<strong>Rottnest: </strong>A 25-minute ferry ride from the Western Australia port town of Fremantle lies the idyllic, family-friendly Rottnest Island, affectionately called "Rotto" by the locals.
Rottnest: A 25-minute ferry ride from the Western Australia port town of Fremantle lies the idyllic, family-friendly Rottnest Island, affectionately called "Rotto" by the locals.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Wadjemup Lighthouse:</strong> Built in 1849, Rotto's 20-meter-tall lighthouse was the first stone lighthouse in Western Australia.
Wadjemup Lighthouse: Built in 1849, Rotto's 20-meter-tall lighthouse was the first stone lighthouse in Western Australia.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>The Basin: </strong>With its shallow, clear waters, The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
The Basin: With its shallow, clear waters, The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Geordie Bay: </strong>Rotto's main settlement is located at Thomson Bay, a protected northeasterly bay facing the mainland. Other settlements are located at the sheltered Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay on the northern side of the island.
Geordie Bay: Rotto's main settlement is located at Thomson Bay, a protected northeasterly bay facing the mainland. Other settlements are located at the sheltered Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay on the northern side of the island.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Rottnest Skydive:</strong> Rottnest is the only skydive site in Western Australia. Visitors can also tour the island from above with a 20-minute scenic flight.
Rottnest Skydive: Rottnest is the only skydive site in Western Australia. Visitors can also tour the island from above with a 20-minute scenic flight.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>100,000-year-old coral reefs: </strong>Its transparent turquoise water is also home to some 100,000-year-old limestone coral reefs and 135 species of vibrant tropical fish.
100,000-year-old coral reefs: Its transparent turquoise water is also home to some 100,000-year-old limestone coral reefs and 135 species of vibrant tropical fish.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Rottnest Island Museum:</strong> The island's museum was housed in a former mill and haystore, built by aboriginal prisoners in 1857.
Rottnest Island Museum: The island's museum was housed in a former mill and haystore, built by aboriginal prisoners in 1857.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Parakeet Bay:</strong> Popular snorkel spots include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay (also known for its Bottlenose dolphins, which feed and surf here) and Little Armstrong Bay.
Parakeet Bay: Popular snorkel spots include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay (also known for its Bottlenose dolphins, which feed and surf here) and Little Armstrong Bay.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>The Picture Hall: </strong>The Picture Hall offers indoor entertainment for young kids and families.
The Picture Hall: The Picture Hall offers indoor entertainment for young kids and families.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Outdoor activities: </strong>Outdoor activities abound on and around the island, from visiting one of Rotto's 63 silky sand beaches or surfing some of the best breaks in Australia.
Outdoor activities: Outdoor activities abound on and around the island, from visiting one of Rotto's 63 silky sand beaches or surfing some of the best breaks in Australia.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Bike and Bus service: </strong>The island has a "Bike and Bus" service -- cycles can be left at any bus stop and tuckered out riders can hitch a ride back to the settlement.
Bike and Bus service: The island has a "Bike and Bus" service -- cycles can be left at any bus stop and tuckered out riders can hitch a ride back to the settlement.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Wadjemup Bidi trail: </strong>Accessible for hikers of all levels, Wadjemup Bidi trail system is made up of 45 kilometers of trails split into five sections.
Wadjemup Bidi trail: Accessible for hikers of all levels, Wadjemup Bidi trail system is made up of 45 kilometers of trails split into five sections.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>By bike: </strong>One of the best ways to explore Rottnest, which is car-free and flat in most areas, is by bike.
By bike: One of the best ways to explore Rottnest, which is car-free and flat in most areas, is by bike.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Shipwrecks: </strong>There are around 13 shipwreck sites around Rottnest Island.
Shipwrecks: There are around 13 shipwreck sites around Rottnest Island.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Whale-watching spot: </strong>Rottnest is an ideal spot to watch humpback and southern right whales as they make their annual migration.
Whale-watching spot: Rottnest is an ideal spot to watch humpback and southern right whales as they make their annual migration.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Whale-watching seasons: </strong>In April the whales pass by as they swim north from Antarctic waters to feeding and birthing grounds in the warm Indian Ocean. From late August to November they hang out in Rottnest Island's warm and protected waters with their newborn calves.
Whale-watching seasons: In April the whales pass by as they swim north from Antarctic waters to feeding and birthing grounds in the warm Indian Ocean. From late August to November they hang out in Rottnest Island's warm and protected waters with their newborn calves.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Quokka: </strong>You can also meet what might be the cutest and most photogenic animal in the world, the quokka. These little animals are related to wallabies and they have no fear of people.
Quokka: You can also meet what might be the cutest and most photogenic animal in the world, the quokka. These little animals are related to wallabies and they have no fear of people.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>Heritage View: </strong>While Rotto has about 100 permanent residents, the island has accommodation for 5,500 visitors.
Heritage View: While Rotto has about 100 permanent residents, the island has accommodation for 5,500 visitors.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
<strong>The Campground: </strong>The Campground offers the most basic and affordable accommodation on the island. There's a shared camp kitchen and separate free standing BBQs.
The Campground: The Campground offers the most basic and affordable accommodation on the island. There's a shared camp kitchen and separate free standing BBQs.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia