Is it worth making the trip over to Rottnest Island from either Perth or Fremantle? You may have seen it out the window as you flew in or out of Perth Airport and it takes between half an hour and 90 minutes to get there by ferry, depending on your departure point. You may also hear the island referred to as ‘Rotto’, a common way of shortening words in Australia. The island is best known for it’s special residents, the Quokkas, but there’s plenty more to see and do.
Getting to Rottnest Island
Your ticket includes an island admission fee which goes to the government and contributes to the island’s conservation and upkeep.
Two ferry companies (SeaLink Rottnest) and (Rottnest Express) operate from both Fremantle and Perth, with departure from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour (Rottnest Fast Ferry), or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. This page on the Rottnest Island website will give you more info.
We decided that SeaLink had the timetable that best suited our needs so pre-booked through their website. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook. You will need to be at the boarding point at least 20 mins/half an hour before with your confirmation, as the ferry leaves on time. There’s both inside and outside seating and you can also take your own bicycles, which are stowed separately.
Getting around
You cannot take your car to the island. There is a bus that follows a timetabled route, but it may not be a good option unless you want a general look around, or have a specific destination as it’s not so frequent. You’ll get more flexibility with the small ‘Quokka Hopper’, an on-demand transport using a beach buggy.
You can walk, but the stopping places are far enough apart to mean you probably wouldn’t see a lot if you choose this option. That’s why we went to Pedal & Flipper to hire bicycles for the day. There’s a link on the page for pre-booking what you need. They have a variety of types and sizes, as well as electric bikes and scooters, but make sure you’re comfortable with your bike before you head off, so you don’t have to change it.
TIP 1: If you’re not confident riding a bicycle you’re unfamiliar with, there’s no shame to try one of the electric adult tricycles. They have a little basket where you can carry things for your companions.
TIP 2: If you’ve brought all your spending money in an e-wallet, don’t use that to pay the deposit for your bikes. If you have a credit card, use that instead, as it may take up to a couple of days for your refund to be credited back to you.
Things to do
The traditional indigenous Noongar name for Rottnest is Wadjemup, which means “place across the water where the spirits are”. It was Dutch explorers who named it Rats nest in the 1700s, mistaking Quokkas for rats. The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is actually a marsupial, related to the kangaroo. Watch for mummy quokkas with a little joey in their pouch.
You will see quokkas throughout the day. They are friendly and sociable animals and they look as if they are constantly smiling. Please remember they are wild animals so treat them with respect, don’t touch or feed them and note that they might bite if you do bother them.
If the weather is good, there are a number of good swimming beaches, Pinky Beach is one of those recommended. The sand is soft and white and there is plenty of space. It’s also connected by steps up to Bathurst Lighthouse, built in response to the sinking of the ‘City of York’ and is one of two lighthouses on the island. The Wadjemup Lighthouse is in the middle of the island on the highest spot. We had hoped to make it round to Geordie Bay before dropping by Bathurst Lighthouse, but the road is currently closed for improvement works.
We set out to cycle to the Wadjemup Lighthouse after lunch, but turned back after the road became very hilly. Our travel buddies said we were wise as it was not an easy ride. Instead we had a look round the settlement while we waited for them, meeting lots more quokkas as we walked.
Filling up on good food
Although we’d bought some yummy snacks at ‘Squiffies on the Wharf’ before we boarded our ferry, we were looking forward to lunch. It had been recommended that we try the cray dogs at The Lane Cafe, back in the Settlement. Here are their Facebook and Instagram to see if you agree. The cray dogs didn’t disappoint. A bun stuffed with marinated and grilled lobster, with accompaniments, it was both tasty and substantial, definitely more lobster than bun.
We actually spied many places to eat that looked inviting and also had recommendations, or you could bring your own picnic. The Bakery opposite The Lane, for one, or Dome, the familiar cafe, whose home is in Western Australia.
Whether you bring your lunch, or eat in the open, you’ll need to look out for seagulls, who’ll grab your food before you can blink. Please return trays or put rubbish in the bins, so the seagulls won’t come back. Quokkas are friendly and may visit you while you eat, but they aren’t begging for food, so don’t feed them.
Is it worth the trip?
Most definitely, but make the most of your day, go as early as you can and return on the last ferry. Even better if you can stay over, so you can explore further.
Check out more from the Rottnest Is. website, their Facebook pages or follow them on Instagram. Economy Traveller flew to Perth courtesy of AirAsia.
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