By Rama Gaind.
Walking tours are guaranteed to heighten your appreciation of Wadjemup, the local Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island.
Some welcome news last week in what is a much-needed shot in the arm for the Australian tourism industry. Australians will receive half-price return flights to more than a dozen travel destinations as part of the government’s plan to help the ailing industry.
Qantas and Jetstar, along with Virgin Australia, will slash flight fares. From 1 April holiday makers will be able to book flights to 13 key regions including the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Mackay region (Proserpine and Hamilton Island), the Sunshine Coast, Lasseter and Alice Springs, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broome, Avalon, Merimbula and Kangaroo Island.
However, there are also other travel options on offer so why not make the most of looking at holiday deals in Western Australia, including Margaret River, Cable Beach, Perth and more.
Rottnest Island, located just offshore from Perth, is great for white-sand beaches and secluded coves. You can also hike, surf, fish and explore, experiencing the island’s best. Go on hiking trails. Keen to explore Rottnest Island by foot? Traverse the island’s unique landscape along the Wadjemup Bidi; a series of walk trails that will take you across spectacular coastal headlands, past stunning inland lakes and encounter both natural and man-made attractions along the way.
Rottnest Island daisy is an annual plant, going through its whole life cycle in one growing season. It has distinctive pale to deep blue flowers that grow in flat or slightly curved clusters – about 6cm wide.
‘Bidi’ means ‘trail’ or ‘track’ in Noongar, the language of the Whadjuk Noongar people who are the Traditional Owners of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). The trail is made up of five sections, each boasting culturally and environmentally significant landmarks to interpret and experience, connecting the island’s beautiful natural features to its cultural history in an environmentally sustainable manner.
As a Class A Reserve, Rottnest Island preserves and protects its natural beauty: spectacular flora, abundant marine life and wildlife and many unique species.
Tour varieties
With a variety of nature-based activities from free, guided walking tours to dive charters, Rottnest offers plenty of opportunity to experience more nature. Rottnest Island is known globally as the home of the cutest and most photogenic animal in the world, the quokka. They are found nowhere else on earth except for a small colony on the mainland.
Its famous marsupial can be seen around the island particularly in the mid-to-late afternoon. Go on an informative walking tour that leads participants to the natural habitats of the quokkas and imparts some interesting facts about this iconic animal.
During the autumn and winter months (March to August) young joeys may be seen peaking from their mothers’ pouch and come spring (September to November), bravely hopping around exploring their new world.
Traverse the island’s unique landscape and discover Rottnest Island by foot.
You will be spoilt for choice. Home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world the island has a choice of over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays. Paddle around the bay, go on a cruise, get the adrenaline pumping with a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet. Explore the island’s breathtaking scenery and natural beauty on your own revolutionary set of wheels with a Segway tour, go on eco express boat tours or be part of a cultural Aboriginal tour and heighten the appreciation of Wadjemup, the local Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island.
With so many unique bays and beaches, Rottnest Island offers a variety of water sports from swimming to diving, fishing and surfing. Choose from snorkelling at Little Salmon Bay or seeing spectacular ocean views from the West End. If you prefer to just relax, there are plenty of amazing spots to just sit and enjoy your surroundings. Some of the most famous beaches include The Basin, Little Parakeet Bay, Little Salmon Bay and Geordie Bay.
Scenic options
The Basin, with its shallow clear waters, is only 10 minutes from the main settlement and an underwater snorkelling playground. If you are in a hurry to get straight into the water after your ferry ride, then head to the sheltered waters of Thomson Bay. Based in the main settlement, it is very popular with families and has a roped off area for swimming.
Rottnest Island has some of the best surfing conditions and most consistent breaks in Western Australia.
If cycling isn’t your thing or you’re just keen to see the island from a different perspective, you’ll love the flexibility of exploring on a bus. Enjoy the island at your own pace with a scenic bus tour, jumping on and off at 19 different stops including famous beaches, bays and attractions. Stop to climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse, visit West End or just relax and take in the spectacular views from the comfort of your seat.
Rottnest Island has some of the best surfing conditions and most consistent breaks in Western Australia. Popular surf spots include Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay and Stark Bay that are particularly popular breaks for surfers, body boarders and stand-up paddle boarders. In fact, Strickland Bay has been ranked in the top 50 breaks in the world. Rottnest also has various reef breaks on both sides of the island including Radar Reef, Cathedral Rocks and Chicken Reef.
Get in early to book the best deals, travel safe and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, always referring to the latest updates before arriving at the destination.
DETAILS BOX
Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
https://rottnestisland.com
+61 8 9372 9730
