Rottnest Island has long been cast as WA’s quintessential summer escape—but winter? The pace softens and a quieter, more intimate side of the island emerges.
It’s the perfect time to lean into fireside reds, long lunches that stretch into dusk, and menus that lend themselves to the richness of the season.
This is the time to get to know Rottnest Island’s food and drink offering properly. From seafood pulled fresh from local waters to modern plates and thoughtful wine lists, the Island’s dining scene is evolving with a focus on quality and a strong sense of place. There’s intent here, and a chance to see the island as more than just a summer fling.
So rug up, book in, and take your time this winter to explore Rottnest Island with a fork in hand.
Daytime Fuel
Winter mornings call for hot coffee, flaky pastries and comforting bites, and the island’s lineup of casual spots delivers in spades. Start at the Rottnest Bakery, where sausage rolls and pies come hot from the oven—don’t miss the much-loved crayfish pie—and cap it off with a jam doughnut to go. Feeling health-conscious? The Lane offers immune-boosting fresh juices and smoothies, perfect after a morning cycle, alongside a solid lineup of toasties and its signature cray dog—soft bakery buns brimming with grilled crayfish and jalapeño mayo.
While out exploring, Kalli’s on Rotto is a panoramic pitstop for coffee with a view, while over on the island’s west, Lexi’s on Rotto retro caravan is the go-to for a warm muffin or toastie. Newcomer Pelican rounds out the circuit, with its $19 winter soup and toastie combo the perfect reward after a long ride.
The Lane Cafe
Casual Dining and Sunset Drinks
At Sunsets Bar and Dining, within the Island’s newest resort, The Lodge Wadjemup—recognised by Time Magazine as one of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025—Matt Powell brings experience from Cottesloe’s Il Lido to a menu that’s elegant without pretension.
The half rotisserie chicken—free-range, brined, and served with golden chips and gravy—is a standout, but don’t overlook the Jerusalem artichoke risotto with Fremantle mushrooms or the veal ragu casarecce.
The wine list, starring WA heavyweights, is not to be skimmed over. Arrive early for Island Time Apero, with $2 oysters and $10 wines and schooners from 3–5pm on weekdays through winter.
Sunsets Bar & Dining
No visit to Rottnest Island is complete without a stop at Hotel Rottnest, where in winter the fireplace crackles, the views over Thomson Bay stretch wide, and the pub menu delivers on comfort and familiarity.
Sunday roast makes a welcome return—roast of the day with all the trimmings, best paired with a schooner or glass of red. There are finer touches on classics, too: za’atar-spiced rotisserie chicken souvlaki, garlic and prawn croquettes, or oven-baked flatbread layered with whipped feta and San Daniele prosciutto.
Hotel Rottnest
The fire isn’t only crackling at Hotel Rottnest, though. Bayside Bar, offers drinks by the fire pit with sweeping views of Thomson Bay. It’s the spot to wind down after a day’s exploration, cocktail in hand (or a mocktail for Dry July partakers), warming mulled wine, and uninterrupted views across the bay.
Within Discovery Resorts Rottnest Island, Pinky’s Rottnest Island offers an all-day affair. In the morning, it’s coffee and a buffet breakfast worth getting out of bed for. Come night, the menu leans warm and hearty—think four-cheese gnocchi or twice-cooked pork belly with cauliflower purée.
On Mondays through winter, it’s all about one kilogram of Yumbah mussels in a rich tomato and chilli sauce, paired with two glasses of wine or beer for $40. We know what night we’re going.
Pinky’s Rottnest
For something easygoing and family-friendly, Frankie’s on Rotto has the answer: handmade sourdough pizzas like the anchovy-and-caper-loaded Rotto’nesca, or the Fisherman, topped generously with clams, mussels, prawns and garlic-marinated squid.
Drop in during the daily winter happy hour (4–5pm), when you can enjoy a pizza and a cocktail for $28.
Dinner Plans
There’s something undeniably appealing about Isola Bar e Cibo in winter. While crowds chase the Amalfi Coast for a taste of Italian summer, Isola offers its own version—minus the jet lag. Tables sit along the waterfront of Thomson Bay offering Italian coastal fare: house-baked focaccia, charcuterie, and seafood cooked over charcoal.
Pastas move from blue swimmer crab tagliolini to culurgiones—handmade Sardinian-style ravioli filled with potato and pecorino—while heartier mains like the 750g Treeton Farm T-bone bistecca are made for sharing. Throughout winter, guests who spend $120 receive two complimentary spritzes—saluté.
Isola Bar e Cibo
Finally, Lontara, the signature restaurant of Samphire Rottnest, brings the spice. Its share-style Southeast Asian menu delivers warmth in abundance. Handmade Exmouth prawn dumplings arrive dressed in lime, chilli and tamari; pork belly skewers come glazed with hibiscus tare.
From there, go big with the four-pepper, slow-roasted Albany lamb shoulder or the Javanese-style beef cheek rendang with roast pumpkin and crispy curry leaves—one of the island’s most destination-worthy winter meals.
Lontara
Yes, Rottnest Island may be best known for its summer sparkle, but it’s winter when the Island slows down and shows off. So pack a jacket, book a table, and let the island reveal to you a different kind of magic.
This article was produced in partnership with Rottnest Island Authority and endorsed by WA Good Food Guide.