Rottnest Island, WA

Car-free island paradise 19km offshore — 63 beaches, crystal-clear snorkelling bays, and the famous quokka selfie.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Friday 28 August is shaping up to be a stunning day on our beautiful coast, with clear blue skies and a temperature of 13C at 5:01 am. The car-free island paradise located 19km offshore is looking particularly inviting, with its 63 beaches and crystal-clear snorkelling bays waiting to be explored. As the sun rises, the day is expected to warm up, with a maximum temperature of 37C predicted.



The ocean conditions are quite rough, with a wave height of 2.96m, making it extremely large and dangerous for water activities, so it's best to stay out of the water today. The water temperature is a cool 19.6C, which is perfect for donning a spring suit or rashie for any water activities that are safe. With high tide at 09:28 am and low tide at 04:43 pm, it's essential to plan your beach activities accordingly.



For all the sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today's conditions are perfect for running and cycling, with the cool morning temperature and sunny skies making for ideal conditions. However, surfers will need to exercise caution due to the large wave height, and anglers may find it challenging to fish in the rough seas. Paddleboarders may also want to consider alternative activities or wait for calmer conditions. On the other hand, the famous quokka selfie spots and popular swimming spots like The Basin and Geordie Bay are great alternatives for a fun-filled day.



As the day progresses, the famous afternoon sea breeze is expected to kick in, bringing some relief from the heat. With a maximum temperature of 37C and plenty of sunshine, it's essential to stay hydrated and sun-safe throughout the day. As the sun sets on another beautiful day on our coast, we hope you've had an amazing time enjoying all that our stunning coastline has to offer, and we look forward to bringing you another update tomorrow.

About This Coastline

Rottnest Island, known as Wadjemup, is a low-lying island off Perth with dozens of beaches and bays, coral reefs, limestone headlands and a largely car-free road network.

It functions as both a destination and an everyday coastal environment, with its identity renewed through repeated local use.

The Vibe

The pace is active but unhurried, centred on cycling, walking, swimming and snorkelling.

Day visitors gather near the main settlement, while quieter coves quickly create a stronger sense of isolation. Even at its busiest, the atmosphere is grounded by familiar routines: walking, swimming, checking the surf and gathering near the water.

The Local Anchor

The quokka is the island’s most famous natural symbol, but Wadjemup’s Aboriginal history is equally important and includes its painful use as a prison for Aboriginal men.

The Wadjemup Museum and cultural tours provide essential context beyond the holiday image. The anchor is important because it links the visible landscape to a longer account of culture, work and public life.

The Landscape

The island’s many orientations create both sheltered turquoise bays and more exposed surf breaks.

Seagrass, reef, wrecks and limestone platforms support rich marine life, while the low vegetation and bright water give the landscape a distinctive clarity. Vegetation, geology and water movement combine to create a setting that changes markedly between calm weather and more exposed conditions.

It is this overlap of landscape, history and daily use that gives Rottnest Island its particular atmosphere.