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Rottnest was first settled in 1830 by farmers and eight years later it was turned into a gaol for incarcerated Aboriginals. In 1903 the gaol was closed and Rottnest began to be developed as a tourist attraction with numerous stone buildings of the convict era remaining.
Swimming, fishing, sailing, golf and hiking are just some of the activities to enjoy. Snorkelling over the shoals and reefs reveals a colourful underwater world. The island is also a popular place for scuba diving.
Rottnest Island is a nature reserve where all fauna and flora are protected. The island is characterised by the dark green of the Rottnest Tea Tree and cypresses which provide welcome shade around the settlements. The small native marsupial quokkas, after whom the island is named, are cute inoffensive creatures which can be seen all over the island. Rottnest is just as popular with the locals as it is with visitors to Perth. Those in the know around Perth like to use the island as an opportunity to wind down from the pressures of modern city life. |
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The Quokka is unique to Rottnest Island |
