Discover Parker Point with oour Ultimate Guide, covering the best activities and insider tips
Parker Point is a tranquil bay located on the southeast side of Rottnest Island. Another of the island’s stunning beaches, with soft white sand gives way to flat, calm water that’s cool, blue, and inviting.
And with looks like these, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite for tourists and regular Rottnest visitors alike.
How to Get to Parker Point
Parker Point is approximately five kilometres away from the main Thomson Bay settlement on Rottnest Island.
At 1 hour 10 minutes away on foot, it’s somewhat of a long walk, but one that takes you around the island’s sweeping eastern edge. You’ll go along the coast, past the historic Bickley Battery, and arrive at the perfect end point where you can sink into the sand and soak up the Indian Ocean swell.
By bike, it’s a little bit faster, taking just 17 minutes. Want to hire a bike whilst staying at Samphire? Learn more about bike hire through Peddle & Flipper with our blogs.
The Quokka Coaches Island Explorer is the easiest way to get there, just hop on at the main settlement and get off at Stop 5.
Unsure how to get around the island? Read our blog to learn more about bus, bike and segway transport options on Rottnest.
The best time to visit
Parker Point, Rottnest Island, is a place that you’ll want to spend some time at, so it’s best to go when the weather is warmer, but not too warm.
The most popular time is just outside the height of summer, around late February, when the days are hot, but not roasting, and the water is warmed by the Leeuwin Current that passes by the island.
Are you visiting in the cooler months? Discover our Winter Packages and blogs on What To Do On Rottnest in The Winter.
Top activities at Parker Point
Whether you love the water, walking, or wildlife, there’s plenty to do at Parker Point.
Snorkeling & diving
Located in one of Rottnest Island’s marine sanctuary zones, Parker Point is surrounded by protected plant life and animals. This has allowed the sealife and underwater flora to thrive, creating a stunning snorkelling and diving spot.
When you duck your head underneath the waves, you’ll find the seabed covered in seaweed and seagrass. Fishing is strictly prohibited, which means that a rich array of sealife abounds. You’ll find colourful sea stars and molluscs, striking sea slugs that meander through the water, and a wide array of eye-catching fish that dart all around you.
Parker Point is also where you’ll find one of Rottnest’s most extensive and unique coral reefs, which takes on a vibrant pink hue.
But the main attraction is the Parker Point Snorkel Trail. It’s an 800m trail that guides you out into the water and back again, searching for 12 underwater plaques. On the plaques you’ll find information about the plants and underwater inhabitants you’ll meet on the trail. It’s a beautiful way to experience the best snorkelling Rottnest has to offer.
Hiking & exploring
The grassy dunes and undulating hills above the beach are ready to explore, too.
Contrasting with the expansive green brush and heather, the Parker Point hills come alive in spring and early summer when the Wadjemup daisy starts to bloom. Its delicate blue-violet petals unfurl from round flower heads, creating beautiful, soft little flowers that make the area feel magical.
The Warden Nara Bidi, one of the key walking trails on the island, snakes its way past Parker Point. It’s a beautiful walk that takes you from Porpoise Bay, right up the hill, where you’ll find Parker Point laid out below you. It takes you off past Salmon Bay, up Oliver Hill, and on to Narrow Neck.
At 9.8km one-way, it’s quite the hike – but well worth the trip. Be sure to take sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks with you, as there are no facilities along the way
Wildlife watching
While a busy beach, Parker Point itself is a little way away from the busier tourist areas. This means that it’s a popular spot for quokkas to hang around. You’ll be sure to see some playing up at the lookout area, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing a multitude of gulls, pied cormorants, different types of terns, and the odd pelican. And, if you’re lucky, you may also see one of the island’s native ospreys, making its way back to the osprey stack near Salmon Point.
Take in the panoramic view
With wide, panoramic views out over the ocean, Parker Point is a stunning spot to stop and take a few photos. The rocky hills contrast starkly with the bright blue water, and the flat, calm sea creates almost picture-perfect scenery.
On a good day, you may be able to see the mainland and even Perth city, out in the distance, peeking over the horizon.
With its eastward view, it’s a gorgeous place to come at sunrise, and catch the splendour of the sun rising over the horizon – a view you don’t typically get back on the mainland.
Essential tips for visiting Parker Point
While a popular spot, Parker Point is known to be a quiet beach, which you’ll generally only share with a handful of other travellers.
With its gorgeous calm water and soft white sand, it’s the perfect place to spend some time relaxing. As it’s directly east-facing, and receives the full brunt of Perth’s sun, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sun protection.
Located right next to the Island Explorer bus stop, Parker Point is easy to get to. It also features a public toilet facility, which includes accessible bathroom facilities. The beach itself is easy to get down to, with an access ramp that takes you all the way down to the shore.
There are no food or drink options around, and no picnic tables, so bring your own picnic rug or beach towel to lie down on the sand if you plan to relax with a bite to eat.
And no matter what you do, be sure to be responsible, and take any rubbish with you as you leave.
Put Parker Point on your Rottnest Island bucket list
Parker Point is a beautiful addition to your Rottnest Island visit, delivering the perfect beach conditions that the island is known for. It’s a truly relaxing space to get away from it all.
Book a room at Samphire Rottnest to ensure you can make the most of your time on the island. Spend your days exploring the beaches and bays, with more relaxing and rejuvenating experiences waiting for you when you return.
