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.
Contact & location
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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.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
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Cardboardbird, Mike, David, Tan Mui Pin and Matthew, Inas, Tatatabot, Morph, Hypatia and Huttite
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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