The Rottnest Island Explorer bus service is ideal if you want to get more out of your day or short break on Rottnest. It’s a great alternative to cycling, this way you can see a lot more of the island and don’t have to worry about little legs getting tired peddling up hills! Grab a day pass and take advantage of the hop on – hop off service to see some of Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches and pristine bay, as well as a whole host of historic spots.
The journey is comfortable, with the air-conditioned bus making 18 stops on the route. There’s also a commentary, so you’re bound to find out some fascinating facts too!
The bus does a loop of the Island, and a bus arrives at each spot every 30 minutes, making it easy to squeeze in lots of sightseeing. The island is 11km long and 4.5km wide, so a full loop on the bus takes about an hour. The windows are big, so you can see everything all around you. If you have a pram, there’s room for that too. It’s also a great way to familiarise yourself with the whole Island when you arrive, to discover areas that you can later explore in more detail by bike or on foot. There are so many things to do on Rottnest Island, whether its nature, history or relaxing on the sand that floats your boat. You can get off at any number of stops to enjoy attractions and beaches:
Swim at one of the 63 beaches and 20 bays, like the stunning Salmon Bay.
Cape Vlamingh is a stunning spot, with elevated walkway to a lookout over the ocean.
Encounter wildlife including birdlife, sea lions and dolphins at Cathedral Rocks. You’ll even be able to spot whales in their migration season, with the free binoculars.
Climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse for a spectacular view across the island.
Hire a bike and get the bus back.
So make the most of your time on Rottnest and explore its spectacular coastal headlands, inland lakes and much more, by hopping on a bus!
You can book your ticket online, purchase them from the Visitor Centre, at the Main Bus Stop vending machines or from a friendly bus driver.
Find more family friendly things to do on Rottnest Island here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
