With its crisp white sand, calm blue water, and gentle waves that lap at the shoreline, Ricey Beach on Rottnest Island looks like something out of a tourism brochure.
But despite this, it has a reputation as one of the more secluded beaches on the island—and sometimes, you might even have it all to yourself.
Ricey Beach is perfect for escaping the crowds
Situated on the island’s western side, Ricey Beach’s distance from the main settlement makes it such a quiet place.
Its natural seclusion also keeps it tucked away from the crowds. It’s not immediately visible, shielded from the main road by rugged, grassy dunes. You might travel right past if you didn’t know what you were looking for.
What also makes it perfect is the water. The beach receives warmer tides thanks to the Leeuwin Current that travels past the island from the north. And out in the bay, it’s protected by a low coral reef that works to stop much of the swell.
Getting to Ricey beach
Getting to Ricey Beach is easy. At 6.4km away from the main settlement, it’s outside of typical walking distance. However, it’s only a 25-minute journey by bike, with options around the northern coast or through the island’s centre.
On the cycle over, you pass many beautiful beaches, including Geordie Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, Little Armstrong Bay, and City of York Bay.
Or, for a more leisurely trip, take the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer and hop off at Stop 20.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of Ricey Beach
The tranquillity of Ricey Beach is a big part of what makes it so unique. You can decompress with a good book, take a lazy swim in the shallow water, or head further into the ocean for excellent snorkelling conditions.
Flanked by banded limestone rocks, the kids—or more adventurous adults—will love climbing and exploring the rocks, leaning out over the shallow water to watch the schools of fish dart below.
It’s also the perfect spot for fishing. Wade knee-deep in the water, cast out your line, and settle in for the wait. When you feel a tug, it might be flathead, tailor, skippy, or whiting.
Flounder hang around on the seabed, and it’s also a good spot for catching the elusive mulloway.
Ricey Beach is the ideal place for taking some slow, gentle time for yourself, however, you choose.
Facilities at Ricey Beach, Rottnest Island
While Ricey Beach has no toilets or showers, facilities can be found at nearby bays. The City of York Bay is a 15-minute walk, or a four-minute bike ride away. You can find toilets and resident quokkas hanging about.
Stark Bay is just twelve minutes on foot or three minutes on two wheels; public toilets are available there.
Near the backshore, you’ll find a picnic table carefully installed near some shady trees, providing a spot to set up a lazy lunch.
Access is easy, too, as a recent upgrade sees a sturdy access ramp down to the sand.
Experience your own personal retreat
Ricey Beach on Rottnest Island is a place where you can relax and unwind. A place to dig your feet into the soft sand, feel the breeze on your skin and the sun on your cheeks, and experience the stillness of the island that you won’t get anywhere else.
For a truly relaxing time on Rottnest Island, book your stay with Samphire Hotel and explore all of Rottnest’s popular beaches.
