Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island
One of the largest and most complete beaches on Rottnest Island. Geordie Bay combines a sweeping curve of white sand, calm family-friendly water, excellent snorkelling, a cafe, general store, and accommodation options, all just a short ride from Thomson Bay.
Rottnest Island's Most Complete Beach
Geordie Bay is one of the largest beaches on Rottnest Island and one of the most well-equipped. Just a 7-minute cycle from the Thomson Bay ferry terminal, it combines a sweeping curve of brilliant white sand and turquoise water with a genuine village feel, including a well-regarded cafe, a general store, accommodation options, and boat mooring all within easy reach of the beach.
The beach itself is wide and spacious, making it easy to find your own stretch of sand even on busier days. The sheltered bay keeps the water calm and shallow close to shore, perfect for young swimmers, and the sandy bottom gradually gives way to seagrass and then colourful coral as you wade further out, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling.
Geordie Bay also happens to be one of the best places on the island to spot quokkas. These curious marsupials roam freely around the bay area, and the more relaxed atmosphere compared to Thomson Bay means they tend to be a little less skittish around visitors.
Book Your Ferry to RottnestActivities at Geordie Bay
From swimming and snorkelling to dining, fishing, and quokka spotting, Geordie Bay has enough to fill a full day on the island.
Swimming
The shallow, sandy-bottomed water at Geordie Bay is calm and well-protected, making it one of the safest family swimming beaches on the island. The gentle slope into the water means young children can splash around comfortably close to shore, while older swimmers can head further out into the bay. Geordie Bay is unpatrolled, so always supervise children.
Snorkelling
The sandy bottom near shore at Geordie Bay transitions into seagrass and then vibrant coral as you swim further out, providing a natural progression for snorkellers of all levels. Schools of reef fish are common, and the occasional stingray or octopus can be spotted exploring the coral. The small jetty is also a great place to drop in and snorkel around the pylons.
Sunset Watching
Geordie Bay faces north across the Indian Ocean and delivers excellent sunset views, particularly from the western end of the beach. The combination of calm water reflecting the evening sky, boats at anchor in the bay, and the wide open ocean horizon makes for a spectacular way to end a day on the island. Stay for dinner at Geordie's Cafe to make the most of the evening.
Quokka Spotting
Geordie Bay is excellent quokka territory. The area around the accommodation and cafe sees regular quokka activity throughout the day, and the slightly quieter atmosphere compared to Thomson Bay means the animals are often a little more relaxed. As always, never feed or touch them, and allow them to approach on their own terms for the best experience.
Fishing
Rod and hand line fishing is permitted at Geordie Bay, both from the shore and by boat. The jetty and rocky edges of the bay can produce good results for herring and other reef species. Always check current Rottnest Island Authority fishing regulations before casting a line, as some areas of the bay fall within marine sanctuary zones.
Cycling the North Loop
Geordie Bay is a natural stop on the island's northern bike loop. Cycling out from Thomson Bay, continuing to Parakeet Bay and Little Parakeet Bay, then looping back makes for a half-day ride through some of the island's most beautiful scenery. Geordie's Cafe is the perfect refuelling point halfway through the ride.
Geordie's Cafe and Art Gallery
One of the most appealing things about Geordie Bay is that it has its own fully licensed cafe and restaurant right on the beachfront. Geordie's Cafe and Art Gallery serves breakfast and lunch daily, with dinner available on select evenings, all set among the work of talented local artists whose paintings line the walls.
The menu covers everything from fresh juices and coffee through to salads, burgers, and old-school milkshakes, making it a genuinely satisfying stop whether you need a quick refuel between swims or want to sit down for a proper meal. Being fully licensed, it is also a great option for a cold drink after a long day in the sun.
Next door, the Geordie Bay General Store stocks fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, and pantry essentials, making it easy to put together a beachside picnic or BBQ using the public facilities nearby. In the warmer months, Kuld Creamery also operates from the area, serving ice cream that draws a queue of loyal fans after every swim.
Good to know: Geordie's Cafe opens for breakfast and lunch daily, with dinner on select evenings. Hours can vary by season, so it is worth checking current opening times at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre before planning your day around a meal here.
Facilities at Geordie Bay
Geordie Bay is one of the best-equipped beaches on Rottnest Island outside of Thomson Bay itself.
Geordie's Cafe
Fully licensed cafe and art gallery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on select evenings. Fresh food, coffee, shakes, and cold drinks right on the beachfront.
General Store
The Geordie Bay General Store stocks fresh produce, meat, seafood, and grocery essentials. Perfect for putting together a picnic or stocking up for a self-catered stay.
Toilets and Showers
Public toilets and shower facilities are available at Geordie Bay, making it a practical base for a full day of swimming and exploring the northern beaches.
Accommodation
Stay Rottnest operates a range of recently refurbished self-contained units at Geordie Bay, steps from the beach with balcony views over the northern Indian Ocean.
Boat Mooring
Geordie Bay is a popular anchorage for recreational boats. Mooring bookings are recommended as the bay gets busy, particularly on weekends. Contact the Rottnest Island Authority for mooring information.
Quokka Hopper Bus
Geordie Bay is on the Quokka Hopper island bus route at Stop 19. A straightforward option if you prefer not to cycle, particularly on the return trip after a long day.
Kuld Creamery
In the warmer months, Kuld Creamery operates near Geordie Bay serving ice cream. A firm island favourite, particularly after a morning swim.
Unpatrolled Beach
Geordie Bay has no lifeguard patrol. Supervise children at all times and swim within your ability. Check conditions before entering the water.
Getting to Geordie Bay
Geordie Bay is one of the closest beaches to the ferry terminal at Thomson Bay, just a 7-minute ride by bike or accessible by island bus.
Book Your Ferry from Hillarys
Rottnest Fast Ferries departs daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, 7 days a week. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. View timetable
Cycle North from Thomson Bay
Geordie Bay is a straightforward 7-minute cycle from the Thomson Bay settlement, following the main bike path north. It is a flat, easy ride suitable for all fitness levels. Pre-book bike hire to guarantee availability.
Or Take the Quokka Hopper
The Quokka Hopper island bus stops at Geordie Bay at Stop 19. Pick up timetables at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre on arrival. The bus is a great option for the return trip if you want to cycle out and ride back in comfort.
Beaches Near Geordie Bay
Geordie Bay sits on the northern loop, making it an easy jumping-off point for several other great beaches.
Parakeet Bay
Just a 5-minute cycle north, Parakeet Bay is one of the island's most peaceful northern beaches. Wide white sand, calm water, excellent snorkelling, and significantly quieter than Geordie Bay.
View Beach Guide
Pinky Beach
Continue south from Geordie Bay to reach one of the island's most iconic beaches. Pinky Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets behind the Bathurst Lighthouse and Pinky's Beach Club just over the dunes.
View Beach Guide
Thomson Bay
The island's main hub is just 7 minutes south by bike. Ferry arrival point, full range of facilities, roped-off family swimming area, and the easiest spot on the island for a quokka encounter.
View Beach GuideGeordie Bay FAQ
Is Geordie Bay good for families?
Yes, Geordie Bay is one of the best family beaches on Rottnest Island. The calm, shallow water is safe for young swimmers, the wide sandy beach gives plenty of space, and the on-site cafe, general store, and toilet facilities make a full day here easy to manage with children. Note that the beach is unpatrolled, so always supervise children in the water.
Is there a cafe at Geordie Bay?
Yes, Geordie's Cafe and Art Gallery is located right at Geordie Bay. It serves breakfast and lunch daily, with dinner available on select evenings, and is fully licensed. The nearby Geordie Bay General Store also stocks fresh food and grocery supplies for those who prefer to self-cater or put together a picnic on the beach.
Is Geordie Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes, Geordie Bay offers good snorkelling once you wade further out from shore. The sandy bottom transitions into seagrass and then coral, with reef fish, occasional stingrays, and sometimes octopus visible. For more dedicated snorkelling, nearby Fay's Bay (just east of Geordie Bay) has excellent calm-water coral gardens worth exploring in the same trip. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
How far is Geordie Bay from the ferry terminal?
Geordie Bay is approximately a 7-minute cycle from the Thomson Bay ferry terminal. It is a flat, easy ride along the main bike path. You can also take the Quokka Hopper island bus to Stop 19, which drops you close to the beach.
Can I stay overnight at Geordie Bay?
Yes, Stay Rottnest operates a range of recently refurbished self-contained accommodation units at Geordie Bay, just steps from the beach. Each unit has balcony views over the northern Indian Ocean. Geordie Bay is one of the island's most popular overnight destinations for groups and families. Book well in advance as availability fills quickly, particularly during school holidays and peak summer weekends.
How do I get to Rottnest Island from Perth?
Rottnest Fast Ferries departs daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, just 20 minutes north of Perth CBD. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes and runs 7 days a week. Free parking is available at Hillarys for all ferry passengers. Book your ferry here.