Rottnest is unusually quiet with the island all but abandoned today following a decision to stop ferry services in the face of severe weather this weekend.

A small group of holiday-makers remain on the island along with a skeleton staff.

All ferry services to Rottnest Island have been cancelled for three days from today for the first time in 13 years.

Rottnest Express has cancelled all bookings from Friday to Sunday and Oceanic Cruises will not operate on Saturday or Sunday.

The third company, Rottnest Fast Ferries, is closed until July 3 for its regular winter break.

Rottnest Hotel general manager Richard Barton said he was running on a skeleton staff this weekend as there were still "a few" guests who chose to continue their break on the island.

"It's very quiet," Mr Barton said.

"A lot of guests have left but there's still a few on the island. We're just waiting to hear from the ferry operators when they'll be running next."

Rottnest Express general manager Glenn Gaynor said he notified the Rottnest Island Authority and island businesses late on Wednesday about the decision to shut down the ferry services.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast winds reaching between 30 to 40 knots on waters from Yanchep to Mandurah and offshore to Rottnest Island for today and tomorrow.

PERTH JAYNE RICKARD