I rued the day he gave up his Thompson’s Bay mooring. My old man had it since he was my age, back when unleaded cost about the same per litre as a paper bag at the Woolies checkout costs today. We’d been to Rotto (Wadjemup) more times than I can count, tying up near the Army Jetty and never once thinking about where to park the boat.
Now I’ve got a family and a boat of my little runabout. These days I either pay through the nose for one of the few ballet system moorings, or I throw the anchor down for free at some genuinely excellent spots around the island.
Parking up for free usually involves anchoring. But it’s part of what I love about having a smaller sized boat. We can still crash the night, comfortable and cosy, and best of all — we can choose to head on over the day before, given we’ve no need to worry about a ballet system.
These are my favourite free spots to anchor my boat on Rotto, given proximity to the island’s goodies — from restaurants and cafes, to snorkelling and crayfishing spots.
Jump to:
- A small price to pay
- Where to anchor your boat for free on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
- Thompsons Bay
- Geordie Bay
- Parker Point
- Longreach Bay
- Parakeet Bay
- Best bays by wind direction
- What to consider when anchoring
A small price to pay
Nothing at Rotto is completely free.
Every private vessel entering the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve must pay an admission fee, regardless of whether you use a mooring, a jetty or anchor under your own steam. You can pay per visit or opt for an annual boat admission if you head over regularly.
Once that’s sorted, free anchoring is a legitimate option and one that can save you a lot over a season.
Where to anchor your boat for free on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
After paying your admission fee, anchoring is permitted in approved areas around Rottnest Island as long as you:
• stay clear of reefs and seagrass
• keep at least 50 metres from moorings and other vessels
• avoid jetties, channels and navigation markers
• anchor in sand wherever possible
Some bays also offer designated beach anchoring points where you drop a bow anchor offshore and run stern lines back to fixed points on land. These are first come, first served and generally best suited to vessels under about eight metres.
Summer months are obviously busier, with spots filling fast and moorings taken early. Off-season tends to be a bit of a free-for-all, even on owned moorings. If you do pick up someone else’s mooring, it’s wise to stay aboard in case the owners turn up and be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Thompsons Bay
Thompsons Bay is Rotto’s centre of gravity.
It’s big, sheltered and packed with reasons to stay put. Pubs, bakery, general store, swimming, snorkelling and people watching all within easy reach.
Free anchoring is possible in sandy sections of the bay, including areas near the Army Jetty and along the main beach, provided you remain clear of moorings and marked channels. Space fills quickly on weekends and during school holidays, so getting in early makes a difference.
Geordie Bay
Geordie Bay is calmer and more spread out than Thompsons.
At the eastern end of the bay are five designated free beach anchoring points. The setup is straightforward: drop a bow anchor to sea and run stern lines back to the fixed shore points. These spots are first come, first served and best suited to smaller boats.
You can also anchor elsewhere in the bay as long as you stay clear of reefs, seagrass and existing moorings. You’ve a further walk to the Geordie Bay General Store than the bay its name is borrowed from, but it’s also a shorter stroll to both Thompson’s and the much-loved Basin. It’s a good option if you want a quieter night but still like having a general store and pub within walking distance.
Parker Point
If you’re anchoring at Parker Point, plan to be self sufficient.
This bay sits on the island’s eastern side and is protected by a long stretch of reef and coral that knocks down most swell. In summer, light easterlies usually mean calm water and excellent snorkelling straight off the boat.
It’s a great spot for kids and slower days on the water. Just don’t expect to wander into town without bikes, a bus ride or committing to the distance.
Longreach Bay
Longreach Bay sits in a useful middle position.
You’ve a further walk to the Geordie Bay General Store than the bay its name is borrowed from, but it’s also a shorter stroll to both Thompson’s and the much-loved Basin. That balance makes it a handy base if you want options without being right in the middle of the busiest bay.
Parakeet Bay
Parakeet Bay has been part of my Rotto story since I was about eight years old.
It’s where I learned to wakeboard, sandboard and cautiously drive our little six-foot tender with a five-horsepower outboard. A place where confidence quietly grows without anyone making a fuss.
The bay faces open ocean, but Rottnest itself blocks most westerlies and southerlies. More often than not the water settles into that calm, glassy state that makes anchoring feel easy. It’s quieter, more remote and a long way from the crowds, which is exactly why it still holds up.
Best bays by wind direction
Wind direction has a huge impact on comfort and safety when anchoring. Use this as a practical guide:
Easterlies
Geordie Bay, Longreach Bay, Parker Point (if light)
Westerlies
Geordie Bay, Longreach Bay, Parker Point (if light), Thompsons Bay, Parakeet Bay
Northerlies
Thompsons Bay, Parker Point, Parakeet Bay
Southerlies
All bays are generally fine, though Parker Point may cop a little more wind
One key tip for all situations: don’t forget a back anchor. Running a stern line or secondary anchor off the back of the boat can give you extra stability if the wind shifts unexpectedly, especially in shallower or exposed bays.
What to consider when anchoring
Boat size matters. Beach anchoring points are generally designed for smaller vessels and require proper bow anchoring and stern lines. If you’re short on rope or ground tackle, don’t force it.
Timing matters too. Free spots disappear quickly on weekends, public holidays and long summer days. Early arrivals do get the pick (and it’s painful to miss out when your vacay is banking on a spot). Summer months are obviously insanely busy, while off-season can feel like a bit of a free-for-all, even on owned moorings. If you do pick up someone else’s mooring, stay aboard in case they turn up and be ready to move at the drop of a hat.
Anchoring for free around Rottnest Island is one of the best ways to experience it by boat. A quiet bay, the anchor down in the soft, white sand and the freedom to do things on your own schedule. Far out, think it might be time to book another trip over (on a whim, of course).
And if anchoring is only part of the plan, have a look at our guide on where to catch crayfish on Rottnest Island to round the trip out properly.
