From Wikitravel

Rottnest Island is an island off the coast of Western Australia.

[edit] Understand

As almost all activities on Rottnest Island are under the administration of the Western Australian Government. The prime source of information is located on the Rottnest website

[edit] History

The island was used as ain internment camp for Italian and German civilians in WWI.

In WWII several large artillery guns were built on the island's tallest hill. These are no longer functional, but you can take free tours to the guns and through the bunkers surrounding them.

Today the island is no longer used by the military and is a popular relaxing getaway for Western Australians.

[edit] Landscape

The island has a Mediterranean climate, sparsely covered with scrub and occasional stands of woodland, and is dominated by several large salt lakes and some low hills.

It is the bays and beaches that are the attraction on Rottnest, featuring excellent reefs and caves, for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

[edit] Flora and fauna

Quokkas are small marsupials which gave the island its name - early settlers mistook them for giant rats and called the island 'Rats Nest.'

[edit] Climate

The climate in Rottnest Island is essentially the same as that in Perth (Australia), it may be a little cooler due to its more southern location, and because its an island.

[edit] Get in

By ferry from Perth or Fremantle or by plane, or swim as some do.

[edit] Fees/Permits

[edit] Get around

Hire a bike and cycle around the island - this is a very comfortable and individual way. Cars are not permitted, but there is also a regular bus shuttle available for traveling around the island. A day ticket allows you to stop everywhere you want. If you have enough time, make a complete trip around the island first in the morning, and then decide where you really want to stay for a few hours.

[edit][add listing] See

• Historic buildings including old churches and houses, and a cemetery.
• Lighthouses.
• Wartime reminants, such as old barracks and cannons.
• Superb coastal views along the numerous bays and beaches.
• Wildlife, that is, the thousands of quokkas which populate the island (especially at night).
• The pink salt lakes located on the island.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Go for a ride around the island (but take water with you).
• Snorkel, as Rottnest is the best location in the Perth metropolitan area for this

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

The one and only pub located on the island, called the Quokka Arms. It is right smack in the middle of where the main jetty is. Apart from that the convenient stores dotted along the island do sell a range of alcohol from wines to spirits.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

[edit] Camping

[edit] Backcountry

[edit] Stay safe

Rottnest Island is completely safe and you needn't worry about your safety. However Rottnest Island has become notorious for its schoolies week events in November which often take place at night and can get out of hand. (There is also a massive police presence on the island during this time, as opposed to the usual 3 officers). Travelling during schoolies week is inadvisable as the peace of the island is briefly shattered.

There are wild dugites (snakes) on the island which are venemous, however these are only found out in the scrubland and are easily avoidable if you watch where you are treading.

[edit] Get out

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