Day Trip to Rottnest Island!

A bit of a photo journal of our recent trip to Rottnest Island just off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.

Rottnest is a pretty popular tourist spot for visitors and is also pretty famous for the end of school year revelers that take to the Island in droves to party... well, they did when I was a kid... but I don't know what kids do these days!

A day trip is the best way to experience the Island unless you are planning on spending a bit (lot...) more money. Accommodation is scarce, especially during the peak seasons... and sometimes, it is subject to a lottery system for availability.

Anyway, the first port (haha...) of call is the wharf area... where you will arrive by express ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Or if you have a bit more cash to burn, a seaplane... or your own private yacht.

Already from the entry, you can see the vast expanse of white shining beaches that make it such a popular place for visitors to the Western state of Australia. In fact, my wife (who is more of a beach person than me..), commented on how soft the sand was (well, also in the Perth area)... even in comparison to the Eastern Australian beaches... and definitely much nicer than many of the Western European beaches!

Bikes are your primary form of transport here... no cars, and there is a bus route. Scooters and Segways have made a recent unwelcome appearance though... but unassisted pedal power is the way to get around. You can easily hire one from the ferry company... but don't expect anything fancy... you are looking at three gears, a plastic chain, and a pretty worn wheels/frame.

Still... it is easily the easiest way to get around... but bring sunscreen, as there is very little shade whilst walking/riding around the island!

The Island was home to military base in the past... but that era is now over, and the buildings have been repurposed for visitor accommodation.

... lots of little chalet and small huts that would have housed the soldiers are now available. Nothing fancy again, but it really adds to beach holiday vibe!

Honestly, the whites of the sand and the blues of the ocean and sky are just stunning when the weather is good!

There are very few trees in the island proper, there are more in the little village that has been modernised. But elsewhere, it is quite flat in vegetation... and there are a few small hills for the unfit!

Shrubs are the order of the day... and you are HIGHLY encouraged to stay on the paths. It is a protected area due to the native population of Quokkas!

During the heat of the day, it can be hard to find the Quokkas who are are sheltering away from the Sun. However, if you are quiet and observant, you will find them!

As the afternoon passes away, you will see them come out a bit more. It more fun to find them in the open areas... but if you are in for an easy spot, then in the late afternoon they flood the main village area... probably hoping to get some dropped food.

Anyway, from here... I will just leave you with some of the photos of our trip. Lots of beautiful areas to look at... and a few open public beaches. Personally, I would cycle a bit further away from the landing village to get away from the crowds. The beaches tend to be small and if you can get off the bus route and cycle further, you are more likely to find yourself a perfect private spot!