Rottnest Island Australia - Guide
Rottnest Island Australia - Guide
This beautiful island also offers 45kms of walking trails, a fascinating cultural
heritage and amazing native wildlife, including a colony of New Zealand fur seals
and around 10,000 adorable quokkas. Swim, snorkel, hike, bike or just laze on the
sand – this pocket-sized paradise really does have something for everyone.
he island was first documented by Willem de Vlamingh in 1696, who called it 't
Eylandt 't Rottenest ("Rats' Nest Island") after the quokka population. Following
establishment of the Swan River Colony (now Perth) in 1829, the island was initially
used by British settlers for agricultural purposes, and a permanent settlement was
built in Thomson Bay. From 1838 to 1931, Rottnest Island was also used as a prison
and forced labour camp for over 3,600 Aboriginal people, who were subjected to
extremely harsh conditions on the island.[9][10] Other historical uses of the island
include as a military site, and for internment camps housing enemy aliens. Many
of the island's buildings date from the colonial period, often made from locally
quarried limestone, and are now used as accommodation for holidays.
When it’s time to relax and recharge, swap the rush of the city for
an idyllic escape on Rottnest Island.
Located just 19km (12mi) off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island’s tranquil setting will make
you feel a world away. Rotto, as the locals call it, is a protected nature reserve boasting an
abundance of unique flora and fauna, including spectacular marine life and the island’s most
famous resident – the adorable quokka. Discover rich cultural heritage, explore white-sand
beaches and swim and snorkel in pristine waters, all in this little pocket of paradise.
Just 20km off the coast of Fremantle, but an entire world away, lies the sunny holiday island
of Rottnest / Wadjemup, blessed with a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, dazzling
marine life and some of the world's finest beaches and pristine bays. Wadjemup, the Noongar
name of the island, means 'place across the water where the spirits are'. This land is that of
the traditional owners, the Whadjuk Noongar people, who know the island as a resting place
of the spirits, as well as a memorial place of the Aboriginal men and boys whose bodies still
rest beneath the sands of Wadjemup. This is a history that we acknowledge and pay respect
to.
Rottnest Island is surrounded by the expanse of the Indian Ocean, with uncrowded beaches,
traffic-free streets, and home to the world-famous quokkas. Beaches and bays are all yours to
explore, add in snorkelling, surfing, and sunshine; and holidays are made of this.
You won't be left wondering what to do on Rottnest Island with an abundance of tours,
activities, and attractions. Skydive onto the beach, join a Segway tour, or gather around to
learn about Aboriginal stories of Wadjemup. Museums, barracks, lighthouses, war relics and
railways tell of the more recent history. Watch boats in the bay silhouetted by a pastel sunset.
Wine and dine on seafood at beachfront bars or grab a 'craydog' from The Lane. Come for the
day, stay for a week. This is where coastal landscapes become the backdrop to your