With only a handful of vehicles permitted on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, how do you get around the island? By bike of course! The island is crisscrossed by kilometres of bike paths that will take you to all the best beaches, secluded bays and lookout points around the island. Whether you ride around the whole island or explore a shorter trail, cycling is the best mode of transportation on Rottnest Island.
Bike hire on Rottnest Island
First things first, to cycle around Rottnest Island you will need a bike. You can bring your own bike on the ferry to Rottnest Island for a small transport fee. This is a great option if you are staying a few days as you only pay for the transport of your bike.
If you don't have your own bike there are a few options available to hire one for your trip. The best option is to book your bike hire with SeaLink when you book your ferry. SeaLink will have the bike ready for you on the ferry, maximising your time for exploring Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Just pick up your bike from the crew as you disembark on the island, then hand it back to them before you board. Too easy!
If you need child bikes or you're staying overnight on Rottnest Island, your best option is to hire from Pedal & Flipper on the island. They also offer a range of bike accessories including locks, baskets and child trailers.
Has it been a while since you did any cycling? Don’t worry! For a little extra push around Rottnest Island, hire an electric bike. Or you can take advantage of Pedal & Flipper’s bike and bus package. This allows you to ride as far as you can, leave your bike at one of the bus stops and return in the comfort of the airconditioned bus.
Tips for cycling around Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Now your bike hire is sorted and you’re raring to get out there. Rottnest Island is waiting to be explored! But before you take off, check out these tips for cycling around Rottnest Island.
1. Get a map
It sounds like an obvious one. But since we’re all so used to using google maps these days, we can be a bit lost when it doesn’t work. Phone reception can be patchy on the island, so download a map to your phone before you go or pick up a paper copy from the Visitors Centre when you arrive.
2. Wear a helmet
The lack of vehicles on Rottnest Island makes cycling around the island safer than your average city route. But that doesn't mean you can abandon safety altogether, accidents still happen. Wearing a helmet is required by law in Western Australia so be sure to pick one up when you get your bike hire.
3. Fill up
Water fountains are dotted around near the settlement, but they dry up once you head west. Fill up your bottle at the last water fountain at Geordie Bay (if you are going anticlockwise) or Kingstown Barracks (if you are going clockwise).
4. Cover up
Most of the bike paths around Rottnest Island are fully exposed to the elements. Make sure you’re wearing adequate sun protection if you’re out in summer or a wind jacket in winter.
5. Eat up
The western side of Rottnest Island is beautifully undeveloped. That means stunning untouched beaches, but nowhere to eat! If you’re planning a mid-cycle picnic, bring your lunch with you as you won’t find much once you leave the settlement.
If you do get hungry along the way, Lexi’s out at West End and Kalli’s at Wadjemup Lighthouse are two remote locations where you can grab a bite. Both offer hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream.
6. Take your time
The full 22 km cycle around Rottnest Island takes about 3 – 5 hours. But what’s the point of cycling to all those beautiful beaches if you don’t have time to stop and admire them? Set off early in the day and allow as much time as possible to fully explore the wonders found along the bike routes of Rottnest Island. With plenty of hills to climb along the way, it's also worth leaving some extra time to take regular breaks.
7. Book in advance
Whether you are bringing your own bike or hiring one on Rottnest Island, make sure you book before you travel. Space is limited on the ferries to Rotto and bikes can sell out, especially in summer.
Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s best bike trails
Whether you are a casual cycler or a regular rider, you can discover a world of wonder on two wheels.
