Rottnest Island is an island off the coast of Western Australia, located 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of Fremantle. The island covers 19 square kilometres (7.3 sq mi) in land area, and is administered by the Rottnest Island Authority. Rottnest is a popular holiday destination, and there are daily ferry services to Perth. It has a permanent population of around 100 people, with around 500,000 annual visitors (and up to 15,000 visitors during peak periods). Catherine Beach commences on the northern side of Charlotte Point and curves to the northeast for 600 m to a low northern foreland that terminates at a beachrock point. A series of reefs lie 200 m off the beach resulting in low wave to calm conditions at the shore. Crayfish pots dot the bay and boats sometimes moor inside the reef. A low vegetated foredune backs the beach and the island road skirts the southern end of the beach providing good access.

Rottnest Island is accessible via a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Hillary's Boat Harbor or a 12 minute flight from Jandakot Airport.