Why Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is your new fave winter holiday getaway
While we all know it as the perfect summer destination, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island during winter is one of Perth’s lowkey hidden gems awaiting your discovery.
It takes on a new life in the cooler months, where life goes a little slower, the nights a little cosier, and the outdoors are filled with new adventures.
It’s also easier on the wallet during the off-season, with heaps of seasonal offers to take advantage of including ferry travel, Pedal & Flipper Hire, accommodation, tours, dining experiences and more.
Talk is cheap though, so let us lay out for you a range of fantastic reasons to put Rottnest Island on your winter holiday trip list:
Nestle into nature
Rottnest Island is home to many unique species of flora and fauna, many of which really come to life in the lush winter months. If you want a relaxing stroll on the beach, head to Ricey Beach, Pinky Beach or The Basin, or head to the island’s pine trees to spend some time birdwatching. There’s a chance you could see the golden whistler, the red-capped robin, silvereye or singing honeyeaters. And at night, keep an eye (or an ear) out for the white-striped free-tailed bat – that’s right, bats!
Keep it low and slow…
If you love a hike or if you’re a hiking beginner, The Hike Collective runs relaxed hiking tours around the island, and autumn through winter is the best time of year to hit the trails. You’ll get the chance to de-stress and walk trails past the coastal headlands, the inland salt lakes and around other natural and man-made attractions on Rottnest Island. If you’re keen on sharpening your photography chops, take a tour by Capture the Light Photography Tours. Even if it’s your first time holding the camera, you’ll leave with some magical memories.
…And stay a while
Take advantage of the off-peak season and book a staycation at Rottnest Island for a few days. It’s a lot easier to book their self-contained stays over winter through Stay Rottnest, putting you in some great locations and very cosy stays. You can also book a stay at the Stay Rottnest Campground and sleep under the stars, get cosy in your tent and wake up to the calming sounds of the ocean. You’ll have access to a communal camp kitchen, and with Pinky Beach right on your doorstep – nothing sharpens you up like a cold dip!
If luxury and comfort is what you prefer, you’ll want to stay at the relaxed coastal accommodation that is the Samphire Rottnest. Indulge yourself and don’t say no to the chance to enjoy heated pools during the cold months, poolside cabanas and a glass or two of mulled wine. Or find somewhere in between with Discovery Resorts eco-tents, the sturdy canvas offering a cosy shelter with all the right trimmings.
Indulge in some of WA’s finest coastal dining surrounded by friends and family
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining choices on Rottnest Island, with ample opportunities to sample different cuisines while enjoying quality time with friends and family. Geordie’s Cafe & Art Gallery is a great spot to start before a big day of adventure with the fam, and Frankie’s on Rotto has been a visitor favourite for years. Meanwhile the likes of Isola Bar e Cibo and Lontara are stunning spots for intimate dining experiences with your nearest and dearest, and of course, nothing beats an afternoon spent with friends new and old in Hotel Rottnest’s iconic beer garden.
Add a slice of adventure
Just because it’s getting colder outside, doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun with outdoor activities. Rent a bike from Pedal & Flipper Hire and go for a ride around Rottnest Island’s coastal landscapes that become greener and lusher as the winter goes along. If you prefer water-based activities, the winter swells make for some epic surf conditions, or chuck on a wettie and snorkel Rottnest Island’s spectacular coral reefs.
Elevate the excitement
Group activities are part of the fun and connection at Rottnest Island – and if you’re heading to Rottnest Island with a crew who love to try something new or adventurous, there’s heaps to do. You can take a journey around the island on a tour by Segway Tours WA and you’ll get to glide around some of the best parts of the island. But if you really want to get your adrenaline rising, hit up Skydive Geronimo and get a bird’s eye view of Rottnest Island as you take that awe-inspiring jump.
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Group days out on Rottnest Island’s nine-hole golf course are a great way to spend the afternoon, or you can hit the greens for some barefoot bowls with a couple of bevvies and your besties.
Don’t forget family fun
If you’re heading across with the family, there’s plenty to make sure everyone’s tuckered out by the end of the day. Head to the fun park for Rottnest Movies and Mini Golf, where you can watch the latest flicks in an old-world movie theatre and also play the retro pinball machines and arcade games to your heart’s content.
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Immerse yourself in the island’s history
With the crowds a bit quieter during the cooler months, it’s a great time of year to properly take in the island’s significant history. There’s a chance to learn about its military history at places like Oliver Hill and Bickley Battery, or check out Wadjemup Lighthouse, Wadjemup Museum for Children and others. Meanwhile Wadjemup Museum is an excellent start point to understanding the island’s cultural significance with regards to the Whadjuk Noongar people, along with jumping on a Go Cultural Tour with local Noongar guide and Traditional Owner, Walter McGuire.
Do your next winter holiday different this year, and slow down on Rottnest Island with some great deals and new experiences.
Image Credit (unless marked): Rottnest Island Authority
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This article is sponsored by Rottnest Island Authority and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.