Your Guide to the Wadjemup Bidi Trails
With its low, windswept grasslands and stunning white beaches, Rottnest Island can feel like a place of contrasts. Boasting six unique ecosystems, each one with its own personality, it’s a gorgeous place to explore.
And while cycling is one of the better-known ways to trundle around the island, there are also plenty of hiking options that enable you to discover Rottnest’s diverse landscape. You’ll find 45 kilometres of walking trails threading their way here and there, which make for a truly fantastic way to make the most of the cooler winter weather and see a different side of the island.
Meet the Wadjemup Bidi Trails
With its spacious roads and distinct lack of traffic, Rottnest Island is the perfect place for long, slow walks. Hiking Rottnest allows you to see it in a different light, getting out of the main areas and taking in the natural beauty that you wouldn’t see within the main Settlement.
Wadjemup Bidi is the Noongar name for the network of walking trails that criss-cross the island: Wadjemup is the name for Rottnest in Noongar language, which means ‘place across the water where the spirits are’, and ‘bidi’ means trail or track.
While the island may be small, the 45km of walking trails snake around and through the island. Split into five distinct sections, each one showcases a different part of Rottnest. You can do them in separate stages, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, undertake the whole thing over the course of a few days.
However you choose to do it, hiking the Wadjemup Bidi is a striking experience, and these are our favourite hiking routes.
Ngank Yira Bidi
Distance: ~9.4 km one-way
Time: 2–3 hours
Departing from the Thomson Bay Settlement, the Ngank Yira Bidi takes you along the island’s east coast.
You head past Kingstown Barracks and the old site of the Bickley Battery, the World War Two naval gun emplacement. It then threads past Henrietta Rocks, where you can see the wreck of the Shark out in the shallows, and inland next to Serpentine Salt Lake.
The trail finishes at Oliver Hill, ending with a 360-degree view of the island and ocean, where you can explore the remaining World War Two naval gun battery.
It’s a half-day walk, 9.4km one way. There’s an easy 4km walk back up Digby Drive, directly to the Settlement, or you can hop on the Captain Hussey train and travel back in the comfort of the old railcar.
Wardan Nara Bidi
Distance: 10 km one-way
Time: 3–4 hours
The Wardan Nara Bidi starts at Parker Point, kicking off at a bend in the Ngank Yira Bidi. It rises quickly up the hill next to the Point, providing stunning views out over the ocean, continuing on along the southern coast, past Salmon Bay, before turning inland and also going past Oliver Hill.
There’s a quick stop at Strickland Bay, where you can see the world-famous surf conditions, before ending at Peter Farmer’s Mammong statue at Rocky Bay.
The Wardan Nara Bidi is a one-way trail, so you can add it to your Ngank Yira Bidi adventure. Alternatively, take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus and get off at Stop 4 (Porpoise Bay).
Ngank Wen Bidi
Distance: ~7.6 km loop
Time: 2–3 hours
The Ngank Wen Bidi invites you to hike Rottnest’s West End. Starting at Narrow Neck, the trail winds its way to Cape Vlamingh and back around, creating a loop that takes you to the island’s most western point.
Along the trail, you’ll discover some of Rottnest’s more secluded beaches, like Mabel Cove and Eagle Bay. At Cathedral Rocks, you’ll come across a viewing platform where, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see some of the island’s fur seal community lazing on the rocks below.
The Ngank Wen Bidi feels wild and remote—a beautiful counterpoint to the almost tropical feel of the main beaches. To get there, take the Island Explorer and hop off at Stop 13 (Narrow Neck)
Karlinyah Bidi
Distance: ~5.9 km one-way
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Explore the northwestern side of Rottnest on the Karlinyah Bidi. The trail meanders along past the white sand and blue waters of Stark Bay, City of York Bay, Catherine Bay, and Little Armstrong Bay. Along the way, you can watch seabirds dart and dive, with City of York Bay a favourite spot for quokkas to congregate.
If you take the trail in the late afternoon, the westward views of the Indian Ocean make for a stunning sunset walk. However, be aware that the section of trail between the City of York beach and Ricey Beach is quite rugged, so make sure you’ve got good hiking boots.
To get there, take the Island Explorer and get off at either end, Stop 13 (Rocky Bay) or Stop 18 (Little Parakeet Bay).
Gabbi Karniny Bidi
Distance: ~9.7 km loop
Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
The Gabbi Karniny Bidi takes you in a loop through the centre of the island and along the northern coast.
The trailhead starts at the main Settlement area, where you’re presented with a fork—the way you go is up to you.
Heading right will take you up past Pinky Beach and around Geordie Bay, then inland. Left sees the trail wind its way through the Rottnest salt lakes in the island’s interior and out to the coast.
It’s a gorgeous, tranquil walk that enables you to explore a different side of the holiday isle.
What to pack for a Rottnest hike
Most of the Wadjemup Bidi features moderate hiking conditions, but it’s important to be prepared. Be sure to bring:
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals
- Reusable water bottle (there aren’t many refill stations available)
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Trail snacks
- Swimwear and a towel for beach stops
- An offline map, which is available at the Visitor Centre, or download WA Parks Foundation’s Smartreka maps
After walking the Wadjemup Bidi, you deserve to relax
Hiking Rottnest is a way to engage more deeply with the island. To connect with nature and gain a better understanding of its cultural significance to the Wadjuk Noongar people.
So the next time you visit Rottnest, take the long way around, and spend some time exploring the Wadjemup Bidi. And at the end of it, you deserve to relax and unwind. Make your visit to Rottnest Island unforgettable, with a stay at Samphire Hotel. Book your room today.
