Thomson Bay

Thomson Bay

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles112 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
39
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1

Jean G
Melbourne, Australia130 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This is the main settlement on the island, and is where the ferries from the mainland dock. The buildings are mostly historical, and were build by aboriginal prisoners back when the island was a prison. Everything nowadays is owned by the Rottnest Authority.
All the shops and eateries are on this main street, as are quite a few quokkas looking for handouts. This is not a good idea, as they cannot cope with non-native vegetation food.
There are some good views from the waterfront, but we didn't swim there.
The settlement is very quiet and deserted after about 6 pm, when everthing closes and the day visitors depart. We enjoyed a nighttime walk around the settlement, as well as looking around some of the historical cottages, etc., during the day.
Written 11 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,718 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Thom[son Bay is the commercial centre of Rottnest, if there is such a thing. The ferries from Perth pull in here, there's also the pub, the bakery and other useful businesses. Thompson's Bay is also the starting point for trips around the island,
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thewanderingslaters
Perth, Australia251 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
Centre of town (Mall) has lots of construction that will hopefully only last for a few more weeks. Walk ways change daily and some of the businesses must be ripping there hair out as they are difficult to see or get too if you have not been previously. Will no doubt be wonderful when it is finished.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kerry M
Mandurah, Australia22 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Couples
Unfortunately this is the first negative review I have ever written.
Upon our relaxing ferry arrival we checked in via the visitors reception, we were not greeted very warmly by the staff, most appeared disinterested and not too friendly.
We stayed in an apartment on the beach overlooking Thompson's Bay, the view was the only great part about our stay. The apartment was dirty, we had to wear socks as the floors were making our bare feet black. The bathroom had scum stains and was in desperate need of a thorough scrub and clean.
I went to use the cutting board, it was leaning against the side wall in the cupboard and was covered in cobwebs!!!!
I thoroughly washed crockery and cutlery items we would need and kept them in the fridge.
Luckily we always travel with our own pillows, I took theirs off our bed and noticed a strong urine odour coming from the pillows.
The apartment was drab, outdated old furniture and furnishings and in drastic need of a total refurbish, especially for the price we paid, we have stayed in beautiful 5 star resorts for less.
The apartment inclusions were so basic they don't even give you a hairdryer.
There were a few volunteers working on the island, they were warm, friendly and very helpful, such a shame they weren't permanent staff.
We are looking forward to hearing some positive reviews about the new more luxury accommodation, we would love to go back to the Rottnest Island, however we would not stay in the type of accommodation we recently experienced ...... extremely disappointing.
Written 23 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sujatojo
Sydney, Australia202 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Friends
Rottnest is not for everybody, it is beautiful, scenic and the beaches are magnificent.
The quokkas are cute but if you are expecting 5 star luxury it is not for you.

We just spent 3 nights staying in a cottage in Thomson Bay South. Very convenient for the pub and the township and close to the beach.

The cottage however had seen better days, it had been done up a little since our last visit but is still very basic. You don't go there for luxury, the single bathroom includes the toilet which is very inconvenient when there are 4 unrelated people staying. They only give you 2 toilet rolls, if you need more you have to buy them. The beds were fine and comfortable enough and now they supply a single small white well used towel each and bedding which is better than taking your own but the towel just wasn't enough on a cold morning!!!

I would call staying there an adventure that kids would enjoy but you need to factor in the noisy groups staying around you, the noisy people sleeping on their boats out in the bay and the noisy kids up early running around unsupervised. Not exactly relaxing.

The restaurants and cafes and ice cream and the store and everything else are expensive. $20 for a one hour bus ride around the island for example, the bus was hot and packed.

They advertise quokka selfies but the quokkas are not amenable to selfies and refuse to pose.

So go by all means, it is a beautiful island, but that is what you will get.
Written 27 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vicky T
Singapore, Singapore95 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Family
It was a big disappointment for my family and I. The ferry ride was $50 /pax but it being an attraction, we decided it's ok. The ferry ride was smooth and no choppy waters. As we are not cyclists, we were advised the only way to get around was to take the hop on hop off bus. We were happy to do that but at a ridiculous price of $20 /pax. Not happy to pay that but had to as we wanted to see the entire island and could hop off if we find an interesting spot. It was an hour ride and all we see is scrubs and scrubs and more scrubs. There was nothing to see. The so called beaches were not inviting though the water was very clear. We went on an hour ride and ended at Stop 19. Wanted to get some lunch at a little cafe but the price for was from $25 minimum onwards for a meal. So decided to get food from the little store and head to the beach for some sun. The sand was fine and white but filled with twigs, branches and sea weeds. Then we headed to the next stop to the Thomson Mall. Manage to take some photos of the island's residents, Quokkas.
We were disappointed as there really was nothing to see at Rottnest. North Fremantle have a better beach and it's free.
Written 8 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Glenn
2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Family
The chalet was very clean and very well equipped and although the outside toilet and shower caused angst for the children at night it was fine and reflected the historic nature of the chalet. The view was stunning, and shops and amenities could not have been more convenient.
However, we had neighbours, and they were a nightmare. The nature of the chalet was that it was the middle one of 3 connected apartments, and due the the design and age, noise from the neighbours on their veranda was transmitted into our apartment without any dampening or reduction.
Our neighbours were loud, had loud teen children, and carried out their lavish socialising on the veranda until very late, despite requests that they reduce the noise.
By the second night my youngest was in tears of exhaustion at 10pm as the noise was keeping him awake. We had them for most of a week.
That aside, don't expect glamour. Expect history and heritage. Expect a unique opportunity and a simple lifestyle. Take time to reflect on the sad history of Rottnest as well, as that still gives pain.
Leave it better than you find it, and be considerate of others.
Written 18 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,718 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Solo
Thompson Bay is where the ferries from Perth pull in. It's the island's main settlement. Most shops and restaurants are here, and it's easy walking to most holiday accommodation. It also has a playground which is popular with the younger set. The Information Bureau is also here, just near the jetty where the ferries berth.
Written 31 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

deejayarrr
Perth, Australia28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016 • Couples
A few relaxing winter days in a Thomson Bay heritage cottage make for a perfect break on Rottnest Island. A healthy ten-minute walk from the main settlement and eateries, comfortable amenities and relaxed island atmosphere made this the rejuvenating stay we were looking for.
Written 27 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SugBrisbane
Brisbane, Australia588 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Family
The main part of Rotto island the first place you will land on when you dock with the ferry company. theres a long jetty, at the end of the jetty is the Visitors centre pick up a map for the island you gonna need it. there are toilets at the visitors centre but limited there is also bag lockers i think from memory they cost $8 for half a day and $12 for the full day don't quote me on these figures but i would recon if you got something valuable i would hire a locker. Thomson Bay otherwise known as the settlement has most of the town specific places such as the Hotel, a few other Restaurants and bars, Dome Cafe, Subway, General Super market with a large selection of items you would only can compare to a IGA back in Perth with attached liquor store, this supermarket has most of the food and drink items you require for your stay or visit to the island. As well as Simmos Ice creamery, a bakery, and a boutique clothing shop, The Settlement is the centre piece of the island its the home base for your visit on your arrival on the island and departure off the island. Toilets, Drinking Water, boat moorings are here, Thomson bay also offers accommodations and bike hire and is also the Bus departure point, You may even see a Quokka or two near the pub, if you just want to spend your time at Thomson Bay you can kill allot of time watching a movie, playing mini golf, theres is working catholic church, there is also a Beach that is good for snorkelling and swimming and lighthouse close by. and a supervised swimming enclosure near the jetty with aquatic equipment entry is by fee and supervision kicks off around midday.
Written 13 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Thomson Bay - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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