A family day trip to Rottnest Island is one of the easiest and most memorable adventures you can have from Perth. With frequent ferries, plenty of kid‑friendly activities and lots you can do on foot or by bike, it’s an ideal destination whether you have pram‑aged little ones, energetic tweens or teens in tow.
Rottnest is compact and very accessible. Around the main settlement you can walk to beaches, Playgrounds and eateries, while the shared paths and roads around the island make it simple to explore further on two wheels. From calm bays and history to mini golf and water play, you can easily fill a day without feeling rushed.
Below is a guide to some of the most family‑friendly things to do on a day trip to Rottnest with kids.
Meet the Quokkas
One of the biggest drawcards for kids is, of course, the quokkas. You’ll spot these cute marsupials everywhere around the settlement, in shady spots under trees, near the bakery and wandering through the grassy areas.
There are special gates at the entrances to shops in The Settlement to stop them sneaking inside, but you’ll find plenty outside who are more than happy to be admired. Take your time to let the kids quietly watch them and, if you’re keen on a selfie, crouch down to their level and let the quokka come to you rather than chasing it. Remind children not to touch or feed them – it’s all about a gentle, respectful encounter.
Cycle Around the Island
Hiring bikes is one of the most popular ways for families to explore Rottnest, and it’s a great way to see more than just the main settlement. With no private cars on the island, cycling feels much more relaxed, and older kids will love the independence of riding between bays.
You’ll find bike hire options near the jetty and settlement, with a range of sizes, including children’s bikes, trailers and sometimes tag‑along options, which are ideal if you have younger kids who can’t quite manage longer distances. Helmets are provided with rentals. Many families choose a shorter loop that takes in a couple of bays and viewpoints, rather than attempting the full island circuit on a day trip.
When planning your ride, factor in plenty of breaks for swims, snacks and water, especially in warmer months. It’s also worth starting your cycling early in the day before the heat and winds pick up. If you’re travelling with a mix of ages, you might like to pair one adult and older children on the bikes with another adult staying closer to the settlement with younger kids, then meet back up later. Read the Buggybuddys guide to cycling on Rottnest Island.
Swim at The Basin
If you’re visiting on a warm day, a swim at The Basin is a must. It’s an easy, mostly flat, 1km walk from The Settlement, making it achievable even with younger kids and beach gear in tow.
The Basin is famous for its clear, turquoise water and natural “pool” feel, making it a lovely, relatively sheltered spot for families. Older children will love snorkelling over the reef, while younger ones can paddle and splash in the shallows. During summer, Rotto Shade Hire operates from The Basin, offering beach umbrellas, chairs and small beach toys for hire, which can save you lugging too much over on the ferry.
Lunch in the Settlement
One of the joys of Rottnest is being able to wander from the beach to a relaxed, family‑friendly lunch without needing a car. The main settlement has several options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Sit‑down options include Dome and Thomsons, both perennial family favourites. For more of a holiday‑resort feel, Lontara at Samphire has tropical, Bali‑style vibes and a more contemporary menu that still works well for families wanting something a bit special.
If you want something quick or more casual, there’s the ever‑popular Rottnest Bakery (perfect for pies and sweet treats), Subway, The Lane and Geordies Café further around in Geordie Bay. Many families like to plan lunch around Playground time so the kids can run off some energy while the adults enjoy a coffee or something more substantial. Read the Buggybuddys Guide to Dining on Rottnest.
Wadjemup Museum and Wadjemup Museum for Children
When you’re ready for some time out of the sun, Wadjemup Museum is a great indoor stop. The recently renovated museum shares the rich and complex history of the island, with exhibits that will interest both adults and older children.
Inside you’ll find 40,000‑year‑old artefacts, vintage postcards, contemporary artworks and outdoor sculptures. It’s a chance to introduce kids to the cultural significance of Wadjemup/Rottnest Island and to talk about how the island has changed over time. The displays are easy to wander through at your own pace, making it a flexible option if you’re juggling nap times or shorter attention spans. Read the Buggybuddys guide to Wadjemup Museum.
Just north of the main settlement, you’ll also find the Wadjemup Museum for Children, housed in a charming stone cottage on Heritage Green. This free, volunteer‑run space is designed especially for younger visitors, with child‑height displays, a crawl‑through entry tunnel, treasure‑hunt sheets and interactive exhibits about Rottnest as a much‑loved family holiday spot. Kids can listen to stories on an old rotary phone, peer through a view‑master style slideshow, lift panels to reveal fun facts and explore drawers of photos and artefacts. There’s also a cosy reading nook stocked with Rottnest‑themed picture books and a tranquil cottage garden out the back. It’s ideal for pre‑school and primary‑aged children and a lovely, low‑key way to add some learning and quiet time into your island adventure. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Wadjemup Museum for Children.
Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf
For a change of pace from the beach, head to Rottnest Movies and Mini Golf. The mini golf course is a fun way to burn off energy, and there are also ground trampolines that kids love bouncing on between holes.
If you’re staying a bit later, or visiting outside peak swimming weather, you can catch a family‑friendly film at the Rottnest Movies cinema. It’s a lovely way to wind down after a busy afternoon exploring the island. Read the Buggybuddys guide to Rottnest Mini Golf.
Oliver Hill Train Ride and Guns & Tunnels Tour
For a dose of history mixed with a fun ride, the Oliver Hill Train Ride and Guns & Tunnels Tour is a brilliant family activity to add into your Rottnest day. The adventure starts in the Settlement, where you board the historic Captain Hussey train for a scenic 30‑minute journey across the island’s south side. Kids love the slow‑paced ride past the airport and old railway cars, and it’s a relaxing way to see more of Rottnest without having to pedal or walk. At Oliver Hill, you’re treated to sweeping views and a guided tour of the World War II gun battery, including the enormous 9.2‑inch naval gun, underground tunnels, ammunition stores and the “Ghost Engine” replica. The guides keep things moving at a good pace with plenty of stories and visuals, making it engaging and educational without being overwhelming for younger visitors. Read the Buggybuddys review of Oliver Hill Train Ride and Guns & Tunnels Tour.
Playgrounds and Free Play
Scattered around the main settlement are a few small Playgrounds, making it easy to build in some unstructured playtime. The largest Playground is next to Thomsons Restaurant in Thomson Bay and is covered by shade sails, which is ideal on hot days.
Near the Rottnest Bakery, you’ll also find a large rope climbing frame that’s great for slightly older kids who love to climb and challenge themselves. With grassy areas and plenty of space, you can sit nearby with a coffee while the kids burn off energy before the ferry trip home.
Snorkel & Sail with Charter 1
If you’re travelling with confident swimmers and want to explore more of Rottnest’s beautiful bays, a tour with Charter 1 is a fantastic option. Their 12.5m catamaran ‘Capella’ departs from Rottnest Island for snorkel and sail sessions during the week.
Once on board, families can snorkel, interact with marine life, use kayaks and stand‑up paddleboards, or relax while the kids ride in the huge cargo net over the water. Tours typically run for around 2.5–3 hours, making them manageable within a day trip. It’s a great way to see a different side of the island without needing to navigate it yourself. Read the Buggybuddys review of Charter 1.
Explore with the Island Explorer Hop On / Hop Off Bus
If you’d like to see a bit more than the main settlement without the effort of cycling, the Island Explorer bus is ideal. This hop on / hop off service loops the island, stopping at 19 different points including popular beaches, bays and attractions.
You can use it to reach spots like Wadjemup Lighthouse or West End, or simply ride the full loop to enjoy the views from the comfort of air‑conditioned seats. Families with younger children or prams particularly appreciate being able to explore further afield without worrying about hills or distance. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Rottnest Island Explorer.
Make the Most of Your Day Trip
With so much packed into a relatively small area, Rottnest works beautifully as a family day trip. Plan for a mix of water time, gentle exploring and rest: maybe a morning swim or bike ride to The Basin, quokka spotting and Playground time around lunch, followed by a museum visit, Aquaplay session or mini golf in the afternoon.
However you choose to structure your day, build in time to simply wander, enjoy the views and soak up that relaxed island atmosphere. Rottnest has a way of making even a single day feel like a proper holiday.
Rottnest Island – Day Trip with Kids
Address: Rottnest Island, Western Australia (ferries depart from Fremantle, Perth/Barrack Street and Hillarys)
Opening hours:
Rottnest Island is accessible year‑round. Ferries operate daily; check individual ferry operator timetables for departure times and seasonal schedules.
Official website: https://www.rottnestisland.com
Hello, is it possible to use a stroller from the jetty to the basin? We have infant and a toddler.