The Basin

Rottnest Island is an island about 20 km off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.

Understand

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

First settled by the Australian aboriginal people long ago, the island was likely uninhabited prior to European exploration for several thousand years owing to rising sea levels. It is known in local Noongar Aboriginal mythology as Wadjemup. The island was named by Dutch explorers in 1658 (it translates as "Rats' Nest Island', in reference to the local marsupial quokkas mistaken for large 'rats').

The island was used as an internment camp for Aboriginals during the 19th century and later used as an internment camp for Italian and German civilians in World War I. Many aboriginal elements of the island's history were ignored in the early mid-20th century. It has been a recent development where Aboriginal remains and places of suffering are now being acknowledged.

During World War II several large artillery guns were built on the island's tallest hill. These are no longer functional, but you can take a tour to the guns and through the bunkers surrounding them. Other installations were also created during the war. There were posts around the island, the surviving structures and evidence of the military activity post war was near or at the barracks on the south east end of the island.

Landscape

The island is sparsely covered with scrub and occasional stands of woodland.

The eastern end of the island is dominated by several large salt lakes. The bays and beaches are part of the attraction of Rottnest, and feature excellent reefs and caves for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Flora and fauna

A Quokka

Quokkas are small marsupials which gave the island its name - early settlers mistook them for giant rats and called the island 'Rats Nest.' There are also many birds on the island.

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.

School leavers

Rottnest Island plays host to school leavers for a week towards the end of November. You probably won't get accommodation over this period anyway, but it is a time to avoid if you don't wish to share the island with a post-school party crowd.

Get in

By ferry

You can access Rottnest Island by a ferry, 30 min from Fremantle, or a longer trip from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth.

• Rottnest Express. Makes the crossing 5-6 times daily. 
• SeaLink Rottnest island, ☏ 1300 786 552 (Local rate), rottnest@sealink.com.au. From $29. 

By ferry from Hillary's Boat Harbour, to the northwest of Perth downtown.

• Rottnest Fast Ferries. 

Fees and permits

Landing fees are included in the price of the ferry.

Get around

Rottnest is a car free island.

Bicycle

Hire a bike from the ferry terminal in Thomson Bay and cycle around the island - this is a very comfortable and individual way. Bike hire is around $30 per day. You can hire on the island, or directly from the ferry company.

Distances and times from the Settlement at Thomson Bay

• The Basin - 5 minutes
• Geordie Bay - 10 minutes
• Wadjemup Lighthouse - 20 minutes
• West end/Cape Vlamingh - 50 minutes to an hour depending on prevailing winds

A full loop of the island is around 25 km, so it is an ideal cycling distance.

Bus

Cars are not permitted, but there is 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.

The bus service is known as the Bayseeker Service and bus stops are well signed and usually runs between 8:30AM and 3:30PM - always check when you arrive for any variations to the service.

See

• Historic buildings including old churches and houses, and a cemetery.
• Wartime remnants, 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 on the island.
• 1 Lighthouse.  

Do

• Swim at any one of the islands beaches. The further you go from Settlement, the fewer 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.

Eat

Places to eat or buy food:

• 1 Aristos Waterfront, ☏ +61 8 9292 5171. A casual seafood cafe specialising in fresh local seafood. You can enjoy fish and chips or try a seafood platter. On the waters edge, with sweeping views across the bay and back to the mainland. (updated May 2017)
• 2 Dome Rottnest, ☏ +61 8 9292 5286. Alfresco seating overlooking Thomson Bay, serving fine coffees and a diverse food menu. (updated May 2017)
• 3 Governor’s Sports Bar, ☏ +61 8 9292 1561. Sports bar with TAB, Fox Sports and big screen TVs throughout the bar. Great pub style food and a great place to kick back and relax. (updated May 2017)
• 4 Geordie's, Geordie Bay Square, ☏ +61 411 064161. 07:00-21:00 for the summer season. Offering 5 Senses coffee, fresh made juices, smoothies, cakes and salads as well as an extensive dine in and takeaway menu. They will also have local and Rottnest themed artworks on display and for sale. (updated May 2017)
• Quokka Joe’s, Thomson Bay settlement mall., ☏ +61 8 9292 5777. Specialising in healthy gourmet snacks and nutritious meals. Gluten free, vegetarian, sugar free and other dietary requirements can be catered for. (updated May 2017)
• 5 Rottnest Bakery, ☏ +61 8 9292 5023. Cream buns, vanilla slices, jam donuts, pies, sausage rolls and fresh bread. All baked daily on the premises. Cold drinks, coffee and gelati are also available. (updated May 2017)
• 6 Simmo's Icecream (in Thomson Bay Mall), ☏ +61 407 366 447. Over 100 flavours are made using fresh local Western Australian produce followed by a few secret ingredients and Simmo's imagination. (updated May 2017)
• 7 The Lane, ☏ +61 407 366 447. A takeaway coffee house tucked against the Lane in Somerville Mall. There's a wooden deck area in front, where you can sit with your coffee and watch quokkas and tourists in the mall. (updated May 2017)

Drink

The only pub on the island, called the Quokka Arms. It is in the middle of where the main jetty is. Apart from that the convenience stores dotted along the island do sell a range of alcohol from wines to spirits.

Sleep

Stay safe

Rottnest Island is very safe. However, it has become notorious for its 'schoolies week' events in November which can get out of hand. (There is 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 dugites, a venomous snake on the island, these are only found out in the scrubland and are easily avoidable if you watch where you are treading.