Overview
Overview
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) lies 10–12 nautical miles off the coast of Fremantle and is Western Australia’s most popular cruising destination.
Known for its brilliant turquoise water, protected lagoons and white sandy beaches, the island offers dozens of bays, reefs and moorings suitable for day trips and longer stays.
Conditions vary greatly depending on wind direction, but with both a sheltered north side and a protected south-east corner, Rottnest usually offers a comfortable anchorage somewhere — even during the strong afternoon sea breeze.
For detailed anchorage guides, see:
Approaches
From Fremantle
- Distance: ~10–12 NM depending on departure point
- Expect strong south-westerly sea breezes in summer (the Fremantle Doctor), typically 15–25 knots in the afternoon.
- Keep clear of:
- Shipping lanes into Fremantle Port
- Traffic separation schemes
- High-speed ferries crossing between Fremantle, Hillarys and Rottnest
From Hillarys / North Coast
- More exposed to swell from the west
- Excellent reaching conditions in a southerly
- Popular route when heading toward Geordie Bay or Longreach Bay
Weather Considerations
- Summer: SW sea breeze dominates. Best shelter is the north side (Geordie, Longreach, Parakeet, Armstrong).
- Winter: More variable — occasional northerly systems mean southern and eastern bays can provide excellent protection.
- Swell: Western side is heavily exposed; only suitable for brief visits in very calm weather.
General rule:
✔ Strong SW = anchor on the north side
✔ Northerly winds = anchor on the south/east (Thomson, Porpoise, Parker)
✖ Avoid the west side except in calm conditions.
Anchorages & Mooring Areas
Below is an overview of the major spots; some have their own full guide pages.
Geordie Bay
One of the largest mooring fields on the island:
- Excellent in SW–SE winds
- Crystal-clear water, classic Rottnest scenery
- Sand patches for anchoring outside moorings
See the full guide: Geordie Bay cruising notes.
Longreach Bay
- Similar to Geordie but slightly more open
- Beautiful swimming and SUP conditions
- Sand + weed bottom; good holding where sandy
(You can add a dedicated page for Longreach later.)
Parakeet Bay
- Smaller, more secluded bay
- White-sand beach, clear water
- Open to northerly winds and some swell wrap
Thomson Bay
- Main settlement; ferries, facilities and shops
- Best for provisioning or picking up passengers
- Much busier and wakes from ferries are common
- Good in southerly winds, exposed to northerlies
Porpoise Bay
- Sheltered in northerlies
- Stunning turquoise water
- Reef-studded — careful navigation required
Parker Point
One of Rottnest’s most beautiful bays and a marine sanctuary.
- No anchoring inside sanctuary – mooring only
- Deep blue water and excellent snorkeling
- Exposed to SW swell; best visited in calmer weather
See the full guide: Parker Point cruising notes.
Little Salmon Bay
- Calm, lagoon-like feel in the right conditions
- Great snorkeling and clear water
- Limited moorings and space
Dyer Island (shallow-draft only)
A small limestone island off the south coast of Rottnest.
- Suitable only for shallow-draft multihulls and tenders
- Surrounded by bommies and shallow reef
- Not an anchorage — day-use only in calm weather
See: Dyer Island cruising notes.
Hazards & Navigation Notes
- Reef is everywhere. Rottnest is surrounded by limestone reef platforms and bommies — a sharp lookout is essential.
- Marine sanctuary zones: No anchoring in Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, and some other protected areas.
- Rottnest mooring rules:
- Most moorings require a booking via the Rottnest Island Authority
- A limited set of casual moorings are available
- Rafting is not always permitted — check current rules
- Ferries: High-speed ferries operate at 25–40 knots; keep clear of their tracks.
Facilities
On the island (Thomson Bay)
- Fuel barge (seasonal)
- Food & cafes
- Small supermarket
- Bike hire
- Water taxi (seasonal)
- Public toilets and showers
On the west end
Minimal to no facilities — self-sufficient anchoring only.
Suggested Cruising Itineraries
1–Day Trip (Fremantle → North Side)
- Depart Fremantle in the morning before the sea breeze rises
- Anchor or pick up a mooring at Geordie Bay or Longreach
- Swim, SUP and lunch aboard
- Return on a fast reach with the SW breeze
Weekend Trip
- Day 1: North side — Geordie / Longreach / Parakeet
- Day 2: Move to Porpoise Bay or Thomson Bay depending on wind shift
Photography / Snorkeling Focus
- Parker Point
- Little Salmon Bay
- Porpoise Bay
- Armstrong Bay
Best Time of Year
- Summer: Best for predictable winds, swimming, snorkeling
- Autumn: Often the clearest water of the year
- Winter: Calm spells between fronts create magic conditions on both sides
- Spring: Unpredictable but can be spectacular