Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Karlinyah Bidi: the Northern Beaches

Distance5.5 km

Elevation gain34 m

DifficultyEasy

Estimated time1 h 9 min

Overview

Bay after bay along Rottnest's north shore, from Little Parakeet Bay to Rocky Bay, with the sea in sight almost the whole way — and the quokkas the island is known for.

The path stays near the water and barely climbs. Sand slows the walking, and the second half is no harder than the first.

A good half-day from the ferry, and a first walk on the island.

Points of interest

City of York Bay — About halfway, a sand beach 50 m off the path. The bay is named for the barque wrecked offshore in 1899.
Stark Bay — Later on, the path runs along the back of the sand — a beach stop before the finish.
Mamong Djoororts — Optional from the finish: a public artwork 335 m off the trail, reached by its own path — 930 m there and back (+15 min).

Trail alerts

You share the carriageway with island traffic on three short sealed stretches: Noongar Loop after the start, then Bovell Way and Ngaliwanga Banan, and Bovell Way again later. Keep to the side.
The last ferry of the day is the only way off the island. Take an early sailing and be back at the jetty in time.

Trail character

About two-fifths is sand and about half is formed path. The sand is the slow part.
Green waymarks mark the walk, and the signs on the ground give 5.7 km — a little more than the measured line. Not a walk for a pram: the sand is deep.

Access & rules

Getting there: Ferry from Fremantle, Perth or Hillarys; island bus to Little Parakeet Bay and from Rocky Bay. No footway on the walk in.
Parking: There is no car park on the island. Private cars are not allowed.
Tickets and fees: Buy the ferry ticket before you travel.
Rules: Do not feed or handle the quokkas.
Facilities: Food and shops are at Thomson Bay, before you start.

Tickets & opening hours

Ferry times and island conditions. Check before you travel.

rottnestisland.com

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