Rottnest Island

Our last full day in Perth saw us do the obligatory trip to Rotto. The weather had turned somewhat and a wet and windy morning saw us at the wharf to catch a Ferry over to the island.

After standing around for an ice age while the mongoose doing the check-in practically hand-drew maps for each individual person with places of interest written out in their dialect of choice, we finally boarded and headed down the Swan River towards Fremantle and then to Rottnest. The island was so named as it was discovered by Dutch explorers who saw the native Quokka's (small wallaby like marsupials) and thought there were large rats and names the island 'Rat's nest' or 'Rottnest' in Dutch.

A local cute Quokka

We had an hour to wander around before some lunch and then a 2 hour coach ride around the island. Thank god the sun came out after lunch as I have to say the Island is spectacular in the sun when it lights up the water and makes everything look so blue, if it was cloudy I think I would've come away with very different impressions.

Views along the coastline

The afternoon went really quickly and the coach trip around the island was a great way to see the different landscapes it has to offer. You can stay on the island and there are resorts, cottages and camping options. The more you see, the more you think that it would be a great place for a long weekend to swim and relax.

More beautiful water views