Back in early June, I took a trip across to Rottnest Island, which is just off the Western Australian coast. The island is a popular weekend/holiday getaway spot for people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy beautiful blue waters. You can book the Rottnest Express, which will leave from both Perth and Fremantle docks. The ride itself will take about an hour and a half from Perth (with a nice slow cruise down the Swan River).
Boarded the ferry at the Barrack Street docks. If you see this pretty fancy-looking structure, then you know you’re in the right place. The bell tower, the largest musical instrument in the world. Haven’t actually visited it, but will let you know more about it when I do.
Palm trees to set the mood! In the background of this picture is the Perth CBD, behind me, the river and my boat.
The Rottnest Express is one of those boats with nice comfortable seats inside, a snack bar to get your morning coffee and snacks as well as an upper deck to sunbathe (well not really sunbathe, but to enjoy some fresh air at least).
The journey from Perth to Fremantle is a slow one (Fremantle is at the mouth of the river, before then local “river rules” apply). Nevertheless, it is quite enjoyable as you get to see the city in a different kind of style.
To give you some background before I go on, Rottnest Island is fairly small and has several beaches. The main landing near Thomson Bay (see the map below) has all the facilities that you would need to prepare yourself for an afternoon or a weekend stay on the island. Information booths and everything are available. The plan for the day was a bicycle ride around the island (because I’m such a healthy person with all the coffee I drink, kekeke)
If the western tip of the island were somewhat larger, you could pass it for a giant floating fish! 
Arrival 1.5 hours or so later at the main jetty of the island. The boat can also accommodate a huge rack of bicycles so if you’re thinking of bringing your own, you can do so. Note that the costs for the ferry/bike hire and everything are settled with the company and you collect your rental or personal bike off the ferry when it arrives. I’m not too sure if there are bike rentals on the island, but the main website will have more details (including accommodation and other activities).
Sunshine weather and blue waters are just what I need once in a while! Coming from the wintery Melbourne climate, Perth and Western Australia in general offer you a very different atmosphere.
Had I brought my swimmers, I would have gone for a dip as well despite it being somewhere in the autumn/winter season!
Very simple bicycles rented for a reasonable price. They are enough to get you around the island and you can book them with the Rottnest Express.
Before setting off, you may want to stop by the local convenience store to stock up on some munchies for the ride because there aren’t too many other places to get food around anywhere else on the island.
Everyone is permitted to enter the store except Quokkas. Don’t know what a quokka is? You’ll see one further below! (Does this mean that kangaroos and all other animals are allowed to enter?)
Had breakfast on the island. A nice serving of everything. For a warm day like this and an island as big as Rottnest, you’d have to stock up on carbs!
Soon after breakfast, it was time to set off on a bike ride around the island.
The island is just close enough to let you see Perth on a clear day! Certainly doesn’t look too far away but it’ll take you a while on speedboat to get there.
Just looking at the waters makes me want to jump in!
The island is quite self-sustaining. A giant wind turbine aids in the power generation.
Can you spot the person in the picture. Wonder if he/she’s fishing for dinner!
As you cover some serious distance, you’ll come across a row of chalets, which you rent out for the night or a few nights. As I’ve said, a holiday near home, but away from the city. Details on rental are available on the website.
Apart from being surrounded by seawater, there are a few inland lakes near the island. The bicycle path follows these. Also note that a lot of the roads are not driven much by vehicles. You’ll see the occassional bus or two, but vehicular transport on the island is actually kept to an absolute minimum allowing cyclists to have clear runs for some fast pedaling!
The landscape is mostly flat on the island, terrain is undulating, but there aren’t many steep climbs and drops.
Our lizard friend is enjoying the warmth of the tarmac and sunbathing his glazing scales. Must’ve lost his tail on his previous escape from whoever was chasing him last.
After about 30 to 45 minutes (if you’re quick enough), you can reach the opposite end of the island! What awaits you there are a series of beaches and lookout points. Behold, the Indian Ocean!
Having cycled across the island, you are compelled to continue your journey. The bicycle path makes a loop around the island’s perimeter so the round trip itself is definitely the way to go.
Stopped by this beautiful cove, which I just had to admire! Lovely colours, it’s one of my desktop wallpapers (the HDR version of it).
The bike path is generally straightforward. There are a number of paths that stray from the main route, taking you around a smaller, obscure area of the island. If you have the time, I suggest you explore. If you’re pressed for time, then I suggest you only pick a few.
These detours are generally not very lengthy. You end up cycling a small loop with a lookout point at the end. Remember the lighthouse at the start of the tour? Can you spot it in the horizon?
With only a few more kilometres to go of the cycling tour, you’ll come across a little area where you can see Quokkas. These little animals remind me of a cross between kangaroo and mouse.
They certainly greet you with some strange looks, but are quite funny to observe. Wouldn’t try touching them though.
Time to the end of a long tour with a coffee! A cafe near the jetty serves some good coffee, which you enjoy before it’s time to board the ferry again.
Don’t forget to take the bikes with you. They’ll be loaded back onto the ferry…
…as such. For those who have been to Fremantle before, you’ll recognise the building on the horizon, the Maritime museum. A day well spent ended in enjoying the sunset while cruising up the river back to Barrack Street docks.
The Perth skyline at dusk (with a bunch of cranes adding to the scenery)
As you disembark from the boat and make your way off the docks, you’ll see the bell tower once more, albeit a little differently lit.
If you’re interested in visiting Rottnest island, read more about it on their website. Other activities on the island include swimming, snorkeling and heaps more. You’ll definitely will not run out of things to do! I’ll definitely go back again for some other activities in future and to explore more of the areas that I had to leave out this time.
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