Rottnest Island
Perth’s favourite holiday Island playground is perhaps at its most appealing at this time of the year. The weather is still great but the crowds aren’t as thick as in the school holidays. And if it’s been a while since you last visited, you’ll be blown away by the changes.
Perhaps the most obvious change is the new-look hotel. No longer known as the Quokka Arms, the Hotel Rottnest has reverted to its historic name. The northern part of the building has been completely reconstructed, bringing the bar still closer to the beach.
The Island bar has also been reinstated, bringing a whole new vibe to the beer garden area. And it has all been done in keeping with the building’s heritage charm.
The Dome has also transformed – the old building has been demolished and replaced with new premises with more seats and lots of alfresco dining. And the Rottnest Tearooms are also in for a facelift. The building is undergoing a total refurbishment and revamp and will open in late March as the ‘Aristos Waterfront Rottnest’.
The new fully licensed restaurant will serve fresh Western Australian seafood amid a casual dining atmosphere. It will be open for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast in peak periods. And a kiosk will offer takeaway drinks, coffee, gelato ice-cream, sushi, hot foods and more.
There are a host of new tours at Rottnest too. Try the new Wadjemup Bus Tour for a genuine insight to the traditions and stories that make the island a place of deep spiritual significance for Aboriginal people.
Or jump aboard Rottnest Express’s Rottnest Eco Adventure tours. The tours are conducted aboard the 12.5 metre Naiad Eco Express vessel. The nature of the boat means you can travel into coastal bays to check out the beaches, and get up close to admire wildlife like dolphins, seals, sea birds and migratory whales.
The same vessel also provides a new and exhilarating way to get to Rottnest. It will whisk you from Fremantle to Rottnest in just 14 minutes on a trip called the Freo-Rotto Mega Blast.
For those looking for more traditional ferry transport, Rottnest Express has invested $2.5 million in upgrading its ferries this year, upping the level of comfort for passengers.
The Island is also now home to the new Rottnest Adventure Centre. This new shop offers all you need to explore the island, including snorkel, diving, fishing and kayaking gear. You can hire kayaks from here too. And soon you’ll be able to book para-sailing, snorkelling and fishing tours here.
Top ten things to do and see on Rottnest Island
- Join one of the many free guided walking tours of the Island
- Hire a bike and ride around the Island
- Discover the Island’s many sheltered bays and pristine beaches
- Stop in for a drink at the Quokka Arms the original residence of the Governor of WA
- Hop on board an Island Coach Tour to explore Rottnest’s beautiful natural environment
- Go snorkelling and discover tropical fish and 20 species of coral
- Swim in the sparkling waters, catch a wave or some windsurfing action
- Learn about the Island’s history at Rottnest Island Museum
- Discover the marine life including dolphins, sea lions or the humpback whales on their annual migration
- Spend a few days at a range of accommodation options
For more information on Rottnest Island, visit the Rottnest Island website.