Classification Standards

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