This gorgeous little island 2km from the mainland is an annual ritual for many Perth locals. Rottnest is unique. It has the southern-most coral reef system, a population of rare marsupials and some of the best off-beach snorkeling to be found in the world.
A living reef encircles Rottnest and supports nearly 100 species of tropical fish. There are several sunken ship wrecks within swimming distance from the beach.
The island itself has had several incarnations, known as Wadgemup (meaning place across the water) by local Aboriginal people, it was sadly used as a prison many years ago. And it was later an internment camp for German and Austrian citizens during World War II.
The Rottnest of today is upbeat and chilled. Cars are not permitted so everyone rides bicycles. As you pedal your way around the island, keep your eyes peeled for Rotto’s most famous inhabitants, the quokkas. Quokkas are small marsupials who earned the island its name Rottnest: Dutch for ‘rat’s nest’. A Dutch mariner, Willem de Vlamingh, passed by in 1696 and mistook the cute marsupials for rats.
If you don’t fancy cycling, the Bayseeker bus service runs a regular 50 minute route around the island, stopping on request. The all day ticket is great value at $7.90 allowing you to check out all the beautiful little bays and linger at your leisure.
There is great accommodation, from camping, cabins and backpacker/budget through to resorts. Make sure you book ahead, particularly over busy times such as the summer months and the school holidays. You can do this by going to www.rottnestisland.com or ringing 9432 9111. Facilities on the island include a supermarket, dive and fishing shop, newsagent, bakery, hairdresser, surf shop, fast food outlets, Post Office and ATM. Older buildings to look out for are the white Salt House, and the present day Rottnest Hotel, which in the 1860s was the Governor’s Residence.
To reach the island jump on a ferry either from Perth, or the 20 minute direct route from Fremantle, call (08) 9421 5888 or (08) 9335 6406.
Less than an hour’s drive or bus-ride from central Perth is the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, off Rockingham, which contains a chain of unique limestone islands.
These isles, which include Penguin and Seal Islands, are home to a cacophony of seabird and marine species - many seldom seen on the mainland.
Cruises and tours operate from Mersey Point visiting the islands of Shoalwater Bay, where you can also view the sea lions lazing on Seal Island. See www.rockinghamwildencounters.com.au. From June to mid-September Penguin Island is closed and tours are suspended to allow the little penguins some privacy to breed.
On the island itself you will find the Penguin Experience Island Discovery Centre and plenty of beachside picnic facilities. Call (08) 9591 1333 for info regarding the islands, tours and ferries etc.
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