A local informative look at Rottnest
Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association Walking Tours
If you’re trying to learn about the history of Rottnest Island while also getting to see great spots on the island for yourself, then a guided walking tour might just be your best option. The free walking tours on Rottnest are led by Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (RVGA) volunteers, who intrigue participants by sharing stories of the past and highlighting unique areas on the island.
What kind of RVGA walking tours are available on Rottnest Island?
The RVGA offers a diverse range of free tours to give visitors insight into different areas of the Rottnest’s rich history and culture.
Meet the Quokkas
The Meet the Quokkas tour gives you a great chance to meet and learn about Rottnest’s iconic little creatures. This all-ages tour lasts 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages. It departs daily at 9:30am and 2:30pm and mainly involves easy walking on plat paved surface and easy terrain.
Pioneers and Prisoners
The Pioneers and Prisoners tour will let you learn the story about the early pioneers of Rottnest and the historic prison on the island. This tour departs daily from 10am and involves a leisurely stroll through a historic settlement. Over this 45 minute walk, the whole family can hear stories about who lived there and worked on these historic buildings.
Reefs, Wrecks, and Daring Sailors
The Reefs, Wrecks, and Daring Sailors tour allows participants of all ages to learn the story of Rottnest’s maritime heritage, including the Dutch spice traders, the shipwrecks nearby, and the sailors that came here. This daily 45 minute walk departs at 11:00 am and takes you across the Thomson Bay waterfront and also includes a stop at the Pilot Boathouse Museum.
Salt, Settlers and Survivors
The Salt, Settlers and Survivors tour focuses on the story of Rottnest Island’s natural history, the first European visitors to the island, the first farm settlers and the gift of salt. Every day at 1:30pm, you get the chance to walk up to Vlamingh Lookout above the salt lakes, enjoy the stunning views, and hear some fascinating stories. It’s a free experience that lasts 45 minutes and is perfect for all ages of participants.
Guns and Tunnels of WW2
The Guns and Tunnels of WW2 tour explores some fully restored relics of Rottnest’s WW2 military history. It runs daily between 10:00am and 3:00 pm and lasts for about an hour. It’s important to note that this tour does have a fee and tickets can be purchased at the site.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
You have a chance to take the challenge of climbing to the top of Australia’s 4th tallest fully operational lighthouse for stunning views of the Island and beyond. This lighthouse tour is available daily between 10:00am and 3:00pm, in escorted half-hour tours with a maximum of 10 people. It’s worth noting that children must be at least five years old to go on this tour and require adult supervision under the age of 12. Additionally, tickets must be purchased to go on this lighthouse tour.
Whitecaps and Wilderness
The Whitecaps and Wilderness walking tour is all about diving into the unique marine environment of Rottnest island. Meet your guide at Parker Point between 10:00am and 2:00pm daily and enjoy a leisurely, escorted half-hour walk full of learning opportunities.
West End Wanderer
The West End Wanderer tour gives you a chane to navigate and get an understanding of the natural wonders on Rottnest’s West End. Throughout this tour you’ll get to see the Seal Colony, The Cathedral Rocks, the Shearwater Rookery, Fishbook bay, and more. You can take the tour for as long as you like and enjoy the free information and guiding services provided.
Enjoy some great tours on Rottnest while staying at Samphire
Walking tours are a great way to see the most interesting parts of Rottnest Island with a helpful guide from the RVGA. However, If a walking tour is less your thing, consider checking out a Segway tour instead.. For all tours please bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, protection from the elements, closed shoes and don’t forget your camera. Check out the details to see which tour is right for you.
