Skip to main content

Boating Alerts & Updates

Read the latest navigational advice and warnings that may affect your trip.

Be prepared for the marine conditions you’ll experience during your boating trip

When you are travelling to Wadjemup by boat, it is important to stay up to date with the latest boating alerts and notices that might impact your trip. Rottnest Island Authority recommends checking for any temporary notice for mariners, navigational warnings, and event advice before you start your journey.

Current notices to mariners

In WA, 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.

There are no current notices to mariners at this time.

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. 

There are no current water closures at this time.

Weather alerts

Severe weather can be dangerous when you are out on the water. It can include high winds, swell, and other hazardous conditions.

To make sure you are safely prepared,  monitoring the Bureau of Meteorology website for any weather alerts before and during your visit is recommended.  

Scheduled works and maintenance

Works and service improvements are periodically conducted across the island to maintain and improve the experience for visitors.

You can find the latest information here on any works that may impact your visit.

Special events

Special events held at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island can result in significant boating activity, which is likely to impact you if you are arriving by a private vessel.

Check the special events page for details about upcoming any events that may impact your trip. 

Restrictions for Rottnest Channel Swim and New Year’s Eve

RIA wants all participants in the Rottnest Channel Swim and New Year’s Eve events to be as safe as possible. As such, crowd management and safety measurements will be in place during these times.

Anchoring and beaching in Thomson Bay in front of Samphire Rottnest is restricted during these periods, and we’ll put up a signposted area where tender vessels can beach instead.