Rottnest Island

This is one of our most favourite places to take the Grandkids.

Rottnest Island is a beautiful and unique destination located just off the coast of Western Australia. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, Rottnest Island is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In this blog, we will take a closer look at Rottnest Island and everything it has to offer.

The Nyoongar people are the traditional owners of the South Western region of Western Australia, including the island known as Wadjemup or Rottnest Island. The Nyoongar name for the island, Wadjemup, translates to "place across the water where the spirits are".

Contrary to popular belief, the Nyoongar people were the first to discover Wadjemup, not the Dutch. They have been visiting the island for thousands of years for fishing, hunting and cultural purposes. It was only later, in 1696, that Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh named the island "Rotte nest" (meaning "rat's nest") after mistaking the quokkas on the island for giant rats.

Unfortunately, Wadjemup has a dark history as a colonial prison, where Aboriginal men and boys were incarcerated, often for minor offenses or simply for being Indigenous. Many of them died on the island due to harsh living conditions, malnutrition, and abuse.

The site of the unmarked graves of these Aboriginal men and boys was forgotten for many years, and people were camping on the site without realizing its significance. In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge and commemorate these victims, with the establishment of a memorial and ongoing work to identify and mark their graves.

It is important to recognize the true history of Wadjemup and honor the Indigenous people who have lived on and cared for the land for thousands of years.

Rottnest Island was later used as a penal colony by the British. During World War II, Rottnest Island was used as a military base, and many of the island's historic buildings and structures date back to this period.

Today, Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to enjoy its natural beauty and unique attractions.

Rottnest Island is a place of incredible natural beauty, and there is no shortage of things to see and do here. Whether you are interested in water sports, hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing on the beach, Rottnest Island has something for everyone.

One of the most popular activities on Rottnest Island is snorkeling. The island's crystal-clear waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and even sea turtles. There are several snorkeling spots around the island, and you can rent snorkeling gear from one of the many shops on the island.

Another popular activity on Rottnest Island is cycling. The island is relatively flat, and there are more than 50 km of bike trails that wind their way around the island. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the island's many beaches, bays, and wildlife habitats.

If you are interested in wildlife, you will be delighted to know that Rottnest Island is home to a wide variety of animals, including quokkas, which are small marsupials that are native to the island. Quokkas are friendly and curious creatures, and they are famous for their adorable smiles. Visitors to Rottnest Island often take photos with these cute and cuddly creatures.

In addition to quokkas, Rottnest Island is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including ospreys, sea eagles, and penguins. If you are interested in birdwatching, there are several designated birdwatching areas around the island where you can observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Another popular activity on Rottnest Island is surfing. The island's location just off the coast of Western Australia means that it is home to some of the best surfing spots in the region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will find plenty of great waves to ride on Rottnest Island.

Finally, if you are simply looking to relax and unwind, Rottnest Island has plenty of beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Some of the island's most popular beaches include The Basin, Pinky Beach, and Little Salmon Bay.