Discover the hub of Rottnest Island
After making your way over the waves from Perth, the Thomson Bay settlement is the first place that greets you as you begin your Rottnest Island adventure.
Fringed by white sand and glittering blue water, the settlement has built up around the jetty and the bay, becoming a vibrant centre of activity for all those setting foot on the island. It’s a place to relax and explore, as you dodge curious quokkas and roaming cyclists.
Here are our top things to do in Thomson Bay.
Relax on Thomson Bay beach
With warm, shallow water, the settlement is sheltered on both sides by the jetty and the arms of the bay, making it one of the calmer beaches on the island. The water is clear and inviting, with a roped-off section that protects swimmers from any curious larger sea creatures. It’s a favourite spot for families and new visitors to the island alike, and perfect for young swimmers to explore or splash around in the shallows.
On the beach, the sand extends for some distance, providing all the room you need for games of beach cricket or beach tennis (all of which can be hired from the nearby Pedal & Flipper Hire). Or perhaps you just want to do nothing, throw down a towel, and simply soak up the sun.
Get to know the island’s history
The Wadjemup Museum is a must-visit location for those interested in the island’s past. Once the Old Mill and Hay Store, it now features a treasure trove of artefacts and stories, providing a sobering walk through its often uncomfortable past.
While confronting, seeing, and reading about the history of the Quod provides a valuable insight into the island’s previous life. You can read about the experience that Aboriginal men and boys faced within its walls, and gain a greater appreciation for just how far the settlement has come since those days.
Walking around the Thomson Bay settlement, you weave in and out of the colonial buildings. Some feature plaques telling you about their history, and you can read about the services they’ve provided over the years.
Take a quokka selfie
Thomson Bay is one of the busiest places to find the island’s native species, the quokka. There’s no need to seek them out—they’ll find you. They tend to mill around, hopping across the roads and walkways, or lazing in the shade of walls and trees, and snuffling around the undergrowth.
During August, if you’re lucky, you may even be able to see tiny quokka joey heads popping up out of their mothers’ pouches.
A quokka selfie gives you an iconic image of Rottnest Island, and allows you to get up close with these curious creatures.
But when taking a photo with a quokka, be sure to approach them with care. Don’t touch them, and don’t feed them. Let them come to you, and give them space when you take your photo.
Go snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding
Sheltered from the waves and the wind, Thomson Bay is exceptionally calm. Crystal clear water creates perfect conditions for a range of water activities.
As well as swimming, you can sink under the swell and practice your snorkelling. While roped off, still smaller fish and sea life can be found darting throughout the water. Schools of herring roam around the jetty, and further out in the Bay, you might be lucky to see stingrays or the occasional sea turtle lazing around.
If you prefer to stay above the water, hiring a stand-up paddleboard lets you glide over the smooth seas and watch the energy of the beach and the settlement from out on the water.
You can hire all your equipment, from snorkels and fins to paddleboards and full diving sets, from Pedal & Flipper Hire, the island’s premier hire facility.
Enjoy waterfront dining & drinks
Thomson Bay is home to Rottnest Island’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars. And while you’re on the island, there are some must-try places to eat and drink.
Isola Bar e Cibo
Nestled on the water, just a short walk from the jetty, Isola Bar e Cibo brings a distinctly Italian vibe to Rottnest Island. It’s an elegant accompaniment to your time here; sitting out over the water with a wine or cocktail in hand, indulging in delicious handmade pasta and cured meats as the sun sets.
Lontara
Lontara dishes up food that’s inspired by the archipelagos of South East Asia—a true island experience. Discover beautiful seafood, mouthwatering share plates, and delicious curries to tempt the senses.
Hotel Rottnest
Hotel Rottnest is the place to be for an afternoon or evening drink. Good honest pub fare, but with an island twist, pair perfectly with a selection of ice-cold beers and cocktails, as you while away the hours overlooking the glittering water of Thomson Bay.
Facilities at Thompson Bay
The Thomson Bay settlement is the gateway to the island. As such, facilities are plentiful.
You’ll find public toilets and showers available, with change rooms and lockers to store your valuables. There’s a unisex accessible toilet available at the Visitor Centre, with an accessible toilet and shower facility nearby at Bedford Avenue
Barbecue facilities are scattered around, too, and you can buy your supplies from the General Store and cook up a beachside feast.
Directly in front of the jetty, you’ll also find the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre, where you can get information about the island’s best activities and adventures. Speaking with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, you can enquire about bus services, tour and experience bookings, and pick up a range of maps and pamphlets that will give you more ideas about what to see and where to go.
Explore the gateway to the island
As well as being the first spot you visit when you leave the jetty, the Thomson Bay settlement is a must-visit Rottnest Island destination. A winding set of roads and walkways with shady trees, friendly quokkas, and mouthwatering food and drink options, there are stunning views of the gorgeous water at every turn.
And if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Thomson Bay, Samphire Rottnest is there for you. Book a room and spend your time on the island in luxury, just minutes from the sand and water.
