Recently updated on July 27th, 2023 at 10:06 am
First, you’ll board a ferry in Perth and sail across the sparkling blue seas of the Indian Ocean. Then, you’ll touch down on the white sandy shores of Rottnest Island, and make your way to the eco beach club escape you’ve been dreaming of…
Welcome to Discovery Rottnest Island, a low impact glamping experience that will see you sleeping (almost) under the stars, just metres from the beach, in a luxury eco-tent. You’ll be nestled right behind the dunes of the iconic Pinky Beach, one of the most spectacular coastal spots in Australia.
The property was the first low impact glamping experience on Rottnest Island, and it’s still unlike any other accommodation currently available on Rottnest.
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With panoramic views across The Basin, direct beach access, a relaxing resort pool, and Pinky’s Beach Club, this is what beach retreat heaven looks like. You’ll feel a world away from the bustle of daily life as you reconnect with nature, with all your creature comforts. Perfect for families, beach-lovers, thrill-seekers or those dreaming of a romantic getaway, this is where you’ll make lifelong memories.Â
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Where you’ll stay
There are 83 eco-tents and all come with a pillow-topped queen bed, private ensuite and outdoor deck – the perfect place to soak up the beautiful natural environment. The superior tents feature king beds and kitchenettes, while the deluxe tents have all that plus walk-in robes and double-vanity ensuites.
When you’re not spending time in your luxury tent, there are boardwalks and pathways between the tents and the eco beach club to help keep the landscape undisturbed.
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Other features of the property include a 30-metre guest swimming pool, poolside bar, direct beach access from the property, BBQs, free WiFi (if you feel like keeping in touch with reality), and Pinky’s Beach Club with a restaurant, bar and delicious all-day dining.Â
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Pinky’s Beach Club
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Located on the beach side of the property, Pinky’s Beach Club is the best place on Rottnest Island to watch the sunset and enjoy local dishes, drinks and a fantastic selection of world-famous West Australian wines.
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The contemporary beachside restaurant and bar offer an all-day dining menu, along with a dinner menu in the high season from October to March, and a buffet breakfast. With an open-air design, you’ll have gorgeous views all the way to the beach and Bathurst Lighthouse as you tuck into regional delights inspired by the best of West Australian produce.Â
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Things to do at Discovery Rottnest Island
Pinky Beach
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As one of the most stunning beaches in Australia, that holds a special place in the heart of locals, Pinky Beach is the perfect place to escape into sun, sand and surf. It’s located just steps away from your eco-tent and you’ll be blown away by the soft white sands and glittering blue water.
Swimming pool
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Discovery Rottnest Island has a 30-metre swimming pool, designed for both littles ones and adults with shallow and deep ends. Kick back on the sunbeds under the shade umbrellas, or grab a drink and something to eat from the pool bar.
The Basin
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The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest Island, with crystal waters that are perfect for snorkelling. You’ll get direct access to the beautiful Basin when you stay at Discovery Rottnest Island.
Quokkas
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The super cute and friendly marsupials can be found all over Rottnest Island. Everyone who sees them falls in love with their adorable smiles, and the quokkas aren’t afraid to get up close. If you’re lucky, you might have one come close enough to pose for a famous ‘Quokka Selfie’, but you should never touch or chase these gorgeous creatures.
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Walk the Wadjemup Bidi Trails
Explore Rottnest Island with this series of 45 kilometres of walking trails. There are five sections to Wadjemup Bidi, and each has its own natural and cultural treasures to discover. Whadjuk Noongar are the Traditional Owners of Rottnest Island, and ‘Bidi’ means ‘trail’ or ‘track’ in Noongar. You’ll discover indigenous landmarks, rich flora and fauna, and man-made attractions, as you wander along cross-coastal headlands and inland lakes.
Snorkelling
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Rottnest Island is renowned as one of Australia’s best spots for snorkelling. The surrounding seas are home to hundreds of species of colourful fish, along with turtles, stingrays, seals and dolphins. There are plenty of great spots around the island for snorkelling, with two of the most popular spots including Fish Hook Bay and The Basin.Â
Lighthouse tours
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There are two lighthouses on Rottnest Island, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and Bathurst Lighthouse. Wadjemup serves up spectacular views of the island and ocean and there are daily tours here. Bathurst Lighthouse is operational and not open to the public, but it’s a great location to catch the sunset and it’s located right next to Pinky Beach.
Cycling
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One of the best ways to get around Rottnest Island is on two wheels. You can bring your own bicycle to the island, or hire one from Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper. It’s famed for having the largest range of bikes in the Southern Hemisphere, with around 1,300 bikes ranging from electric, hybrid and mountain bikes, to bikes with baby seats.
Discover Rottnest Bus Tourrex Bus Tour
If you prefer to explore Rottnest on four wheels, this twice-daily, 90-minute bus tour takes you to some of the island’s best locations. You can discover the rich plants, animals, history and culture, with fascinating commentary from the expert crew of Rottnest Express along the way.Â
Island Explorer
Want to do your own thing? The Island Explorer is a hop-on/hop-off bus service that operates all year round, so you can explore the whole island at your own pace, and jump on and off whenever you like.
Sustainability
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Discovery Rottnest Island was the first accommodation development on Rottnest Island in over 30 years, and they take that privilege seriously. The property was designed to stand in harmony with Rottnest Island, by strengthening the fragile sand dunes on a previously vulnerable area and providing improved beach access.Â
The eco-tents are made from sustainable materials like natural woods and canvas, and are designed for natural airflow, without air-conditioning. The property has a revegetation plan to ensure the enrichment of flora and fauna in the surrounding environment. They also use the existing eco-accredited energy, waste and water resources facilitated by the Rottnest Island Authority.
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They’re also made locally. The property was developed by local architects, builders, consultants and employees, and showcases the history, culture and natural treasures of the island for everyone to enjoy.
You can reconnect with more of Australia on our new Near Not Far Limited Series of trips. Have you ever stayed at an eco beach club? Let us know in the comments below!