A guide to the best places to stay on Rottnest Island

We have cherry-picked a few of our favourite places to stay when you’re visiting Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Most West Australians have nostalgic memories that revolve around Rottnest Island. Those of us who are day-dreaming about the barefoot luxury of an island holiday and the feelings that evokes should consider getting their hit of vitamin D at the many beaches and bays during a stay on Rottnest Island or near to the jumping-off point for the ferries departing Perth. From dinner under the stars at a brand-new beach club, to a glamp-out made opulent by its proximity to Pinky Beach, here are some of the best places to stay on Rottnest Island.

Heritage Cottages

The majority of the original Heritage Cottages on Rottnest Island are located at the southern end of Vincent Way, in North Thomson, one of the oldest intact streets in Australia. Be transported back to the 1840s when you book a stay in one of the heritage-listed cottages which all share the same ochre hue that has become iconic on the island. Two of the charming Heritage Cottages are located close to Bathurst Lighthouse, while others with historical significance from the Second World War are to be found at Kingstown Barracks, a short bus ride from the main settlement.

Samphire Rottnest

Samphire Rottnest is the first luxury resort to spring up on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) and it takes just 30 minutes on the ferry from Freo to get there. The 80-room boutique hotel feels like a hidden corner of Canggu without the crowds: it has a restaurant, beach club, lounge, lagoon-like pool and bar and landscaped gardens that makes it irresistible as a hide-away-from-it-all hotel. Open up the doors to your suite and invite the sea breeze in or kick back with your toes in the sand for sunset cocktails at the Beach Club.

Samphire Rottnest is the first luxury resort on Rottnest.

Discovery Rottnest Island

If you’re after a relaxing beach break, or want to create a multitude of memories with the family, you can do so in comfort at Discovery Holiday Parks Rottnest Island. From deluxe tents nestled in the dunes, to standard family tents with a private ensuite and outdoor deck to superior family tents with kitchenettes, the holiday park located just 300 metres from Garden Lake and 200 metres from the beach has just 83 eco tents and gets the thumbs up for treading lightly on the land.

Glamp on the water at Rottnest.

Karma Rottnest

Guests staying at the laid-back heritage hotel, Karma Rottnest, can choose between four different room types from the Premium Lakeside room to the more understated Palm Court room. The three-star hotel is a budget-friendly option that suits everyone from solo travellers to families. It has a pool as well as onsite restaurant Riva known for its wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired feasts. Book a premium lakeside room for views over the glittering Garden Lake.

The laid-back heritage hotel, Karma Rottnest.

Rottnest Island Authority Accommodation

Rottnest Island Authority manages a range of different accommodation types on Rotto, from premium view cabins and chalets to budget-friendly bungalows and dorms and standard holiday units. Book a wallet-friendly stay in a hostel, ocean-view cabin or chalet so you can save your cash to splurge on one of the top things to do on Rottnest Island. The island’s camping ground is also a great family-friendly option as it is just a short stroll from The Basin, one of the island’s most Insta-famous beaches.

Idyllic Rottnest Island Authority Accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR TO THE FERRY TERMINALS IN PERTH

Blu Peter Penthouse

Near is the new far according to Airbnb, which has included a round-up of places to stay that make visiting Rottnest Island a cinch. Those inclined to man-spread will have ample room to do so on the sprawling deck attached to the one-bedroom penthouse apartment, which has panoramic ocean views and private access to a hammock and spa. Watch the sailboats flitting to and fro from this beach-chic bolthole in North Coogee, a Western suburb of Perth, styled by Blu Peter Homestore.

Visiting Rotto with ease from Blu Peter Penthouse.

Coastal luxury in Harbour Rise, Hillarys

The ferries bound for Rottnest Island leave from Fremantle, Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom stylish home is located just 300 metres from Hillarys Boat Harbour where you can flit to and from Rottnest Island in under 30 minutes and enjoy the best of both worlds. The smart seaside suburb of Harbour Rise is on the up and up and its location is within swinging distance of Sorrento Quay Boardwalk, the perfect place to shop, eat and relax.

Plunge at the pool in Coastal Luxury.

For more information on visiting Rottnest Island, visit rottnestisland.com and destinationperth.com.au