If you have just arrived in Perth and want to discover the city and its surroundings, you must visit Rottnest Island.

History

Let’s start with its history. This island was once inhabited by Aboriginal people and connected to the mainland until 7,000 years ago when it was separated by rising waters. No one lived on it until 1610 when different sailors stopped to explore it. Shortly after the beginning of colonization from 1830 to 1931, several thousand Aboriginal prisoners were sent there for cattle theft, forest fires, or vegetable theft.

The animals that live there

However, this island is a small paradise off the coast of Perth. It is a real treasure for beach lovers, divers, and nature lovers. It is famous for its small population of quokkas, which are marsupials that resemble miniature kangaroos. You can find them in very few other places in Australia. They have become famous for their smiles. But there is so much more to discover on this paradise island than these adorable animals. The island has an abundant marine life. Indeed, around it, you can find species such as humpback whales that you can explore during their annual migration along the coast between the months of August and November. You can also find lizards, pelicans, and a multitude of other incredible species.

How to get there

To get there, you will need to take the boat for 30 minutes from Fremantle. You can also take the plane, which will offer you a magnificent view of the Swan River, but this means of transportation remains the most expensive. Once there, the biggest advantage of the island is that it is entirely car-free, making it a place of relaxation and tranquility. To discover it, you can rent bikes or take one of the tourist buses. The bus allows you to tour the island with stops at the most famous beaches. Walking tours are also very popular, with hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the island’s beaches, bays, and coves.

Activities

In terms of activities, there is something for everyone, from biking around the island to skydiving over the turquoise waters of Rottnest’s beaches for the more adventurous. You can of course practice water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, and much more.