Thinking about a Rotto adventure with the kids? Cycling is the easiest and most fun way to explore the island together. With no private cars on the roads, you’ll be sharing the way with bikes, service vehicles, and the Island Explorer bus, which keeps things calmer for families. Distances between sights are short and scenic, and there’s built‑in motivation for little riders: quokkas, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and sparkling bays to dip into along the way.
For toddlers aged one to three, the gentlest option is to base yourself around the Settlement and nearby beaches, using a child seat, trailer, cargo bike, or tag‑along. Kids aged four to six can manage short rides around The Basin and Pinky Beach, and a tag‑along can extend their range while keeping the pace relaxed. Confident riders aged seven to ten will enjoy the northern bays toward Geordie and Longreach, and might try the south coast in calm conditions with plenty of swim stops. Tweens and teens can usually stretch to Parker Point or even a full‑island loop on low‑wind days. Whatever their age, mornings are best—sea breezes tend to pick up after lunch.
Getting to Rottnest is easy with ferries departing Fremantle, Hillarys, and Perth city, though if you’re bringing bikes, it’s wise to book bike spots early in school holidays and arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure to allow for loading. The ferry companies also offer bike hire, which can be convenient if you want to step straight off the boat and ride.
Many families prefer to hire on island from Pedal & Flipper to keep logistics simple, especially if you need a specific setup like a child seat or trailer. If your child relies on training wheels or a particular bike fit, bringing your own can be worth the extra effort.
Pedal & Flipper carries a wide range of gear including adult and kids’ bikes, e‑bikes (usually for ages 13+), child seats, trailers, tag‑alongs, cargo bikes, helmets, and locks. Take a moment for a fit and safety check: aim for a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke, make sure the helmet sits snugly with straps forming a neat “V” under the ears and resting two fingers above the eyebrows, and test that the bell, brakes, and seat post are secure. If you’re carrying a trailer or expecting headwinds, an e‑bike can make the day more comfortable for the grown‑ups.
A great first ride is the Settlement sampler: roll from Thompson Bay Jetty to The Basin for a quick swim, continue to Pinky Beach, climb to Bathurst Lighthouse for the views, then return via the Parade Ground. It’s about five to seven kilometres, mostly flat with short rises, and finishes nicely near the shops for an ice cream. If you’ve got primary‑aged kids with a bit more energy, the northern bays loop to Longreach and Geordie Bay adds gentle kilometres and offers a cafe and toilets at Geordie—handy for refuelling.
Families chasing snorkels should try the south coast run: cruise to Henrietta Rocks to spot the nearby shipwreck, then continue to Salmon Bay and Little Salmon Bay before looping back via the Parker Point boardwalk. Expect rolling hills and allow time to walk bikes if little legs get wobbly—the turquoise water is worth the effort. On calm days, fit families with older kids can take on the full‑island challenge, riding anti‑clockwise past West End and the Cathedral Rocks seal lookout before returning along the north coast. Going anti‑clockwise gets the bigger hills done earlier and often means friendlier winds on the way home.
Road etiquette on Rotto is simple and helps keep kids safe. Ride left and move into single file when a bus or service vehicle approaches, and ring your bell with a quick “passing on your right” when overtaking. Encourage kids to dismount on steep descents if they’re unsure, and pull well off the road for rests. Helmets are mandatory for all riders. The sun can be strong even on cooler days, so apply SPF50+ before you set off, reapply every couple of hours, and consider long‑sleeve rashies for beach time.
Packing smart makes the day smoother. Outside the Settlement and Geordie, water refill points are limited, so bring one to two litres per person. Slip a few high‑energy snacks into your bag and plan to carry out your rubbish—bins are sparse between bays. For beach stops, reef‑safe sunscreen, goggles, and compact towels keep things light. A small pump, spare tube, a couple of tyre levers, plasters, and antiseptic wipes can turn a hiccup into a quick fix. A lightweight lock, paper map from the Visitor Centre, and a phone power bank round out a dependable kit.
Wildlife is part of the magic. Quokkas are friendly‑looking and famously photogenic, but remember to look, not touch, and never feed them. Keep your food sealed—quokkas are curious and will happily rummage in open baskets. Park bikes where you can keep an eye on them while you enjoy a snack or a swim.
When it’s time to rest, the Settlement area has everything you need: bakery, general store, cafes, pubs, a Playground, and shady lawns perfect for a picnic. Geordie Bay also has a deli/cafe and toilets. You’ll find popular toilet blocks at The Basin, Pinky, Geordie, Salmon Bay, and Parker Point. In summer, start early and build the day around swims and snorkels; autumn and spring offer the best riding weather and, in spring, wildflowers; winter is peaceful but can bring showers and stronger winds, so check the forecast.
Budget‑wise, expect ferry fares with a bike transport fee if you bring your own, daily hire costs for bikes and add‑ons like trailers or child seats, and note that island admission is usually included in ferry tickets. Some families add an Island Explorer bus pass as a backup for tired legs. Hiring a trailer or tag‑along can be a money saver—little riders can rest without cutting the day short.
Parent to parent, the best Rotto rides with kids are unhurried. Keep distances bite‑sized, stop often, and let the kids pick the next bay or lookout. If the wind picks up or little legs fade, pivot to beach time or jump on the bus. The adventure is the journey—quokka selfies, shell collecting, and those turquoise swims are the memories that stick.
Find more things to do on Rottnest
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
