Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vlamingh's Lookout
Not far away from Thomson Bay (go up past the old European cemetery), this unsigned
vantage point offers panoramic views of the island, including its salt lakes. It's on View
Hill, off Digby Dr.
LOOKOUT
QUOKKAS
These cute little docile bundles of fur have suffered a number of indignities over the years. First Willem de Vlam-
ingh's crew mistook them for rats as big as cats. Then the British settlers misheard and mangled their name (the
Noongar word was probably
quak-a
or
gwaga
). But worst of all, a cruel trend of 'quokka soccer' by sadistic
louts in the 1990s saw many kicked to death before a $10,000 fine was imposed; occasional cases are still repor-
ted.
These marsupials of the macropod family (relatives of kangaroos and wallabies) were once found throughout
the southwest but are now confined to forest on the mainland and a population of 8000 to 10,000 on Rottnest Is-
land. You will see plenty of them during your visit. Don't be surprised if one comes up to you looking for a titbit
(don't oblige them, as human food isn't good for them) - many are almost tame, or, at least, fearless.
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Activities
Beaches
Most visitors come for Rottnest's beaches and aquatic activities.
The Basin
is the most pop-
ular beach for family-friendly swimming as it's protected by a ring of reefs. Other popular
spots are
Longreach Bay
and
Geordie Bay
, though there are many smaller secluded beaches
such as
Little Parakeet Bay
.
SWIMMING
Reefs & Wrecks
Excellent visibility in the temperate waters, coral reefs and shipwrecks makes Rottnest a
top spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are snorkel trails with underwater plaques
at
Little Salmon Bay
and
Parker Point
.
The Basin
,
Little Parakeet Bay
,
Longreach Bay
and
Geordie Bay
www.rottnestisland.com
; cnr Bedford Ave & Welch Way; per hr $16, 1/2/3/4/5 days $28/45/56/67/79;
SNORKELLING, DIVING
8.30am-4pm,
to 5.30pm in summer)
has masks, snorkels and fins available, as well as kayaks.
Over a dozen boats have come a cropper on Rottnest's reefs, the earliest significant one
being the schooner
Transit
in 1842. Marker plaques around the island tell the sad tales of
how and when the ships sank. The only wreck that is accessible to snorkellers without a
