As your IG feed transforms into a black hole of everyone's Euro summer escapades—except your own—it becomes hard to remember why winter exists in the first place.
But what if there was a more affordable way to release your inner wanderlust this chilly season without the hectic scheduling, summer crowds, or days spent squished in transit?
Enter: the perfect winter getaway to Rottnest Island. From whale watching and white-sand beaches to tasty eats and surf cleaner than any Aussie coast, our mates at Rottnest Express are here to ensure the island will feel like your own piece of paradise. The hardest part of your days on the island will be deciding where to start.
For The Thrill Seeker
Although the island’s selection of serene beaches are tailor-made for lazing, if you have some energy to burn, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to help make your arvo kip on the sand even more satisfactory.
Start your adventure with an old-fashioned bike ride through scenic terrain, before heading out on a day of exploring aboard the Discover Rottnest Bus Tour.
For those in their true thrillseeker era, end your stay on the island on a high with a bucket list skydiving experience that'll put any crowded Disneyland ride to shame.
For The Animal Obsessed 
No trip to Rottnest Island is complete without saying hello to the island’s locals.
Start by basking in the beauty of the biggest creatures in the blue with two hours of unforgettable whale watching. Jump on board a cruise on a purpose-built luxury catamaran and spot these sizey swimmers and their curious calves as they breach, tail slap, and play amongst the WA waters on their migration journey south.
After waving goodbye to the whales for another season, head into Rotto town for a coffee and a catch-up with the island's baby quokkas. Although rather cute, these sneaky marsupials will try and steal any snacks you have on hand, so be sure to keep your daypacks sealed. Just as much as they love the smell of those chicken chippies, these cuddly creatures adore posing for a selfie, so grab a snap and watch your comment section go wild with heart emojis.
Bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, and other birds are also frequent visitors to this spectacular part of the world—especially in the colder months—so after you're done with the quokkas, get ready to channel your inner David Attenborough and see what else you can find.
For the Food Lovers 
A day spent eating is a day well spent, and the decadent bites and beverages crafted locally on the island are true highlights of any Rottnest experience.
Whether you’re picking up supplies from Rottnest Bakery for the most epic beach picnic, enjoying a Frankie’s BBQ pizza with a decadent cheese pull and sourdough base, or sipping a well-deserved sundowner on the Hotel Rottnest terrace, you can hit the pillow with one very happy belly. The best bit? With very few people on the island, say goodbye to advanced bookings and endless queues, and say hello to another round arriving at your table before you've even had time to voice your thirst.
If you want to dial up the romance on your Rotto day away, head to Lontara. This magical dinner destination is known for its tropicana decor and South-East Asian-inspired dishes, and will set you up for the perfect flavour-packed dining experience to share with your lover of choice.
For the Chiller 
Winter on Rotto is the perfect time to switch off and enjoy the sweet sound of island life—minus the crowds and chaos. So if work this week has felt like a never-ending slog and all you feel like doing is parking up with a good book, you've come to the right place.
Take a chill walk on the dunes or enjoy a guided bus ride to some of the most spectacular locations. Learn about all things flora, fauna, history, and culture, and pick up a couple of useful facts to help your pub quiz team back home.
When your arvo reading session comes calling, head to the breathtakingly beautiful Longreach Bay for the perfect sun-soaked nook. Be sure to pack an extra page-turner as once you settle into the comfort of the sand, you'll never want to leave. And if your GoodReads isn’t giving you what you need, check out our list of 2024’s Must Reads.
To top off a blissful day on the sand, pick up a tasty takeaway from The Lane Cafe. Delicately sandwiched between the softest of buns, order the craydog piled high with grilled crayfish marinated in garlic and olive oil—alongside a generous dashing of zesty jalapeno mayo. The best part? There are no nosy parkers around to watch you lick that paper bag clean, except maybe a quokka or two.
Ready for the most blissful of winter breaks and to indulge in all things island life? Experience Population, You and book your next local getaway with Rottnest Express.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Rottnest Express and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List, Rottnest Express