Monday 18th October
Another beautiful day, getting hotter all the time. We were picked up at the hotel and taken to Barrack St Jetty for the ferry to Rottnest Island. Plenty to see on the 90min journey including a small pod of dolphins. Rottnest was named in 1696 by a Dutch sea captain who took one look at the creatures running everywhere and named it a “Rottenest” – rats’ nest.
Actually they’re not rats but a small species of marsupial, once common but now almost limited to Rottnest Island. They are mostly nocturnal but can be seen during the day, though they’re a bit sleepy, and not at all afraid of humans. We thought they were really cute!
Rottnest Island is an idyllic holiday island – a bit like Center Parcs in the sun – with white sand beaches and turquoise sea (which is a little chilly!) It’s a great place for swimming and snorkelling, but unfortunately we left the waterproof camera back in the hotel.
Most people come for the day trip but others stay ether in a hotel or in self-catering lodges. The island also has permanent residents and even a primary school.
This little chapel was built in 1860 by Aboriginal prisoners. Over the years it has also been used as a school, reading room, post office and a store room for beer.
We met lots of great people on this trip. Thanks for the beer Colin. Have you and Elaine finished celebrating your birthday yet?
Tip – if you ever get here, just book the ferry. Bikes and snorkelling gear can be hired easily from the boat company and you don’t need any of the organised tours of the island. We had 5 ½ hours to ourselves and loved every minute. We’ve spotted lots of species of birds which no doubt our friend Dave will tell us all us all about when we get home – but even we can identify a pelican!
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