Rottnest Island

Rottnest is a small island 30 minutes off the coast of Fremantle. Home to the mysterious "Quokka", Rottnest allows a lifestyle city slickers can only dream of. Getting to Rottnest is easy, several ferry companies depart Fremantle port frequently and tickets cost around $50-$65 return.

The only mode of transportation on the actual island is by bike, so bring your own or it is quite easy to hire one from the island's bike hire shop. Bike's are probably the best way of exploring the island, however there are shuttle buses that frequently run around the island.

Villa accomodation on Rotto is fairly expensive, however, there are camping grounds & a youth hostel all centrally located near the main hub of Thompson Bay. Booking accomodation is essential especially during the busy tourist seasons.

Rotto is popular for its water sports & there is a wide variety of activities. I can personally recommend snorkelling/diving around the many ship wrecks and pristine reefs that surround Rotto. If thats not your thing, you can still experience the underwater culture on the islands own glass bottom boat which runs daily tours (and is located on the main jetty)this is always a lot of fun especially if you have young children.

Rotto also has a lot of history behind its buildings and hosts its own museum (located at the back of the general store)as well as volunteer run history/environmental tours (information about these can be found at the islands information desk). if you do go to Rotto, don't miss a tour of the WW2 guns on Oliver Hill.

Also, a tip for backpackers. Rotto is frequently recruiting backpackers (with work visa's) to work in the islands many stores and cafe's. Most employers provide accomodation ON the island, providing a perfect opportunity for any long-term back-packers to save up some money while on holiday without paying massive accomodation bills whilst enjoying the perks of an island lifestyle.

There are so many things to do & explore on Rotto, a day trip is never enough. For more info on Rotto i would suggest heading to their website: http://www.rottnestisland.com/en/default.htm

You can go to Rottnest Island for only 80 australian Dollars.

That sounds expensive, but it is worth every cent of the money!
for 80 dollars you'll have the ferry to the Island, snorkel gear and a bike to cycle around the island.

I spend there one day to cycle around en snorkel at some beautiful places. I love that Island!