Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island
One of Rottnest Island's most peaceful northern beaches. Parakeet Bay offers long, wide stretches of pristine white sand, well-protected calm waters ideal for families, and excellent snorkelling over sandy-bottomed reef, all without the crowds of the more popular bays.
Rottnest Island's Peaceful Northern Escape
Parakeet Bay sits at the northern tip of Rottnest Island, far enough from the main settlement to feel truly secluded, but easy enough to reach by bike or bus in around 12 minutes. It is a bigger, calmer alternative to the busier beaches closer to Thomson Bay, and on most days you can spread out on its wide white sand without feeling crowded.
The bay's well-protected position shields it from the prevailing south and southwest winds that affect other parts of the island, keeping the water calm and shallow. The sandy-bottomed reef just below the surface creates ideal conditions for families with young swimmers, and stingrays are a surprisingly common sight drifting along the bottom in the clear water.
Parakeet Bay is also a favourite with boating enthusiasts. The sheltered bay offers excellent mooring conditions, and it is common to see a handful of boats anchored up while their crews snorkel, fish, or simply relax on deck. For day-trippers arriving by ferry, the bay rewards the short ride out with a noticeably quieter, more natural beach experience than you will find closer to the settlement.
Book Your Ferry to Rottnest
Activities at Parakeet Bay
Calm water, vibrant marine life, and a peaceful setting make Parakeet Bay one of the north island's most rewarding stops.
Snorkelling
The sandy-bottomed reef at Parakeet Bay is home to a variety of sea life, including schools of vibrant fish darting through coral formations, sea stars on the sandy floor, and the occasional stingray gliding gracefully through the shallows. The well-protected bay keeps conditions calm and the water clear. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
Family Swimming
Parakeet Bay is an excellent choice for families with young children. The calm, shallow water is well-protected from the prevailing winds, and the gently sloping sandy bottom means children can wade in comfortably. The bay is unpatrolled, so always keep watch over young swimmers and stay within your ability.
Boating and Anchoring
Parakeet Bay is one of Rottnest Island's most popular spots for boating enthusiasts. The sheltered bay provides excellent mooring and anchoring conditions, with calm water and good holding ground. Boats can pull up here to swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy a lazy day on the water well away from the main settlement bustle.
Sunbathing and Relaxing
With its wide stretch of white sand and quieter atmosphere, Parakeet Bay is a fantastic spot for a long, lazy afternoon in the sun. The beach is entirely in the sun through the middle of the day, with the rocky outcrop on the western side beginning to cast shade in the late afternoon. Bring a picnic, as there are no food facilities at the beach itself.
Birdwatching
The northern end of Rottnest Island is excellent for birdwatching. Parakeet Bay takes its name from the ring-necked parakeets that were once common on the island. Today, a variety of seabirds including ospreys, fairy terns, and white-faced herons can be spotted around the bay and along the limestone cliffs on its western edge.
Cycling the North Loop
Parakeet Bay sits at the top of a rewarding north island bike loop. Cycling from Thomson Bay through Geordie Bay to Parakeet Bay, then continuing around past Little Parakeet Bay and back, takes around two to three hours at a relaxed pace and passes some of the island's most beautiful scenery. Pre-book your bike with your ferry ticket.
Don't Miss Little Parakeet Bay
Just around the rocky outcrop on the western edge of Parakeet Bay sits its smaller sibling, Little Parakeet Bay. This compact cove is a hidden gem for snorkellers, with clear water, dramatic jagged limestone rock formations as a backdrop, and a reef that is home to vibrant blue-scaled fish, sea stars, and the occasional stingray.
The reef at Little Parakeet Bay runs in a continuous line around the northern tip of the island, connecting to Parakeet Bay itself. The coral gardens here are considered among the best on this side of the island, and the quieter, more secluded feel means you are more likely to have the snorkelling spot largely to yourself.
Little Parakeet Bay is accessible via the same bike path as Parakeet Bay, and is on the Quokka Hopper island bus route at Stop 18. From the bus stop, it is just a short walk to the beach.
Safety note: Keep clear of the limestone cliffs at both Parakeet Bay and Little Parakeet Bay. The cliffs can be unstable and may collapse without warning. Stay on designated tracks and avoid walking on or near the cliff edges.
Facilities at Parakeet Bay
Parakeet Bay is a natural, undeveloped beach. Come prepared, as facilities are minimal at the beach itself.
Bring a Picnic
There are no cafes or food outlets at Parakeet Bay. Pick up supplies from the Thomson Bay General Store or grab a bite before you head out.
Nearest Facilities
The closest toilets and showers are at Geordie Bay, approximately a 5-minute cycle from Parakeet Bay. The settlement at Thomson Bay is 12 minutes by bike.
Quokka Hopper Bus
Parakeet Bay is on the Quokka Hopper island bus route. Alight at Stop 18 and walk the 400 metres to the beach. Check timetables at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre.
Bike Access
Parakeet Bay is a 12-minute cycle from Thomson Bay. Pre-book bike hire with your Rottnest Fast Ferries ticket to guarantee availability on arrival.
Snorkel Gear Hire
Hire snorkel gear from outlets in the Thomson Bay settlement before heading out, or pre-book with your ferry ticket through Rottnest Fast Ferries.
Fishing
Shore-based fishing by rod and line or hand-held line is permitted at Parakeet Bay. The area around the rocky outcrops can produce good results.
Boat Mooring
Parakeet Bay is a popular anchorage for recreational boaties. The calm, sheltered bay provides good holding ground. Check Rottnest Island Authority guidelines for mooring regulations.
Unpatrolled Beach
Parakeet Bay has no lifeguard patrol. Swim within your ability, supervise children at all times, and check conditions before entering the water.
Getting to Parakeet Bay
Parakeet Bay is on the northern tip of Rottnest Island, about 12 minutes by bike or accessible by the island bus from Thomson Bay.
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
Hire a Bike at Thomson Bay
Cycle north from the Thomson Bay settlement toward Geordie Bay, then continue to Parakeet Bay. The ride takes around 12 minutes and passes some of the island's most scenic coastline. Pre-book bike hire
Or Take the Quokka Hopper
The Quokka Hopper island bus serves Parakeet Bay at Stop 18. From the stop, it is a 400-metre walk to the beach. Timetables are available at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre.
Beaches Near Parakeet Bay
Parakeet Bay sits on the northern loop, making it easy to combine with several other great beaches in one ride.
Geordie Bay
Just a 5-minute cycle south of Parakeet Bay, Geordie Bay is a sheltered family beach with calm shallow water, nearby accommodation, a small jetty, shops, and cafes.
View Beach Guide
Pinky Beach
Continue south past Geordie Bay and you will reach Pinky Beach, one of the island's most scenic stretches of sand, famous for its sunsets and the iconic Bathurst Lighthouse backdrop.
View Beach Guide
Thomson Bay
The island's main hub is a 12-minute cycle from Parakeet Bay. Head back here after your day at the northern beaches for a meal, a coffee, or to catch the last ferry home.
View Beach GuideParakeet Bay FAQ
Is Parakeet Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes, Parakeet Bay offers good snorkelling over a sandy-bottomed reef with a variety of sea life including schools of fish, sea stars, and stingrays. The calm, sheltered water keeps conditions clear and manageable. For even better snorkelling, Little Parakeet Bay, just around the western rocky outcrop, has stunning coral gardens and is worth visiting in the same trip. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
Is Parakeet Bay good for families?
Yes, Parakeet Bay is an excellent choice for families. The shallow, well-protected water is calmer than many other beaches on the island, and the wide sandy beach gives plenty of space. Note that it is an unpatrolled beach, so always supervise children in the water. Bring food and water as there are no facilities at the beach itself.
How far is Parakeet Bay from Thomson Bay?
Parakeet Bay is approximately 3km from the Thomson Bay settlement, around a 12-minute cycle at a relaxed pace. You can also take the Quokka Hopper island bus to Stop 18 and walk the remaining 400 metres to the beach. The ride north along the bike path is scenic and straightforward.
Are there any facilities at Parakeet Bay?
Parakeet Bay is a natural, undeveloped beach with no cafes, toilets, or showers on site. The nearest facilities are at Geordie Bay, approximately a 5-minute cycle away. Always bring your own food, water, and sun protection. The Thomson Bay settlement, 12 minutes by bike, has the full range of island facilities including cafes, a General Store, and bike and snorkel hire.
What is Little Parakeet Bay and how do I get there?
Little Parakeet Bay is a smaller, more secluded cove located just around the western rocky outcrop from Parakeet Bay. It is highly regarded for its coral gardens and snorkelling. To get there, follow the path around from Parakeet Bay, or access it via the Quokka Hopper bus at Stop 18. Allow an extra 10 minutes from Parakeet Bay on foot.
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.