Page last updated: 09 May 2025
Rottnest Island is a Western Australian tourist hotspot, off the coast of Perth.
Table of Contents
How many tourists visit Rottnest Island each year?
Rottnest Island attracts over 750,000 visitors annually. Numbers have fluctuated in recent years due to the pandemic and recovery.
- Over 750,000 visitors arrived in 2019, making it one of the highest recorded years before the pandemic.
- Approximately 400,000 visitors came in 2020, a 47% decrease from 2019 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel bans.
- Over 450,000 visitors arrived in 2021, reflecting a 13% rise from 2020, supported by intrastate tourism.
- Over 570,000 visitors arrived in 2022, marking a 27% increase from 2021, following the reopening of borders.
- Over 800,000 visitors came in 2023, setting a record high with a 40% rise from 2022 and a 7% increase compared to 2019.
How much did tourists spend on Rottnest Island each year?
Rottnest Island generates over AUD 280 million in annual tourism revenue.
- Tourism revenue reached AUD 215 million before the pandemic in 2019.
- A 67% decline followed, bringing revenue down to approximately AUD 71 million in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Recovery began in 2021 with an estimated AUD 100 million in tourism spending.
- Strong improvement pushed revenue up to AUD 143 million in 2022 as travel restrictions eased.
- A strong rebound in 2023 led to an approximate 98% increase, reaching AUD 283 million, 32% higher than 2019 levels.
- Revenue is projected to reach approximately AUD 291 million in 2024, maintaining levels about 35% higher than pre-pandemic figures.
When is the best time to visit Rottnest Island?
- Beach Activities & Snorkelling: December – March (Warmest waters & clearest conditions).
- Fewer Crowds & Nice Weather: September – November (Mild temps, lower prices).
- Cheapest Travel: June – August (Off-peak season, discounts on ferries & accommodation).
- Wildlife Lovers: September – November (Whale migration, wildflower season).
What are the best ways to experience Rottnest Island?
- Quokka Selfies: Most visitors take quokka photos.
- Cycling the Island: Over 132,000 bike hires in a recent year.
- Snorkelling & Diving: Over 9,400 snorkel hires were recorded in a recent annual period.
- Beaches & Bays: The Basin and Pinky Beach are the most visited spots.
- Historic Sites & Tours: Over 38,000 visitors were recorded on guided tours in a recent year.
Rottnest Island Travel Resources
How long do tourists spend on Rottnest Island?
- Day-trippers: The majority of visitors stay for 5-8 hours.
- Domestic visitors: For overnight visitors, the average stay is usually 1 to 3 nights.
- International tourists: International visitors tend to stay longer, with an average stay ranging from 2 to 3 nights.
How much does it cost to go to Rottnest Island?
Tourists spend an average daily amount of AUD 185 per visitor in Rottnest Island.
- Average Tourist: A typical day trip, including ferry fares and on-island expenses, costs approximately AUD 265 to AUD 325 per person, incorporating an average daily expenditure of AUD 185.
- Overnight Stay: Visitors spending 1 to 2 nights typically spend between AUD 450 to AUD 650 per trip, including accommodation, meals, and recreational activities.
How many tourists visited Rottnest Island in 2024?
- Final 2024 numbers are still being compiled, but projections suggest 800,000+ visitors, maintaining the record-high levels of 2023.
How much did tourists spend on Rottnest Island in 2024?
- Early estimates indicate spending will reach around AUD 291 million, surpassing the 2023 level.
Who spent the most on Rottnest Island in 2024?
Domestic visitors are projected to contribute 85% of total spending.
- International spending continues to recover, making up around 15% of total tourism spend on Rottnest.
How many tourists visited Rottnest Island in 2023?
Over 800,000 visitors came in 2023, a record high with a 40% rise from 2022 and a 7% increase compared to 2019.
- Approx. 680,000 (85%) of the total visitors were domestic, while 120,000 (15%) were international travellers in 2023.
How much did tourists spend on Rottnest Island in 2023?
- Tourist spending reached AUD 283 million in 2023, 32% higher than in 2019.
Who spent the most on Rottnest Island in 2023?
- Spending was dominated by domestic visitors (85%), with international visitors contributing the remaining 15% in 2023.
How many tourists visited Rottnest Island in 2022?
Rottnest Island saw 570,000 visitors in 2022, a 27% increase from 2021, as travel restrictions eased and borders reopened.
- 513,000 (90%) of total visitors were domestic, while 57,000 (10%) were international travellers in 2022, indicating early stages of international tourism recovery.
How much did tourists spend on Rottnest Island in 2022?
- Tourist spending reached AUD 143 million in 2022, 43% higher than in 2021.
Who spent the most on Rottnest Island in 2022?
- Domestic visitors contributed AUD 128.7 million (90%) of total spending, while international visitors spent AUD 14.3 million (10%) in 2022, as borders reopened and interstate travel resumed.
How many tourists visited Rottnest Island in 2021?
Over 450,000 visitors arrived in 2021, reflecting a 12.5% rise from 2020, supported by intrastate tourism.
- Approximately 446,000 (99%) of the total visitors were domestic, while 4,000 (1%) were international visitors in 2021 (pandemic impact).
How much did tourists spend on Rottnest Island in 2021?
- Tourist spending reached AUD 100 million in 2021, 41% higher than in 2020.
Who spent the most on Rottnest Island in 2021?
- Domestic visitors contributed AUD 99 million (99%) of total spending, while international visitors spent just AUD 1 million (1%) in 2021, as international borders remained largely closed.
Rottnest Island Inbound Tourism Statistics in 2020
Rottnest Island had approximately 400,000 visitors in 2020, a 50% decrease from 2019, due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel bans. About 392,000 (98%) were domestic tourists, with only 8,000 (2%) international visitors.
- Tourist spending reached AUD 71 million in 2020, representing a 67% decline from pre-pandemic levels. Domestic visitors contributed AUD 69.6 million (98%) of total spending, while international visitors spent just AUD 1.4 million (2%).
Rottnest Island Inbound Tourism Statistics in 2019
Rottnest Island welcomed 750,000 visitors in 2019, marking one of the highest-recorded years before the pandemic. Approximately 637,500 (85%) were domestic, while 112,500 (15%) were international visitors.
- Tourist spending reached AUD 215 million in 2019, establishing the pre-pandemic baseline. Domestic visitors contributed AUD 182.75 million (85%) of total spending, while international visitors spent AUD 32.25 million (15%).
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