The Basin Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
Photo provided by Tourism Western Australia
The Basin


A stunning beach where you can go for a swim, take a dive into the water or simply laze away underneath the gorgeous Perth sun.

A popular spot for swimmers and snorkelers on Perth’s Rottnest Island, The Basin is a great sheltered beach offering shallow reefs and gentle swells. Close to the shore, you can swim in calm waters, whilst further into the sea you’ll be able to explore beautiful deep waters full of fascinating fish and coral.

The sand stretches for only about 200 metres and becomes quite narrow in parts, but nonetheless you’ll find plenty of space on the grass behind the beach to relax and unwind.

If you pay a visit during the summer, you’ll find the best conditions for swimming when the tide is out, with small waves, warm water and idyllic weather. For a quieter spot, head east for the more secluded areas over a small cliff.

You can enjoy some quality time basking in the sunshine on the sand before going for a lovely swim to cool down. If you’re bringing youngsters, take them in the shallows near the sand, whilst not far away from the shore there are deeper waters perfect for stronger swimmers. You can wander into the water from the sand or trail the edge of the reef and then dive in.

Take a picnic with you and enjoy lunch accompanied by beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Brining along a beach umbrella may be a good idea as the best shelter is only available near the lawns at the western end, which can soon become crowded.

If you want to try a spot of snorkelling but this is your first time, then The Basin is an ideal spot for novices to learn – as well as to see the varied species of fish and coral that inhabit these waters. More practised snorkelers can find perfect spots on the deeper reefs.

About a kilometre from the biggest settlement on Rottnest Island, Thomson Bay, the Basin is easy to reach on foot or by bike. Be aware that shuttle buses do not serve this part of the island. Changing rooms and toilet facilities are available across the small road behind the beach.

Plan a trip to see The Basin

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Gallery Hotel
Hougoumont Hotel
Alex Hotel

Popular places to visit


Top The Basin Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island

2.5 out of 5
Strue Road, Rottnest Island, WA
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough

5 out of 5
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough, WA
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Marine Terrace and Essex St, Fremantle, WA
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Quest Fremantle

Quest Fremantle

3.5 out of 5
8 Pakenham Street, Fremantle, WA
Quest Fremantle
Be. Fremantle

Be. Fremantle

4.5 out of 5
43 Mews Rd, Fremantle, WA
Be. Fremantle
Warders Hotel by Garde, Fremantle

Warders Hotel by Garde, Fremantle

4.5 out of 5
19 Henderson St, Fremantle, WA
Warders Hotel by Garde, Fremantle
Ocean Beach Hotel

Ocean Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Marine Parade & Eric St Cottesloe, Cottesloe, WA
Ocean Beach Hotel
Norfolk Hotel

Norfolk Hotel

3 out of 5
47 South Terrace, Fremantle, WA
Norfolk Hotel
Tradewinds Hotel Fremantle

Tradewinds Hotel Fremantle

4 out of 5
1 Sewell Street, East Fremantle, WA
Tradewinds Hotel Fremantle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Basin

At The Basin in Perth, you can enjoy a relaxing day at the picnic area or indulge in camping under the stars. For golf enthusiasts, there's a nearby golf course to tee off. Don't miss the chance for whale watching during the season, offering a spectacular view of these majestic creatures. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, The Basin has something for everyone.

Shopping

The Salt Store, located 805m from The Basin, offers a delightful selection of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Fremantle Markets, 20.9km away, features vibrant local produce and crafts, while Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 25.7km away, provides a mix of shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

At HBF Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying fitness classes and wellness facilities. Experience outdoor relaxation at Wembley Golf Course, perfect for a leisurely day on the green. For a touch of luxury, unwind at Cottesloe Surf Club, where stunning ocean views enhance your experience.

Adventure

Experience the stunning scenery and adventure vibes at Allen Park, located 20.9km from The Basin, perfect for a challenging hike. For a shorter trek, the Wardan Nara Bidi Salmon Bay Trailhead is 3.2km away, while Gabbi Karniny Bidi Trailhead offers a beautiful walk just 966m away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at His Majesty's Theatre, 30.6km away, and enjoy captivating performances. Visit Barking Gecko Theatre Company, 27.4km away, for family-friendly shows. Crown Theatre Perth, 33.8km away, offers a romantic setting for spectacular productions. Each venue promises an unforgettable night out!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Basin

The Basin in Perth offers a delightful mix of beach, culture, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic Basin Nature Reserve and enjoy the stunning views of St Georges Basin. For a touch of history, check out the nearby historic prison. With its beautiful bay and tranquil surroundings, The Basin is perfect for those seeking relaxation and adventure in one of Western Australia's picturesque locales.

  • Scarborough Beach: Experience the quintessential Australian beach vibe at Scarborough Beach, located 22.5km from The Basin. With golden sands and rolling waves, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
  • Rottnest Island Salt Lakes: Just 1.1km from The Basin, the Rottnest Island Salt Lakes offer breathtaking scenery and outdoor romance. Wander through this unique landscape, where you can spot native wildlife and take in stunning views that change with the seasons.
  • Rottnest Island Museum: Immerse yourself in local culture at the Rottnest Island Museum, situated 966m away. Discover the rich history and heritage of the island through engaging exhibits and captivating stories.

Best time to go to The Basin

The best time to visit The Basin can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Basin falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around The Basin falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.5°F (25.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March73.8°F (23.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April68.0°F (20.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
December74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Basin

To save money during your visit to The Basin, consider travelling during the off-peak months of June to August when accommodation prices are lower. Booking on a Monday can also help you avoid higher Saturday rates. Use Expedia to find affordable stays by sorting results from lowest to highest prices and filtering for Eco-certified options. Additionally, consider bundling your flights and accommodation for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free local attractions and take advantage of public transport to keep costs down while enjoying your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Basin are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Basin is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around The Basin is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you spot the most affordable accommodation right away. Plus, you can refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in The Basin with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.