Rottnest Island, a favourite holiday destination, is 19km off Western Australia’s coast. It was originally home to the Aboriginal people until rising sea levels separated the island from the mainland about 7000 years ago. Rotto, as the locals say, is an A Class reserve, which represents the highest level of protection for public land.
We boarded the ferry at the Fremantle Wharf. The journey was very rough with a high swell and waves, so we bumped and crashed our way across. Normally this trip takes 30 minutes, ours took 80 via Rous Head, so I was relieved to step onto the jetty.
This sailing ship moored at the wharf is the STS Leeuwin, Australia’s largest sail training tall ship. Built and based in Fremantle, it is a three masted 1850’s style barquentine replica, built in WA.
The ferry jetty in Thomsons Bay where visitors arrive and leave. The barges also dock here to deliver their cargo.
Looking south along the beach at Thomsons Bay. Stunning in summer and pretty good in winter, too. Rottnest is great for swimming, snorkeling, diving ( so many shipwrecks!) surfing, fishing, long bike rides, two lighthouses and lovely walks. Only service vehicles are allowed so it is safe to wander and ride all around the island. Hire bikes are available, both traditional and electric.
We were there during two major storms. The days were wet and gloomy at times but we were able to walk to favourite spots and when the sun was shining it was lovely and warm. Weren’t able to do big walks to other bays due to the rain but we still enjoyed our break and looking at the wildlife.
Rottnest Island Pine, a conifer endemic to the Island, grows to medium height and has dense green foliage.
Evidence of strong winds on a path to the beach.
Branch of Rottnest Island Pine cones.
Looking back towards the mainland. In summer the bay is full of boats.
Older cottage. When I stayed in these cottages as a child there were no bathrooms and we wandered over to the shower block each evening.
Newer cottages, about 40 years old and older cottages along the front road in Thomsons Bay.
All the accommodation is painted in shades of ochre, specific to the Island.
Originally built in 1848 as the Second Superintendent’s House and Military Barracks , built in 1844, these buildings are available for rent.
The Museum which used to be the Library. Built in 1857 it has also been a mill and hay store. There are many old and interesting buildings on Rottnest. There’s also many attractive bays and beaches, lighthouses and lakes to visit.
The top of the Pilot Boathouse, built in 1859. It was also thought to have been used as a transit cell for prisoners awaiting transportation to the mainland.
The Salt Store, built 1886 has also been used as a bank, a library, office and museum. It now has art exhibitions and other displays. The museum, Salt House and guided walks are all done by volunteers who are very well informed.
Famous for selfies with Roger Federer, quokkas are small native marsupials found in very few other locations. Other easily spotted animals are Australian Sea Lions and also Southern Fur Seals.
There used to be so many peacocks on Rottnest but because they are an introduced species the peahens have been removed to prevent breeding. Only two peacocks remain and will not be replaced. We have a photo of our son as a small boy feeding the birds but apparently they became feral and demanded food from visitors.
Looking north across Thomson Bay. Bathurst Lighthouse is visible on the left of the skyline. The other light house on Rottnest is Wadjemup near Salmon Bay.
The Garden Lake from our veranda. Pretty view, great location and a large room but the Karma Lodge is overdue for a thorough renovation and intensive staff training and supervision.
Entrance to Karma Resort. The white building on the left is the Anglican Chapel. Built in 1856-57 it was a school during the week and a Chapel on the weekend. Services ceased in 1910 with the chapel being re-dedicated by the Anglican Archbishop of Perth in 1965. There is also an old, attractive Catholic Church nearby.
Walkway from Karma to the lake side.
Wonderfully fresh and delicious yeast bun from The Bakery. It was so big we shared it! We enjoyed a lovely curried pie and vanilla slice from The Bakery, too. Following the advice of the local policeman we went across the square for good coffee from The Lane. Great icecream from Simmo’s, too.
This is the scroll we bought at a coffee shop. It was stale. My husband returned it and the manager said, “It was fresh on Monday.” This was Thursday. It was awful.
it’s July and we are halfway through 2019. July was named after the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar by decision of the Roman Senate, in 44BC. It was originally the fifth month in the old calendar and was known as Quintilis, meaning fifth. Happy halfway July!