Ricey Beach, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island's best kept secret. A secluded western shore gem with pristine turquoise water, a protective coral reef, outstanding fishing, and enough distance from the main settlement that you might just have it almost entirely to yourself.
Rottnest Island's Best Kept Secret
Ricey Beach sits on the northwest coast of Rottnest Island, far enough from the main Thomson Bay settlement that most day-trippers never make it there. That distance is precisely what makes it special. The beach is shielded from the main road by rugged, grassy dunes that keep it hidden from passing cyclists, and on many days you will arrive to find the wide stretch of white sand and sparkling turquoise water almost entirely to yourself.
A winding coral reef runs along the outside of the bay, acting as a natural barrier against the open ocean and creating sheltered, calm conditions inside. The result is water that is exceptionally clear and gentle, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and simply floating in the shallows. The reef also creates the deep fishing holes that have made Ricey Beach one of the most respected fishing spots on the island among Perth locals in the know.
The beach also features a well-sited access ramp, making it one of the more accessible beaches on the western side of the island. A shaded picnic bench sits above the beach, making it a practical as well as beautiful spot to spend a slow, unhurried afternoon well away from the noise and foot traffic of the main settlement.
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Activities at Ricey Beach
From fishing and snorkelling to quiet swimming and rock exploration, Ricey Beach rewards those who make the effort to get there.
Fishing
Ricey Beach is consistently rated one of the best fishing spots on Rottnest Island. The coral reef creates deep fishing holes that shelter a remarkable variety of species. Wade knee-deep and cast a line for tailor, salmon, skippy, and herring, or try your luck for the more elusive mulloway, flathead, silver bream, and flounder. Rod and hand line fishing is permitted from the shore.
Snorkelling
The coral reef that shelters Ricey Beach creates clear, calm conditions ideal for snorkelling. Schools of fish dart through the reef in extraordinary numbers, and the diversity of marine life here is impressive. Visitors have reported seahorses, nudibranchs, and abundant reef fish, making it a genuine discovery for snorkellers who venture past the more well-known spots. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
Swimming
The protective coral reef keeps the water inside Ricey Beach calm, clear, and sheltered. It is an ideal afternoon swimming spot, particularly in summer when the beach catches the sun through most of the day. The beach is unpatrolled, so always supervise children in the water and stay within your ability. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there are no facilities on site.
Rock Exploration
The banded limestone rocks that flank Ricey Beach are a natural playground for curious visitors of all ages. Lean out over the shallow water from the rocks and watch schools of fish darting below through water so clear it barely looks like it is there. The limestone formations also create rock pools worth investigating at lower tides.
Sunset Views
Ricey Beach sits on the western side of the island and faces toward the open Indian Ocean, making it a wonderful spot to watch the sun go down. With its secluded character and lack of crowds, it delivers a genuinely peaceful sunset experience that is hard to match on the busier northern beaches. Bring a picnic and settle in for the evening light.
Cycling the West Loop
Ricey Beach sits on a rewarding western island bike loop. Riding from Thomson Bay through Geordie Bay, past Little Armstrong Bay, and on to Ricey Beach before continuing around the coast takes around two to three hours at a relaxed pace. The ride passes through some of the island's most scenic and least-visited terrain, with expansive ocean views all the way.
One of Rottnest Island's Best Fishing Spots
Among Perth fishing enthusiasts, Ricey Beach has a well-earned reputation as one of the finest shore fishing spots on Rottnest Island. The winding coral reef that runs along the outside of the bay creates a series of deep fishing holes where a remarkable variety of species congregate. You can wade knee-deep into the shallows, cast out your line, and wait for the pull of something interesting below.
The variety of what is possible here is part of what makes Ricey Beach so appealing to anglers. Common catches include tailor, salmon, herring, and skippy, but the deeper holes also hold mulloway, flathead, silver bream, and flounder for those with the patience to seek them out. Rod and hand line fishing is permitted from the shore at Ricey Beach.
Always check current Rottnest Island Authority fishing regulations and bag limits before heading out, as rules can apply to specific species and some areas of the island fall within marine sanctuary zones where fishing is not permitted.
Facilities at Ricey Beach
Ricey Beach is a natural, undeveloped beach. Come fully prepared as facilities are very limited.
Beach Access Ramp
Ricey Beach has a well-sited access ramp down to the sand, making it one of the more accessible beaches on the western side of the island compared to many that require scrambling down dunes or steps.
Shaded Picnic Bench
A shaded picnic bench sits above the beach, providing a spot to eat, rest, and take in the view without baking in the sun. The shade is genuinely useful on hot summer days when the beach itself offers little shelter.
Nearest Toilets
The nearest toilet facilities are at City of York Bay (around 4 minutes by bike or 15 minutes on foot) and Stark Bay (around 3 minutes by bike or 12 minutes on foot). There are no toilets at Ricey Beach itself.
Bring Your Own Food
There are no cafes, kiosks, or food outlets anywhere near Ricey Beach. Stock up at the Thomson Bay General Store or grab food from Geordie's Cafe before heading out. Bring plenty of water too.
Bus Access
The Quokka Hopper island bus stops at Stop 15, from where a short walking track leads down to Ricey Beach. Check timetables at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre before heading out.
Bike Access
Ricey Beach is approximately a 20-minute cycle from Thomson Bay. Pre-book bike hire with your ferry ticket through Rottnest Fast Ferries to guarantee availability on arrival.
Fishing Permitted
Rod and hand line fishing is permitted from the shore at Ricey Beach. Always check current Rottnest Island Authority regulations for bag limits and restricted species before fishing.
Unpatrolled Beach
Ricey Beach has no lifeguard patrol at any time. Supervise children in the water, swim within your ability, and check conditions before entering. Never swim alone at this more isolated beach.
Getting to Ricey Beach
Ricey Beach is on the northwest coast of the island, about 20 minutes by bike from Thomson Bay. It is not visible from the road, so look for the track leading down from the main path near Bus Stop 15.
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 the Northern or Central Route
From Thomson Bay, cycle north through Geordie Bay and continue around the northwest coast, or take the central road through the island. Either way takes around 20 minutes. Pre-book bike hire with your ticket.
Or Take the Bus to Stop 15
The Quokka Hopper island bus stops at Stop 15 near Ricey Beach. Follow the walking track down from the road and the beach will appear in front of you. Ask for directions at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre before departing.
Beaches Near Ricey Beach
Ricey Beach sits on the northwest loop, making it easy to combine with several other great beaches in a single ride.
Geordie Bay
A short ride southeast, Geordie Bay has a cafe, general store, and toilets, making it a practical stopping point before or after your visit to Ricey Beach. One of the island's best-equipped northern beaches.
View Beach Guide
Parakeet Bay
Continue north from Geordie Bay to reach Parakeet Bay, one of the island's most peaceful northern beaches. Wide white sand, calm water, and good snorkelling, with very few crowds on most days.
View Beach Guide
Thomson Bay
The island's main hub is the starting point for the ride to Ricey Beach. Return here after your day on the western shore for a meal, a coffee, and the ferry home. Full facilities, cafes, and shops all available.
View Beach GuideRicey Beach FAQ
What makes Ricey Beach different from other Rottnest beaches?
Ricey Beach is one of the most secluded beaches on Rottnest Island, hidden from the road by grassy dunes and far enough from the main settlement that it rarely gets crowded. Its protective coral reef creates exceptionally calm and clear water, and the deep fishing holes it creates make it one of the best shore fishing spots on the island. Many visitors describe it as one of their favourite discoveries on a bike loop of the west side of the island.
Is Ricey Beach good for fishing?
Yes, Ricey Beach is consistently regarded as one of the best fishing spots on Rottnest Island. The coral reef creates deep fishing holes that hold a wide variety of species including tailor, salmon, herring, skippy, mulloway, flathead, silver bream, and flounder. Rod and hand line fishing is permitted from the shore. Always check current Rottnest Island Authority fishing regulations before casting a line.
Is Ricey Beach good for snorkelling?
Yes, the coral reef and calm, clear water at Ricey Beach make for excellent snorkelling. The diversity of marine life here is impressive, including large schools of fish, seahorses, nudibranchs, and various reef species. It is less well-known as a snorkelling destination than spots like The Basin, but those who make the effort to get there are often rewarded with a more intimate and uncrowded experience. Pre-book snorkel gear with your ferry ticket.
Are there any facilities at Ricey Beach?
Facilities at Ricey Beach are minimal. A beach access ramp and a shaded picnic bench are available on site. There are no toilets, cafes, or showers. The nearest toilets are at City of York Bay (around 4 minutes by bike) and Stark Bay (around 3 minutes by bike). Always bring your own food, water, and sun protection before heading out.
How do I find Ricey Beach on the island?
Ricey Beach is not visible from the road and is easy to cycle straight past if you do not know where to look. The walking track down to the beach branches off the main road near Bus Stop 15 on the Quokka Hopper island bus route. Ask for directions at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre before heading out, or download a beach map of the island before you leave the settlement.
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.