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Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island boasts a fascinating blend of the sun, sand and the surf. Gorgeous white beaches, spectacular greenery and an abundance of wildlife at the island draw hordes of holidaymakers seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are planning a holiday in Perth and have a couple of days to spare, you should add Rottnest Island to your travel itinerary. Here is a quick travel guide to this small, yet enchanting island in Western Australia.
Things to Do
Beach Bumming –Rottnest Island is home to over 60 beaches and most of these are a delight to be at. Calm and shallow waters make the beaches here perfect for swimming, sunbathing and other recreational activities. Diving is another exciting excursion. Apart from captivating corals and exotic marine life, there are many shipwrecks in the area that draw divers from far and wide. Pinky Beach, Mary Cove, the Basin, Marjorie Bay, and Strickland Bay are among the best beaches here.
Trekking to Wadjemup Hill – Head to the gorgeous Wadjemup Hill for an enthralling trekking experience. Enjoy spectacular vistas of surrounding beaches and green woodlands. The rich wildlife in the region delights nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Embarking on Vlamingh’s Heritage Trail – Offering a unique experience, this activity is popular among avid explorers. It takes you to the interesting interiors of the island, consisting of many heritage cottages, ancient landscapes of pink salt lakes and rolling sand hills. While most of the trails can be covered at a leisurely pace, there are certain patches that may be physically challenging for some walkers.
Wildlife Spotting – Rottnest Island is famous for its wonderful wildlife. The most popular animal is quokka; a marsupial that looks like a small kangaroo. Furthermore, a number of reptiles and bird species can be spotted on the island.
When to Go
The average temperatures in Rottnest are fairly stable throughout the year. However, summers are usually hot and humid with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The rainy season lasts from May to September. The best time to visit the island is April-May and September-November. The cool weather during these times is perfect for sightseeing as well as outdoor excursions.
Getting There and Local Transfers
Getting to Rottnest Island is both easy and fun. There are regular ferries from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty and Fremantle. The well-heeled tourists can arrive in style by helicopter or air taxi. With no cars and a limited number of buses on the road, cycling is probably the best way to get around the island. Tourists can hire bicycles from the ferry terminals. The Bayseeker Bus is another option to travel around.