Image courtesy of the Rottnest Island Authority. 

Turquoise bays, secret coves, craggy limestone cliffs and quintessentially Western Australian flora and fauna – Rottnest Island is a castaway’s dream, just a brief ferry ride or flight from Perth. Despite its proximity to the mainland, once you have set foot on this laid-back isle, you’ll immediately switch to island time.

Boasting Aegean-style beaches minus the long-haul journey to the Mediterranean, Rottnest Island (or Rotto as the locals call it) is an ideal place to unwind for a few days of post-wedding bliss. So, why not ditch the complicated itinerary and stay local to maximise your time on the sand!

Once you’ve arrived – what next? Rottnest is all about laid-back living and soaking up the sunshine, so naturally most of the best activities are outside:

Hire a bike

One of the top ways to explore the island is to hire a bike from Thomson Bay, grab a map, and set off on a self-guided tour. Depending on your sense of adventure and cycling skills, opt to take a leisurely cruise from the main settlement towards Parakeet Bay and back, or set off on a longer journey around the island (to circle the whole island is approximately 22 kms). Depending on the route you choose to take, you may pass salt lakes, lighthouses, natural bushland and a bevy of gorgeous bays.

Hit the sand (and sea!)

Naturally, the island’s spectacular snorkelling, swimming and surfing spots are all major draw cards and it’s simple to see why. From vast expanses of pristine sand, to intimate coves, intriguing rock pools, sheltered reefs and seriously good surf breaks, Rottnest Island is a true water lover’s paradise. If you’d prefer to stay near the main settlements, head to tourist favourite the Basin for swimming and snorkelling (arrive early to beat the crowds) or venture to the eastern end of Longreach bay for a delightful swimming spot. Further afield, Parakeet Bay, Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point offer great swimming and snorkelling – weather and water conditions permitting.

Image courtesy of the Rottnest Island Authority

Take a tour

From scuba and sky diving, to segway tours and scenic flights, Rottnest Island offers a whole host of activities and mini tours – perfect for honeymooners! Spanning ancient indigenous culture to wartime events and seafaring tales, there are an array of tours which uncover many of the secrets and stories of Rottnest Island’s rich history.

See the sunset

Embrace relaxed romance with a sunset picnic on one of Rottnest’s many delightful beaches and enjoy watching the fading rays with the sand between your toes! Stock up on picnic treats at the Rottnest General Store and the Rottnest Island Bakery and then secure a scenic spot to farewell the day.

Image courtesy of the Rottnest Island Authority.

Enjoy dinner and a movie

Opt for an old-school honeymoon date night and do dinner and a movie – island style! After picnicking or dining at one of Rotto’s several restaurants (try Hotel Rottnest for quality gastro pub food) wander over to the Rottnest Island Picture Hall – the island’s charming old weatherboard cinema. Expect sand on the floorboards, striped canvas sling back chairs and perhaps even the odd quokka moseying its way in to see what’s screening.

Stay

If self-catering is your style, book one of the villas available in various bays including Longreach Bay, Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay. These contemporary yet relatively low-key apartments are perfect for chilled out couples seeking ample space and dreamy sea views. Alternatively, treat yourselves to one of the two luxe villas (pictured below) renovated on lifestyle reality program Rottnest Reno.

For a more upmarket retreat, check-in to Hotel Rottnest, located in the heart of the main settlement. Opt for a Bayside room and enjoy relaxing in your own private courtyard while gazing out at Thomson Bay and the mainland beyond – bliss.

Images courtesy of the Rottnest Island Authority. 

Ms Zigzag says: After all of the intense wedding planning and build up of excitement for the big day, a couple of days (or maybe two weeks, please!) chilling out on Rottnest Island after the wedding sounds like the ideal place to unwind. 

About Anika: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!