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Vacation - Rottnest Island WA
Vacation Rottnest Island
Located some 11 miles (18 km) off the coast of Western Australia east of Fremantle Rottnest Island has been a very popular vacation destination for many years.
The Island is 6 miles long and about 3 miles wide and no private ownership of land is permitted. Locals refer to the Island as quite simply "Rotto" !
The Island got it's name because the Dutch captain thinking the animals he could see were rats called the Island "nest of rats". The animals that he saw were in fact the indigenous marsupial called a Quokka .
Scuba diving on Rottnest Island is a national pastime for the locals of Fremantle and Perth who can spend a day there and come home for dinner. The best way to learn about the local spots is from the friendly locals who flock to the island on the weekends.
Scuba diving in the waters off Rottnest Island
Scuba Diving on Rottnest Island
Because of the many shipwrecks around Rottnest it is a very popular calling place for divers.
The reefs also make for great reef breaks for
surfers, especially at the west end of the island at Strickland Bay,
Stark Bay and Salmon Bay where the surfing is great.
Of course it is also a very popular place for the keen recreational fisherman.Day trips from Perth to Rottnest Island are very popular with the locals too, with many a Perth family spending a day on "Rotto"
Rottnest is classified as an A Class Reserve.
There are more than 300 places to stay on the Island many of which can house 6 or 8 people.
The accommodation although mainly aimed at budget conscious Perth families , is heavily booked.
The Island does not have 4 or 5 star accommodation as there is plenty on the mainland in Fremantle and Perth.
Parker Point
An underwater trail for snorkelers at Parker Point features a number of
plaques that give information about the very unusual marine
environments surrounding Rottnest.
The island features
historic buildings and pleasant beaches. As
private or hire cars are not allowed on the island the main transport is either foot or bicycle. The main
settlement is located at Thomson Bay, facing east towards Fremantle.
Other settlements are located at Geordie Bay and Longreach.
Rottnest Island has very few permanent residents with most island workers now making the daily trip from the mainland.
Rottnest is one of the few areas in the world where the Quokka can be
found. This is largely due to the exclusion of all other animals from the island.
In November though to June the local crayfish season opens, and you should go catch yourself a couple!
You can trap them in a "pot" which you can buy cheap locally, or dive for them. You can use your hands or a special "loop" you can buy to catch them this way. So much fun and the local Western Grey lobster tastes wonderful!
Traveling around the island you will see historic buildings and beautiful clear water beaches.
The main settlement is located at Thomson Bay, facing east towards Fremantle.
Cycling is the island's main mode of transport, as private or hire cars are not allowed on the island.
Walking is a great way to see the Island too. If you want you can hire scuba gear locally and spend a whole day chasing fish around and looking at the amazing marine growth.
Accommodation on Rottnest
Accommodation on Rottnest includes 308 villas, units and cottages the majority of which sleep from 4, to 8 people and are self-catering.
The style of accommodation is basic and is most suitable for catering to young families on a limited budget.
Unlike many east coast island destinations, those looking for a superior level of accommodation are not catered for.
As the demand for accommodation in the summer months is high to maintain fairness, ballots are conducted to see who gets the bookings, this keeps the prices to a reasonable level.
Arriving at Rottnest Island
Ferries from Fremantle, Perth and Hillarys are the main means of access to Rottnest but there is also an airport located near the main settlement which will take light aircraft. The boat ride is great, providing a view of fremantle and Rottnest from the sea that is quite beautiful.
Of course the air trip is great too providing a view through the pristine water to the colours below the surface.
For a more complete view of Australia, why not visit our Vacation Guide?
- Australian Vacation Guide
The Australian Vacation Guide will show you the best places to visit in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Canberra (ACT)
