A bucket-list beach thanks to its naturally hollowed out reef, it's easy to see why The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Located 10-minutes from the main settlement, it's the perfect place to relax and reconnect as you feel the soft sand between your toes and the warm sun on your face. Take a dip in the safe, protected waters or put on your mask and snorkel to discover another world below the surface with an abundance of species of fish, as well as beautiful purple, pink and brown shades of coral.

As one of the largest beaches on the island, Geordie Bay boasts a stunning curve of white sand and bright blue water, perfect for a day at the beach. Wade into the bay for excellent snorkelling opportunities, where you can come face to face with schools of fish and the occasional passing stingray. When it’s time to refuel, visit Geordie Bay Cafe & Art Gallery to enjoy delicious food surrounded by local art that captures the island’s natural beauty. Snacks and other supplies are easily accessible from the Geordie Bay General Store, and, in summer, don’t miss out on a refreshing scoop of ice cream from Kuld Creamery.

Rottnest Island is home to even more bodies of water. An array of 12 salt lakes occupy 10% of Wadjemup’s inland space, taking up more than 200 hectares. Interestingly, while being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the water in these salt lakes is four times saltier than that in the sea. Despite this, the island’s clever plant life has evolved to cope with these high salt levels. Plants like beaded samphire, coastal bonefruit, grey saltbush, and coastal pigface all exist close to the lakes’ edges. Be sure to stay on the marked trails, though, to make sure you don’t trample the delicate, thousand-year-old microbialites that grow on the shores.