Boating Alerts and Updates

Stay up to date with boating alerts

When you’re entering the waters around Wadjemup / Rottnest Island on a private vessel, it’s important to stay up to date with the current temporary notices for mariners, so that you’re prepared for any circumstances which may impact your trip. The boating community is advised to visit this page on a regular basis for alerts and updates.

Rottnest Island notices to mariners

Mariners are recommended to check for temporary notices, navigational warnings, and event advice before visiting the island or undertaking any boating activity. In Western Australia, Temporary Notices to Mariners are issued in the Summary of Gazettal Notices and Areas PDF document twice a year. Current notices applicable to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island visitors are outlined below.

Current notices can be found at the bottom of this page

Water closures

Boat users should expect closed waters in some areas during major events. To aid in the management of these events, all visitors are asked to follow directions from Rottnest Island rangers and police officers, or officers from the Department of Fisheries and Department of Transport. Maps for upcoming water closures are available below.

Upcoming water closures can be found at the bottom of this page

Weather alerts

When severe offshore weather rolls in, it may include high winds and other hazardous conditions. For the safety of all visitors to the island, boat operators are strongly encouraged to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)  for alerts before and during their visit. 

Scheduled works and maintenance

Works and service improvements are conducted periodically across the island to maintain and improve the visitor experience long term. Stay informed with the latest information here of any works that may impact your visit.

Special events

From time to time, special events held at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island will result in significant boating activity which is likely to impact visitors arriving by private vessel. Read the information below and check the special events page for details about upcoming events. 

Restrictions for Rottnest Channel Swim and New Year’s Eve

Crowd management and safety measures will be in place throughout these events, and this may impact private vessels. During these periods, anchoring and beaching in Thomson Bay in front of Samphire Rottnest will be restricted and a signposted area will be allocated for tenders to be beached.

Notices to Mariners and Water Closures