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Rottnest Island

Perth is fortunate to have one of Western Australia's most popular recreational islands only a short ferry or plane trip from the mainland.

The relaxed atmosphere at Rottnest Island is as popular with the locals as it is with the thousands of tourists that visit Perth each year. Attractions include a string of sugar-white beaches and emerald bays to sunbathe on, a local bakery and coffee shop, the quokkas (marsupial) and the interpretive history and heritage tours. The accommodation on the island is simple and comfortable - much of it exhibiting an architectural style dating back to the 1800s.

The island is an extremely popular spot for water-based activities. You can surf, scuba dive, snorkel, or enjoy a swim in the sheltered bays. The waters and reefs surrounding the island offer some exceptional abalone, squid, many species of fish and delicious rock lobster for those who can catch them!

The Rottnest Island ferries depart Hillarys Boat Harbour, the port of Fremantle and the centre of Perth all year round. As bicycles are the only form of transport permitted on the island, hire bikes are readily available.

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]

Underwater Recommendations

Rottnest Island offers superb diving that will suit beginners and experienced divers alike. Enjoy snorkelling at Pocillopora Reef, named after the beautiful pink coral that grows there in profusion, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the tropics. The maritime history of Rottnest dates back to the seventeenth century and the remains of 14 wrecks lie around the island. Shipwrecks include the Macedon, Denton Holme and Lady Elizabeth and most can be dived.

Such is the variety of underwater formations around Rottnest Island that virtually its whole coastline is divable. Beneath the water, the limestone reefs have eroded into stunning cave formations, swim-throughs, ledges and grottos. Roe Reef, for instance, is among the most spectacular diving locations near Perth, with numerous underwater grottos and caverns.