Thomson Bay

Thomson Bay is the main settlement bay on the north-eastern coast of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), about 19 kilometres off Fremantle in Western Australia. It serves as the island's primary arrival point for ferries and contains the historic Thomson Bay Settlement with heritage buildings, jetties and sheltered sandy beaches. The bay is notable for calm swimming waters, quokka sightings, and as the hub for visitor services, accommodation and transport on the car-free island.

Visitors arrive at Thomson Bay via ferry at the main jetty and find a sheltered, curved sandy bay with calm turquoise water backed by the low-rise Thomson Bay Settlement. The foreshore includes heritage limestone buildings, shops, cafes, visitor centre and accommodation, with grassed areas, jetties and moorings. The beach is suitable for swimming, wading and snorkelling in sheltered conditions, with views across to Fremantle and Perth. The area is the island's transport hub for bicycles and buses, and quokkas are commonly seen around the settlement.