Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Bayseeker Tour

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A 1.75-hour commentated coach loop of Rottnest Island, covering about 22 kilometres and taking in Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Jeannie's Lookout and Mabel Cove, with the salt lakes, woodlands and bays in between. It is an easy way to see the whole island on a day trip, with a driver guide telling its story as you go.

Days

1.75 hours

Group size

Shared coach tour

Start / finish

Main Bus Stop, Rottnest Island / around the island / Main Bus Stop
Main Bus Stop at 10:45am, 1pm or 3:30pm

Return

Main Bus Stop at 10:45am, 1pm or 3:30pm

Transport

Air-conditioned coach with driver guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Bayseeker Tour

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Included experiences

Wadjemup Lighthouse — visited on the island loop
Henrietta Rocks — part of the commentated route
Jeannie's Lookout — views from the lookout
Mabel Cove — one of the island's 20 bays
Salt lakes and woodlands — seen from the coach with commentary

Australian Pinnacle Tours Rottnest Island Bayseeker Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DEPARTURE: THE MAIN BUS STOP

Once your ferry has landed you on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), make your way to the Main Bus Stop in the Settlement for a 9am, 11:15am or 1:45pm start. The island sits 19 km off the coast and was cut off from the mainland by rising seas about 7,000 years ago. In 1696 the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh named it "rat's nest" after mistaking its quokkas for giant rats. Take a seat in the air-conditioned coach, and your driver guide starts the story as you pull away.

SALT LAKES, WOODLAND AND BAYS

The loop covers about 22 km in an hour and three-quarters. Inland you pass the salt lakes, shallow and very salty, where migratory shorebirds from as far as Siberia feed in summer. Low woodland of Rottnest tea tree and pine covers the rest of the island, and quokkas often shelter in its shade. The commentary runs from the island's plants and animals to its shipwrecks, its colonial past and its military history. The coastline is the island's real show: 63 beaches and 20 bays of white sand and clear water, with Mabel Cove one of the prettiest.

THE LIGHTHOUSE, HENRIETTA ROCKS AND JEANNIE'S LOOKOUT

Rising from the middle of the island is Wadjemup Lighthouse, the limestone tower finished in 1896. On the south-east coast, Henrietta Rocks is a limestone reef just off the beach where the water shows every shade of blue and green. From Jeannie's Lookout you look out across the island and the sea that gave it the nickname "Emerald Isle in a Sea of Sapphire".

BACK TO THE SETTLEMENT

The coach brings you back to the Main Bus Stop at 10:45am, 1pm or 3:30pm, with time to spare before the ferry home. Now you know the island, pick a bay you liked from the coach and go back for a swim, or hire a bike for a closer look.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Main Bus Stop, Rottnest Island. Arrive about 10 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Daily at 9am, 11:15am and 1:45pm.
Finishes: Main Bus Stop at 10:45am, 1pm or 3:30pm.
Duration: About 1.75 hours, covering roughly 22 kilometres.
Please note: The ferry to the island is not part of this tour, so allow time between your ferry's arrival and departure and the coach tour.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Camera

What is included

1.75-hour commentated Bayseeker coach tour of Rottnest Island
Driver guide
Air-conditioned coach with seat belts

Not included

Ferry to and from Rottnest Island
Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.