Rottnest Island

 Rottnest Island, Western Australia 6161, Australia +61 8 9432 9111 Website 8:30am – 5pm Perth Campervan Hire

coffletester (contributor)

Being ‘Dutchies’ it was a great opportunity for us to make a bike trip at the other end of the world on Rottnest Island. I’m absolutely convinced it is by far the best way to discover this beautiful island. We could go and stop where we wanted, doing it on our own pace and we even did some swimming from one of the beaches.
Besides it is the only properly way to reach the most western point of ‘Rotto’.

We went (of course) around the whole island and together with some detours we biked about 30 km’s, which took 2.5 à 3 hours (without stops). The roads were excellent for biking, although on some spots a little bit hilly and on the way out we had the wind against us. If you are not an experienced biker don’t underestimate the whole trip and better make somewhere a short cut.

Where to rent
We rented our bikes from the ferry company Rottnest Express, because they were saying “hiring a bike prior to arriving on the island would save time and hassle”. But after disembarking it turned out we had to wait on our bikes till all other (private) bikes were unloaded and we were among the latest to arrive on the island.
Next time I would definitively rent a bike from Rottnest Bike Hire (tel: (08) 9292 5105). They even offer recovery and repair service anywhere on the island.
Rental price for a geared bike for one day (January 2007): Rottnest Bike Hire AUD 23,- / Rottnest Express AUD 24,-

Packing list
– a cap (a helmet is compulsory to wear, we were a little bit cheeky and just worn our caps, because it was so hot and Rottnest Island is super safe to bike).
– sun tan 30 + / lip balm
– sun glasses
– swimsuit
– spare memory on your digital camera (or plenty of films)
– water, water and water.

nestlepsychotic (contributor)

Rottnest Island (affectionately referred to as ‘Rotto’ by Aussies) is a short 40-min ferry from either Fremantle or Perth – you can check online for different companies.

I took Rottnest Express (http://www.rottnestexpress.com.au) and from my research it would appear that every single one of the ferry operators charges around about $70 evenly for a return day trip. If you are going for more than one day, I saw plenty of accommodation on the island, and plenty of availability. Things would probably change right around when final year students finish school (late November) and during Christmas/New Years.

Rottnest Island is famous for it’s great diving (try Dolphin Surf & Ski), snorkelling and bike-riding (hire directly on the island) and beach-combing. The name-sake of the island is the adorable Quokka – indigenous and unique to Rottnest Island. It looks kind of like a wallaby, but it is the size of a cat and has definite mouse-like features. Cute and cuddly, they are unafraid of humans for the most part and hop around on powerful hind legs. They can’t really hurt you, but don’t touch, as they can carry disease.

Earlier in the 1990’s some sadistic scum used the Quokka population for a sport they coined “Quokka soccer” (you can imagine) and it’s now a criminal offence – if you see anyone harming a quokka, inform any staff from any store on the island immediately and give the offender an extra good kick from me.

bringsandbox (contributor)

WHEN IN PERTH MAKE SURE YOU DONT MISS OUT ON A TRIP TO ROTTNEST ISLAND..
THIS LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE IS ONLY A ONE HOUR FERRY RIDE FROM PERTH OR THIRTY MINUTES FROM FREMANTLE..WE DECIDED TO MAKE THE TRIP TO ROTTO FROM FREMANTLE AS THE TRAIN FROM PERTH CAN HAVE YOU IN FREMANTLE IN A VERY SPEEDY 30 MINS THEN ITS A QUICK 30 MIN HOP OVER TO ROTTO AND A LITTLE ISLAND GEM AWAITS.
ONCE ON THE ISLAND IT IS UP TO YOU AS TO HOW YOU FILL YOUR TIME THERE..WE DECIDED TO HIRE A COUPLE OF MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR THE DAY SO THAT WE COULD SEE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE..THIS IS A GREAT THING TO DO AS YOU CAN GO FROM BEACH TO BEACH TO FIND THAT PERFECT SPOT TO SWIM AND SNORKEL..WE FOUND “THE BASIN” AND LONGREACH BEACHES THE BEST.. ALSO GEORDIE BAY IS VERY NICE ALSO.. THEN WHEN HUNGER TAKES OVER YOU CAN HOP ON YOUR BIKE AND FIND THAT PERFECT LITTLE SPOT FOR LUNCH. YOU CAN HIRE YOUR BIKES FROM “ROTTNEST BIKE HIRE” PRICES ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN AND A $25 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED..PRICE INCLUDES HELMETS AND LOCKS.
IF YOU DONT FANCY HIRING BIKES BUT STILL WANT TO SEE AROUND THE ISLAND YOU CAN TAKE THE “BAYSEEKER BUS” THIS WILL TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE ISLAND STOPPING AT ALL THE BEST BEACHES AND BAYS. THIS SERVICE RUNS FROM 8.40 AM – 4.40PM $7 ADULT/$3 CHILDREN..BUS LEAVES FROM THOMSON BAY EVERY 30 MINS.
FOR OUR TRIP TO ROTTO WE USED “OCEANIC CRUISES” OUT OF FREMANTLE. TIMES ARE..
DEPART FREMANTLE SHED “B” 8.30AM-10AM-11.30AM-2PM-5PM
DEPART ROTTO-9.15AM-10.45AM-12.30-4.15 AND 6PM. PRICES ARE $51 ADULT/$21 CHILDREN
FOR A DAY RETURN.
DONT FORGET TO LOOKOUT FOR THE LITTLE QUOKKAS THAT GAVE ROTTNEST ITS NAME..THESE LITTLE CREATURES CAN ONLY BE FOUND ON ROTTO…
SO IF YOUR IN THE PERTH OR FREMANTLE AREA DO MAKE THAT TRIP OUT TO ROTTNEST..YOU’LL HAVE A LOVELY DAY AND I JUST KNOW YOU’LL WANT TO RETURN…WE DO ..AND WILL !!

scotchcruns (contributor)

The one place practically everybody will tell you you should visit whilst you are in Perth is Rottnest Island – so named by Dutch explorers in the late 17th century for the animals they thought were rats that inhabit the island. The “rats” are actually quokkas -a small wallaby-like marsupial that live just here on the island and in a couple of very small enclaves on the mainland. You’ll see them all over the place, they’re well used to humans, but please don’t feed them – tempting as it is – they are very appealing – they don’t need your food and you don’t need their fleas.
A day trip will give you a good taste of the island. 45 minutes by ferry from Fremantle ( it can be a very rough crossing, particularly in the afternoon if there’s a stiff sea breeze blowing ), less if you take the more expensive catamaran, will set you down at Thomson’s Bay, the main Settlement. When you get there, check at the visitor’s centre for information about where to go and what to do, guided tours, bus times and so on. The beach at Thomson’s Bay is OK but there are many others to choose from – The Basin is probably the favourite swimming beach and you will find showers and changing rooms there, facilities that most of the emptier beaches lack. The Settlement is where you will find shops, bike hire, cafes and other food outlets, etc so keep that in mind when the munchies get you. The shop at Geordie Bay has a small cafe but these are the only two areas on the island with commercial outlets.

Check the Rottnest website for up-to-date information about all the island has to offer as well as ferry companies, bike hire, accommodation, etc.

darea (contributor)

This island, 11km long, 4.5km at its widest point and the land area measures 1,900 hectares, is located around 20km off the coast of Western Australia.

Rottnest Island was named after the Quokka. A Dutch navigator, exploring this place in 17th century, described the quokka as “a kind of rat as big as a common cat”. He named the Island “Rotte nest” (meaning “rat’s nest”).

There, you will discover not only Quokka but also a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery and some great beaches and bays,

The best way to visit the Island is by bike thanks to the 24km ride around the island. Scuba diving/snorkeling is also popular.

You will find plenty of activities just stop to the Visitor Information Center when arriving.

peamyhefei (contributor)

Firstly, if you are going off to “Rotto” you should really take the ferry from Perth Barrack Street Jetty. Why not have an early breakfast at Bells Cafe, adjacent to the ticket office at Jetty 2, prior to boarding. They make a mean Bacon and Egg Burger.Departing fromPerth provides you with an hour’s wonderful scenic cruise downstream to Fremantle along the Swan River.
Boat Torque Cruises/ Rottnest Express offers 2 sailings 8.45am and 9.45am. However I would suggest having an early night prior so that you can take advantage of the 8.45am vessel, as their courtesy coach will then pick you up from a location close to your hotel to save you the walk. The host on the boat will provide interesting commentary as you cruise past Kings Park, The Old Brewery, many of the Yacht clubs and of course past “Millionaires Row ” in Dalkeith and Nedlands.The cruise then progresses through the busy historical Port of Fremantle, 30 mins away from Rotto. This cruise is a really nice way to start your day., a little bit more expensive than from Freo but well worth it.
Bike and Snorkle hire can be processed in one easy step ,whilst booking your ticket, with Boat Torque.Then almost by magic they are waiting for you as you disembark on the jetty at Thompsons Bay, Rotto. Helmets, locks and chains are included in the price. They have single speed , 4 speed mountain and supercomfort bikes at reasonable rates. Oh yes they will even provide you with a map of the island.
Once on the island remember it is a National Park and the only shops available are in the settlement as you arrive . So arm yourself with supplies of food, water, film and sunscreen and off you go. The island is 11 kms by 4.5 kms so you will find it a full day. Make time though to stop off at the the Quokka Arms ( the Rotto Pub) as there is no -nicer place to down a good Aussie beer than overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Even better still you could stay over ,on an overnight stay but that is another tip to come. Have a great day and don’t forget to say Janet sent you

usksignifying (contributor)

Just after disembarking from the ferry we were taken completely by surprise of the beauty of Rottnest Island. Crystal clear blue sea, white yachts in the harbour of Thomson Bay, beaches with almost white sands and green trees around the low buildings of ‘the Settlement’. We were entering an Australian paradise !!

And cycling around the island we discovered more of these fantastic beaches, sometimes with dunes and on other places with rugged rocks. But always with all these different turquoise colours of the Indian Ocean.
Bays, coves and viewing points have pretty names like Henrietta Rocks, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, cathedral Rocks or Catherine Bay. Everywhere yachts and sailing boats were anchored and people were swimming and snorkelling.

Further away on the island we saw less visitors and when we took a swim at Salmon Bay we were just the two of us on a marvellous beach: white sand, crystal clear water, some wind, white-headed waves.

We finished were we started; on the terrace of the Dome Café, having a fresh orange juice and a piece of cake, while overlooking the harbour of Thomson Bay, before we had to leave this paradise-like island.

odeinherent (contributor)

The most western point of Rottnest Island was a special place for us, being named after Willem de Vlamingh, also a Dutchman. During our visit we were all alone and walked on the boardwalks to some viewing points and had really fantastic views on this rugged part of the coastline, with also a perfect beach. According to an information board there is ‘just’ 10.407 kilometres of Indian Ocean between Cape Vlamingh and Cape Town in South Africa.

Willem de Vlamingh was captain on a ship called ‘De Geelvink’ from the VOC (United Dutch East India Company). He left on May 3th of the year 1696, trying to find crew and load of another VOC ship, which was lost on the route to East India. The ships reached ‘Zuidland’ (Australia) on December 29th. Some sailors went ashore and saw a large number of ‘bosch rotten’ (woods rats). In a ship diary these animals were described as ‘een soort van rotten, zo groot al seen gemeene kat’ (a kind of rats as big as a common cat). They named the island ‘Rottenest’, which became Rottnest Island.
In January 1697 some of the ships were sailing on a river on the mainland of ‘Zuidland’ and they found black swans and called the river ‘Zwaanenrivier’ (Swan River).

Latest Images of Rottnest Island, Perth