Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island
One of the widest, most beautiful stretches of sand on Rottnest Island. Pinky Beach is sheltered, beginner-friendly for snorkelling, and widely regarded as the best place on the island to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.
Rottnest Island's Most Beautiful Beach
Pinky Beach is widely considered one of the most stunning stretches of sand on Rottnest Island. One of the widest and longest beaches on the island, it sits on the northern side, sheltered from the south, southwest, and west winds that can ruffle other parts of the coastline. The result is consistently calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
The undulating coral reef just below the surface makes Pinky Beach one of the best spots on the island for beginner snorkellers. The vibrant underwater terrain is accessible right from shore, and the sheltered conditions mean even young or inexperienced swimmers feel comfortable exploring.
Just over the dunes sits Pinky's Rottnest Island, a popular bar and restaurant with sweeping views across the beach and ocean. Come for the swim, stay for the sunset, and finish with a cocktail in hand as the sky turns golden behind the lighthouse.
Book Your Ferry to RottnestActivities at Pinky Beach
From snorkelling over the coral reef to sipping cocktails at sunset, Pinky Beach offers a full day of island experiences.
Beginner Snorkelling
The undulating coral reef just below the surface at Pinky Beach is ideal for first-time snorkellers. The sheltered bay keeps the water calm and clear, and the reef begins close to shore, making it easy to explore without swimming far out. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
Swimming
Protected from the island's prevailing winds, Pinky Beach has some of the most reliably calm water on Rottnest. The wide, gently sloping sand leads into clear, warm water that is comfortable for all ages. Note that Pinky Beach is unpatrolled, so swim within your ability.
Sunset Watching
Pinky Beach is the best place on Rottnest Island to watch the sunset. As the sun drops toward the Indian Ocean and the sky turns shades of orange and pink behind the Bathurst Lighthouse, it creates one of the most photographed scenes on the island. Stay for the evening and make a night of it at Pinky's.
Kayaking and SUP
The sheltered, glassy conditions make Pinky Beach excellent for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Glide along the shoreline and take in views of the Bathurst Lighthouse from the water. Equipment can be hired from the Thomson Bay settlement, a short walk or cycle away.
Photography
With the stark white Bathurst Lighthouse rising above the dunes at one end and the turquoise Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon at the other, Pinky Beach is one of the most photogenic spots on Rottnest Island. Golden hour here is spectacular, and the wide beach gives plenty of space to frame the perfect shot.
Pinky's Beach Club
Just up the stairs and over the dunes from the beach sits Pinky's Rottnest Island, a popular bar and restaurant with top-class food and drinks. Grab a cocktail, watch the sunset from the deck, and enjoy a meal with views that are hard to beat anywhere in Western Australia.
The Bathurst Lighthouse
The iconic white tower at the edge of Pinky Beach is the Bathurst Lighthouse, built in 1900 following one of Rottnest Island's most tragic maritime disasters. In 1899, the iron ship City of York struck a reef off the western coast of the island and sank, with 11 lives lost.
An inquiry determined that existing navigation aids were insufficient. The Bathurst Lighthouse was built in response, working in conjunction with the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the Fremantle Lighthouse to form a navigation triangle that has guided ships safely past the island ever since.
Standing 20 metres tall and constructed from stark white brick, the lighthouse runs automatically today and is not open to visitors, but it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Western Australia. At sunset, with the sky burning orange behind it, it creates an unforgettable image of Rottnest Island.
Good to know: The lighthouse itself is closed to visitors, but the surrounding area is open and makes for an excellent short walk from Pinky Beach. The elevated ground near the lighthouse also offers panoramic views across the northern end of the island.
Facilities at Pinky Beach
Pinky Beach is a short walk from Thomson Bay, so most facilities are a few minutes away.
Pinky's Beach Club
Bar and restaurant right on the dunes above the beach. Food, cocktails, and some of the best sunset views on the island.
Toilets and Showers
The nearest public toilet facilities are at the Stay Rottnest Campground or at The Basin, both a short walk away.
Nearby Accommodation
Discovery Rottnest Island glamping is located just over the dunes from Pinky Beach. Stay Rottnest Campground is also nearby.
Snorkel Gear Hire
Hire snorkel gear from outlets in the Thomson Bay settlement, or pre-book with your Rottnest Fast Ferries ticket for guaranteed availability.
Bus Access
The Quokka Hopper island bus services Pinky Beach, making it easy to reach even without a bike. Check timetables at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre.
Bike Access
Pinky Beach is a short, easy cycle from Thomson Bay. Hire a bike from the settlement on arrival, or pre-book through Rottnest Fast Ferries.
Fishing
Hand line and reel fishing is permitted at Pinky Beach, though better fishing spots can be found elsewhere on the island.
Unpatrolled Beach
Pinky Beach is not patrolled by lifesavers. Swim between the flags where available, and always swim within your ability.
Getting to Pinky Beach
Pinky Beach is about a 10-minute walk or a few minutes by bike from the Thomson Bay ferry terminal. Here's how to plan your trip from Perth.
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
Arrive at Thomson Bay and Head North
From the ferry terminal at Thomson Bay, Pinky Beach is a 10-minute walk north, or just a few minutes by bike following the path past the campground and toward Bathurst Lighthouse.
Or Take the Island Bus
The Quokka Hopper island bus stops near Pinky Beach. Pick up a timetable from the Visitor Centre at Thomson Bay on arrival. Pre-book a bike for more flexibility.
Beaches Near Pinky Beach
Pinky Beach sits between Thomson Bay and The Basin, making it easy to visit multiple beaches in a single day.
The Basin
Just a short walk from Pinky Beach, The Basin is Rottnest's most famous snorkelling spot. A natural reef lagoon with crystal-clear water, perfect for families and underwater explorers.
View Beach Guide
Thomson Bay
The island's main hub, just a 10-minute walk south. The ferry arrives here, and you'll find cafes, shops, bike hire, and the roped-off family swimming area all within easy reach.
View Beach Guide
Geordie Bay
A sheltered family bay on the northeastern side of the island, with calm shallow water, nearby accommodation, and shops. A pleasant bike ride from Pinky Beach.
View Beach GuidePinky Beach FAQ
Is Pinky Beach good for snorkelling?
Yes, Pinky Beach is one of the best beginner snorkelling spots on Rottnest Island. The undulating coral reef sits just below the surface close to shore, and the sheltered bay keeps conditions calm and clear. You can pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
What is the best time to visit Pinky Beach?
Pinky Beach is worth visiting at any time of day, but late afternoon is particularly special. The beach earns its reputation as the island's best sunset spot as the sun drops toward the ocean behind the Bathurst Lighthouse. Arriving mid-afternoon gives you time to swim and snorkel before settling in for the golden hour.
Is Pinky Beach patrolled by lifeguards?
No, Pinky Beach is unpatrolled. Always swim within your ability, keep an eye on children at all times, and check conditions before entering the water. The nearest patrolled beach on Rottnest Island is at Thomson Bay, which has a roped-off swimming area during summer.
How far is Pinky Beach from the ferry?
Pinky Beach is approximately a 10-minute walk north from the Thomson Bay ferry terminal. By bike it takes just a few minutes. You can also take the Quokka Hopper island bus, which stops near the beach.
What is Pinky's Beach Club?
Pinky's Rottnest Island (formerly Pinky's Beach Club) is a popular bar and restaurant located just up the stairs and over the dunes above Pinky Beach. It offers top-class food and drinks with sweeping views of the ocean and the Bathurst Lighthouse. It's the perfect spot for sunset drinks after a day on the beach.
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.