Rottnest Island

Article by: Jay
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

Rottnest Island, Western Australia's holiday island just twenty kilometres off the coast of Perth, has been attracting thousands of holiday makers annually since it was first declared an A Class Reserve in 1917. Although Rottnest Island has undergone many changes in its three-hundred year history, the Rottnest Island Authority has endeavoured to retain the unique holiday atmosphere developed during the last half century.

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Today it is a place where a family can enjoy an inexpensive holiday, removed from the pressures of life.

Hotel Rottnest, affectionately called the "Quokka Arms" was built between 1858 and 1864, became a hotel in 1953 and has been extensively renovated in recent years.

An airial view of Rottnest Island.The Old Cemetery with its gravestones tell an interesting story of days long past. Vlamingh Lookout Hertiage Trail is worth a look. From the cemetery, a steep road takes you to the memorial erected in honour of the Dutch navigator, Willem de Vlamingh, who landed in Rottnest in 1696. From this point you can see the island spread out below you.

Thomson Bay, is the harbour for the island. The creamy surf of the transit reef just outside the bay, is a popular sport for surfing and catamarans.

A quokka (Setonix brachyurus), located on Rottnest IslandCheck out the Rottnest Wreck Heritage Trail where underwater and land plaques are now positioned giving details of the shipwrecks of Rottnest Island.

The Basin, is a unique swimming spot with clear waters reflecting the white sandy bottom.

The Salt Lakes are a natural phenomena unique to Rottnest. The lakes are grouped in the north east section of the island and are named Government House Lake, Serpentine Lake, Herschell Lake, Garden Lake and Lake Baghdad. Because of natural seepage, there are many pools of fresh water and it is estimated that here, you'll find half the total wildlife on the island.

Boat moored in Fishhook Bay, Rottnest IslandIn the west end is Cape Vlamingh. Here you can gaze down at the rollers of the Indian Ocean foaming over the reef. There is no solid land mass between this point and Madagascar, 6,436 kilometres away.

Explore the Oliver's Hill Heritage Trail. The concrete gun emplacements, underground tunnels, magazines, engine rooms and plotting rooms are some of the best examples of a World War II defence system.

Surfing at West End, on Rottnest IslandTwo hour coach tours of the island are available. Tickets can be purchased from the Visitor and Information Centre. Tours are conducted in the morning and afternoon daily. Private charters are available.

Free guided walking tours of Rottnest's Colonial architecture and relics brings the island's rich history of prisoners and pioneers to life. Tours are conducted in the morning and afternoon and leave from the Visitor and Information Centre.

About Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, Western Australia's very own island getaway featuring a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some of the world's finest beaches and bays, is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle.

Rottnest Island is a special place for Western Australians and a popular destination for interstate and international visitors. The Mediterranean-style climate and indigenous flora and fauna of this Island provide the backdrop to a special holiday experience.

Many tours and activities operate throughout the day, including the popular two hour guided tour of the Island; the historic Oliver Hill Train; the Underwater Explorer; joy flights on the Rottnest Air Taxi; Brett Heady's Family Fun Park; guided walking tours; the Rottnest Museum; and water activities such as sea kayaks, Time-Out self driven glass-bottom watercraft, surf-cats and more.

Journeys by ferry take 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys, 90 minutes from Perth, an you can also get to the Island in 15 minutes by areoplane from Jandakot Airport.

Facts and Figures

· More than 500,000 people visit Rottnest Island each year.

· The Island is 11 kilometres long, 4.5 kilometres at its widest point, and the land area measures 1,900 hectares.

· It is a 24km ride around the island. Allow at least 2.5 hours for la leisurely cycle.

· The Island is an 'A' Class reserve managed by the Rottnest Island Authority.

· Each visitor to the Island pays an entry fee to the Island ($11.50 for adults and $1.00 for children), which is included in the ferry fare, or as part of an annual admission fee for boat owners.