Rottnest Island is an island about 20km off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.

Understand

As almost all activities on Rottnest Island are under the administration of the Western Australian Government. It is invariably known as Rotto to the locals.

History

The island was used as an internment camp for Italian and German civilians in WWI.

In WWII several large artillery guns were built on the island's tallest hill. These are no longer functional, but you can take free tours to the guns and through the bunkers surrounding them.

Today the island is no longer used by the military and is a popular and relaxing getaway.

Climate

The climate in Rottnest Island is essentially the same as that in Perth, it may be a little cooler due to its more southern location, and because it is an island.

Landscape

The island is sparsely covered with scrub and occasional stands of woodland, and is dominated by several large salt lakes and some low hills.

It is the bays and beaches that are the attraction on Rottnest, featuring excellent reefs and caves, for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Flora and fauna

Quokkas are small marsupials which gave the island its name - early settlers mistook them for giant rats and called the island 'Rats Nest.'

Getting there

By ferry from Perth or Fremantle or by plane.

• Rottnest Express, Makes the crossing 5-6 times daily.
• Rottnest Fast Ferries,
• Oceanic Cruises,

Traveling around

Hire a bike from the ferry terminal and cycle around the island - this is a very comfortable and individual way, along with all the other individual cyclists. A full loop of the island is around 25km, so is an ideal cycling distance. Bike hire is around $30 per day.

Cars are not permitted, but there is also a regular bus shuttle available for traveling around the island. A day ticket allows you to stop everywhere you want. If you have enough time, make a complete trip around the island first in the morning, and then decide where you really want to stay for a few hours.

See

• Historic buildings including old churches and houses, and a cemetery.
• Lighthouses.
• Wartime reminants, such as old barracks and cannons.
• Superb coastal views along the numerous bays and beaches.
• Wildlife, that is, the thousands of quokkas which populate the island (especially at night).
• The pink salt lakes located on the island.

Things to do

• Swim at any one of the islands beaches. The further you go from Settlement, the less people there will be to share your beach with.
• Go for a cycle around the island (but take water with you).
• Snorkel, as Rottnest is the best location in the Perth metropolitan area for this

There is an annual swim out to the island.

Drink

The one and only pub located on the island, called the Quokka Arms. It is right smack in the middle of where the main jetty is. Apart from that the convenient stores dotted along the island do sell a range of alcohol from wines to spirits.

Safety

Rottnest Island is completely safe. However, Rottnest Island has become notorious for its schoolies week events in November which often take place at night and can get out of hand. (There is also a massive police presence on the island during this time, as opposed to the usual 3 officers). Travelling during schoolies week is inadvisable as the peace of the island is briefly shattered.

There are wild dugites (snakes) on the island which are venomous, however these are only found out in the scrubland and are easily avoidable if you watch where you are treading.