When we decided that, after Thailand, we would spend a few months backpacking through Australia, we got crazy looking for info ... yes, we admitted that we were a total virgin Aussies :-p Australia was not in our short-term plans (we were wrong!) And We didn't know much beyond Melbourne and Sydney. And suddenly we found a photo of a super fufosa animal (fufoso = hairy, soft, small)… it was a quokka, a marsupial that lives on an island not far from Perth and Fremantle. There we had to go yes or yes. And there we went. This post talks about our day trip in Rottnest Island, the island of quokkas (and beautiful beaches, by the way).
Our desire to visit Rottnest Island manifested itself even when booking the ferry: we opted for the first to arrive and the last to leave. And although we were not at all convinced of the early morning when we arrived at “The basin“, One of the most famous beaches in the area, we could not have been happier about the decision: at these hours of the morning (around 08:30) it was practically empty, with the super clear and calm water… perfect for a First bath (so aim: getting up early is good).
After the cool dip (it is what you have to be on an island-continent in the middle of nowhere) and the first encounter with the quokkas (We almost died of emotion when we saw that ball of hair under a tree), we rode on our red bicycles and began pedaling.
We went around The Basin and returned to the village along the road that crosses the lakes. It was there that the second interesting little animal of the morning appeared to us: Rober, with his nose to the Frank of the Jungle, saw as before him he crossed the road a black snake, better take a photo with zoom and not get too close, that in this country (almost) everything can take a deadly bite. Looking for info later, it looks like it was a snake, poisonous dugite! More info.
Throughout the day we will encounter other incredible blue beaches, at times they remind us of the Balearic Islands but the vegetation and fauna quickly return us to the antipodes. On one of these lonely beaches at that time we saw a pelican, enoooorme and with yellow eyes that do not lose sight of you. We pass by lakes and salt flats, cuestecitas (auch, with the calorazo that does cost) and more quokkas.
The truth is that the quokkas are adorable marsupials, with a chubby face (like their bellies) and have the reputation of being the happiest animal in the world since they always seem to smile and one of the most vain ... as soon as they see you take out your camera, they zas! They stand in front of the target and pose. They are all fashion bloggers of the animal kingdom.
Important! Don't even think about giving food to the quokkas (and wild animals in general), we saw people trying to offer them fruit and other food to get them closer ... bad! Do not be irresponsible: not everything goes for a photo -_- In addition, on the island there are a few quokkas and you will not need to set any trap for them to approach you, they are curious by nature.
Another of the areas that we liked the most (I think The Basin takes the cake) is the one that goes from Henrietta Rocks to Parker Point, in the south-east of the island. Wild, with colors that freak out and in general very, very, very pretty.
There are several ferry companies that leave both from Fremantle as from Perth to Rottnest Island. We went with Rottnest Express but there are packages like this one that include ferry and bike (maybe it's better because you forget everything, look at the price and see what suits you). The Ferry takes about 45 minutes from Fremantle and 1h 45 minutes from Perth. The route is fast, the seats are comfortable and practically does not move, so if you are one of those who get dizzy you can be calm.
The price It is 42AUS (60AUS including the entrance fee to the island) from Fremantle on daily days. Go up to 47AUS (65AUS with admission) on the weekend. From Perth go up to 99AUS and 105AUS (with entrance).
To spend a perfect day on Rottnest Island you cannot forget the following:
- Swimsuit: there are a good number of great beaches where you can bathe. We recommend that you wear the swimsuit and put a change in the backpack for after your last bath.
- Sun cream: do not skimp, wear every so often. You know that the sun here is very dangerous.
- Cap: although when you ride with the bike you will wear the helmet, for the other moments we advise you to cover your head.
- Food: in the village there is a supermarket and some restaurants, the cheapest one is possibly the Subway (half snacks from 7AUS and whole snacks from 10AUS). But we recommend bringing food to avoid relying on the town to eat, a couple of snacks and some sweet is a good combination.
- Drink: in some parts of the island, especially in the east, there are sources of drinking water, but don't count on it (so you don't have surprises). So calculate at least 1.5 liters of water per person, if they are more better!
- Snorkeling mask: there are some good points for snorkeling, we do not wear and regret it! Below we tell you where to do it.
- Others: towel, sunglasses, power bank, selfie stick ...
The best way is to rent one bike. If you do not have it included and in case you need to rent it, there is a shop in the town where you can get them. Remember to wear a helmet that is mandatory 🙂
Walking the island is about 25 km, and it can take you 3-5 hours. It is best to go in clockwise direction To bring the wind in favor.
As an alternative is the bus system, the ticket to get on as many times as you want costs 20AUS and stops at most of the most important points, although sometimes you will have to walk a little to get from the stop.
There are three recommended bike tours:
blue: that crosses the northeast of the island, passes by The Basin (one of the best beaches), goes down to the lakes and returns to the village. In total 4km
Green: takes you to discover the southeast part. Loops through Parker Point (the coolest area of the island) to cross the island inland to the town again. It's 10km
Red: is the complete tour to the island. Except for the West End area, which is round trip on the same road, the rest is a circular route. In total 22km
We first did the blue tour to enjoy The Basin beach almost alone, it was like 8:30 in the morning and it was luxurious! Then we return to the village to begin the return to the island. In total we were like some 7 hours. Below we leave you the map with the 3 routes.
- In the south: Parker point Y Little Salmon Bay They are protected areas with excellent snorkeling options. It is best to come here in the morning.
- In the north: there are other beaches for snorkeling, although not as good as the previous ones. They are Little armstrong bay, Parakeet bay and the popular The basin. It is best to come in the afternoon.
To watch the full interactive map where to see the best snorkeling points, those that are for beginners or for a higher level, etc. Visit this website.
In Rottnest Island there are quokkas practically all over the island (a population of between 10,000 and 12,000 is calculated) but it is true that sometimes they are difficult to see. When you are pedaling observe well on the sides of the road, they usually put under trees Where there is good shade. If you see that there are people standing there is probably that there are quokkas. Be patient, you will get tired of seeing them!
We the first ones we saw were on the road to The basin, in some trees that are on the right, just leave the village. In the afternoon at The Basin there were several in the parking lot, asking visitors for food! Then on the road on the way to Kingstown Barracks, in the parking lot of the farthest part of Parker point and in the area of Stark bay.
There are quite a few areas with cabins to stay. They are mostly found around the town and in the northeast (for example in Geordie Bay). The types of accommodation They range from simple campsites, to bungalows, hotels, apartments and a hostel. You can see more info here.
- Take the first ferry that you go to the island, especially if you visit it in the Australian summer: you will take advantage of the coolest hours of the morning to visit part of the island and you will be with much less tourists.
- If you prefer you can directly hire tours from Perth and from Freemantle that include ferry and bicycle packages.
- If you don't feel like riding a bike you can book a tour with a bus package
- Don't feed to any animal on the island and try as much as possible to be respectful of the environment.
- Download the app“Rottnest Island” to create your own guided tour and learn more about the island.
- Carry helmet When you go by bike is mandatory in the state of Western Australia, Rottnest Island is no exception.
- To use drone You will have to request an authorization first. Visit this website.
- Download the essential guide from Rottnest Island to prepare your visit here.
Here we leave you a island map with the bike routes and the main points of interest:
