Been hoping for a lotto win lately but can’t even get a single number that matches? Sounds like you need to become a Rotto winner instead! A Rotto winner is a smart, savvy traveller that decides to visit Rottnest Island in winter, taking advantage of the empty expansive beaches, gorgeous rich-red sunsets, and activities, accommodation, and dining without the crowds.
Okay, so being a Rotto winner won’t pay off your mortgage or get you a new car, but you can get a sense of renewal from a Wild Rotto Winter, and that’s priceless these days.
Come with us as we share why a visit to Rottnest Island with Journey Beyond hits the jackpot.
Your lucky break
What could be luckier for any traveller than uncrowded beaches, wild wildlife doing its thing, and a higher quokka-to-human ratio (for that ultimate travel selfie)? It’s a Wild Rotto Winter, and the island is nothing short of spectacular, thanks to its winter metamorphosis.
Those gorgeous long scenic beaches? Not a person in sight. Those golden sunsets? Brighter, bolder, more brilliant: nothing short of showstopping. The wildlife? Migrating birds you’d never see in summer, plus baby quokkas cosy in their mama’s pouch (can we get an awww?).
This is your lucky break (and reminder) to plan a winter trip to Rottnest Island to become a Rotto winner!
Your best bet
There’s nothing ‘off’ about the offseason on Rottnest Island. Everything you know and love will still captivate your heart and imagination, only it’s with a level of wild that is absent in summer.
Yes, the quokkas are still there. Still the same cute faces, friendly dispositions, and wonderous curiosity, only in winter, it’s with their babes in tow, adding to their adorability factor.
While you can’t have a flutter on Rotto in winter, the birds can – with several flying in to claim the place for breeding and resting. Perhaps the most impressive visitor to Rottnest Island in winter (besides you, obvs) is the wedge-tail shearwater. It soars onto Rotto from August to its breeding colonies at Cape Vlamingh and Radar Reef.
Safe bet
You might think getting to Rottnest Island in winter would be a little rough, thanks to the occasionally choppy winter day. However, with the purpose-built Rottnest Express, you’re in safe hands, offering a safe bet and safe passage every day. In fact, they are the most trusted and experienced ferry operator heading to this island paradise.
In winter, there are five sailings per day (six on Fridays), departing from two places in Fremantle and once daily from the Perth Barrack Street jetty.
Your Rotto winning streak continues, btw, as the whole fam can get a Wonder Out Yonder discount on the Rottnest Express from now until the end of July. Score!
Right on the money
As you can also expect from Journey Beyond, their Rottnest adventures are right on the money. You’d be forgiven for thinking they’ve only got the Rottnest Express ferry service, but they also have other ways to make jackpot-feeling memories on Rottnest Island.
Did you know you can rent a bike to explore the extremely bikeable island terrain? Simply add your bike rental to your ferry booking (helmets included). You can also rent a snorkel and fins in the same way.
If you’d like more guidance around the island, consider a comfy Discover Bus Tour where you’re whisked to Rottnest’s hot spots. The 90-minute tour is perfect for those short on time or looking for commentary on the island’s history, nature, and wildlife.
Prefer to be on the water? There are also boat trips (including the thrilling Eco Express), a luxe seafood cruise, sunset sailings, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous skydive over Rottnest Island, waving to the quokkas on the way down!
Hit the jackpot
While summer may draw the crowds, Rottnest Island is well-prepped in winter for a cosy stay with a range of accommodation offerings.
While you might love a winter camping trip, we’re personally all about that Samphire life! The barefoot luxury of the Samphire Resort is the splurge we all deserve, no matter the season! And they’ve got a winter special, including your Rottnest Express ferry ride, too. Woohoo!
The luck of the draw
Nabbing a table for a delish meal on a popular summer day can be challenging in the peak months. In winter, however, you can dine sans crowd at Frankie’s on Rotto, Hotel Rottnest and, yes, even the popular Lontara at Samphire Rottnest!
And because the sunny WA days are often glorious in the low 20s, you can easily pack a picnic to enjoy at any of the island’s incredible vantage points. Pick up supplies from the Rottnest Bakery or one of the cafes on the island.
The money shot (the deets, peeps)
No scratchy cards are necessary to get a Rotto win. You can book Rottnest Island ferry rides, tours, and more by phoning 1300 467 688, emailing reservations@rottnestexpress.com.au, or heading to their online booking engine.
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