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Main Jetty Upgrades in Progress
Due to enhancement works on the main jetty, boarding times for ferry departures may be reduced. Ensure you are aware of boarding times and your departure location. Contact your ferry operator for further details.
The Summer Season is Here
It’s the most popular time to visit but a little bit of planning goes a long way. Arrive early to secure parking before your ferry and book tours and restaurants in advance.
Rocky Bay Beach, Rottnest Island
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Rocky Bay

Explore Wadjemup’s western beaches

Towards the western end of the island, you’ll find a narrow stretch of land connecting the two halves of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. It’s here that you’ll find Rocky Bay. It’s something of a different style of beach to what’s usually found around. The sweeping sand dunes give it a unique feeling, while the north-facing position protects it from high winds, making it a peaceful spot to stop and relax.

It’s a place to get away from the crowds, to explore the dunes and rocks, and take in the Wadjemup coastline.

The starting and end point for the Karlinyah Bidi section of the Wadjemup Bidi trail, it’s an excellent spot for a bracing coastal walk, or a cooling swim to break up a day of cycling.

Be sure to look out for…

Sweeping sand dunes

Underwater adventures

Vibrant sea life

The Karlinyah Bidi trailhead

Where to find Rocky Bay

Depending on the route you take, Rocky Bay is a half-hour bike ride from Thomson Bay settlement. Alternatively, you can take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer and hop off at Stop 13 (Narrow Neck) and take the short walk down to Rocky Bay.

 

 

Snorkelling, Rocky Bay
Snorkelling & Diving

A special snorkelling experience

Rocky Bay is so-called for a reason, and its undulating rocky expanse gives way to crystal clear blue lagoons. Dive under the water and explore the coral reef hidden away below the surface — you’ll come face-to-face with schools of colourful fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle, stingray, or octopus.
Learn more about Snorkelling & Diving
Rocky Bay Beach, Rottnest Island
Rocky Bay

Frequently asked questions

The closest facilities are the public toilets located at Narrow Neck.
Accessible toilets aren’t available at Rocky Beach. The closest accessible facilities can be found at Stark Bay and West End.
All fishing is allowed at Rocky Bay except for spear fishing and net fishing.

Tips for time well spent

View all guides & tips
On Tour: Guided Land Activities for All
5 minutes
Golf Course, Rottnest Island
A guide to golfing on Rottnest Island
4 minutes
Samphire Rottnest island
The perfect romantic escape on Rottnest Island
4 minutes
Cathedral Rocks lookout
The top five lookouts on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
5 minutes
Stay a Little Longer: How to make the most of your day trip
4 minutes
Fall in love with the beaches of Rottnest Island
4 minutes
Little Parakeet Bay
Discover the Perfect Gift for the Island Lover in Your Life
5 minutes
Segways WA
Six Rottnest Island experiences for you wish list
3 minutes
Cycling near Little Salmon Bay
Cycle your way around the island
5 minutes
Embrace the Unexpected with an Ocean Adventure this Winter
3 minutes
Winter wonders along the Wadjemup Bidi
6 minutes
Uniquely Winter Wildlife Experiences on Wadjemup
5 minutes
Fishing at Rottnest Island
Your guide to the best fishing spots on Rottnest Island
5 minutes
Parker Point
A perfect three-day escape to Rottnest Island
6 minutes
Mary Cove
The perfect one day adventure on Rottnest Island
6 minutes
Boating
Set Sail with Rottnest Island’s Ultimate Water Adventures 
4 minutes
Lakes
Winter School Holiday Fun for Young Explorers
4 minutes
Rottnest Island summer bucket list: 50 things to do
8 minutes
Eco Express Adventure Boat, Rottnest Island
Seven thrilling experiences on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
5 minutes
Quokkas
Wildlife encounters at Wadjemup
6 minutes
40 Ways to Spend Winter on Wadjemup
5 minutes
What's open: what you can do this festive season
3 minutes
Cycling Trail Adventure: Beaches, a Lighthouse and Lakes
5 minutes
Surfing at Rottnest Island
Your guide to surfing Rottnest Island’s surf breaks
7 minutes
Wind turbine
Running an island, sustainably
5 minutes
The best sunset locations on Rottnest Island
4 minutes
Rottnest Island Bike Riding
Activities the kids will love these school holidays
5 minutes
Pink lakes
Seven things you never knew about Rottnest Island
3 minutes
Your guide to Geordie Bay
6 minutes
Henrietta Rocks
Where to snorkel at Rottnest Island: Six of the best spots 
3 minutes
A guide to walkable delights near the main settlement
6 minutes
A Djeran Day at Rottnest Island
5 minutes
An unforgettable group getaway to Rottnest Island
4 minutes
Winter island nights: where to go and what to do
4 minutes
The Basin
Value-packed Rottnest Island Adventures guaranteed to become priceless memories
3 minutes
9 ways to experience the cooler side of Wadjemup
5 minutes
Your guide to hiking the Wadjemup Bidi
5 minutes
The island ride: cycle the entire island
4 minutes
The Rotto Mini Loop: 4 km of easy, scenic cycling
4 minutes
Wrap Yourself in Wonder this winter
4 minutes
Cycling, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
One day itinerary for little wanderers
4 minutes
Staying cool at Wadjemup in summer 
7 minutes
Rottnest Island Beach
The perfect family escape on Rottnest Island
3 minutes
Reconnect in the Season of Rest
4 minutes
Little Salmon Bay
Your guide to snorkelling the warm waters of Wadjemup
5 minutes
Things to do on a Rainy Island Day
4 minutes
Your guide to the wildflowers of Wadjemup
5 minutes
Your guide to spotting quokkas on Rottnest Island
6 minutes
View all guides & tips

See more related attractions

Attraction
Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay is home to one of WA’s most consistent surf breaks, and a popular spot for surfers from all over the world.
West End Aerial, Rottnest Island
Attraction
West End

Explore the rugged natural landscape and secluded beaches of Wadjemup’s West End
Wadjemup Lighthouse
Attraction
Karlinyah Bidi
The 5.7 km Karlinyah Bidi meanders along Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s rugged northern coastline. 
City of York Bay
Attraction
City of York Bay
A quiet, secluded bay on the northwest coast of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, City of York bay sits between Ricey Beach and Catherine Bay.