Rottnest Island - Australia

It is situated in the Indian Ocean, close to Perth and is home to some of the worlds most crystal clear beaches and bays. The island is 11 kilometers long, and 4.5 kilometres at its widest point with one settlement at Thompson's Bay on the east side. It is an first Class Reserve with amazing coral reefs, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and it's own unique wildlife, including the Quokka, indigenous marsupial related to the wallaby family. Rottnest Island is very much a summer place, when the beaches are alive but it beckons the visitor as well in the wintertime.

The island was discovered be a Dutch explorer who believed the Quokkas he saw here to be rats and named the island accordingly. During the nineteenth century the island became a barbarous penal colony for native Australians, but today it old colonial architecture, fabulous beaches and Mediterranean climate have made it a popular travel and tourism destination. Swarming with over 360 species of fish and marine life Rottnest Island is a world wide tourist mecca for divers and snorklers alike with it's many reefs and a number of ship wrecks.

Private cars are not allowed on Rottnest Island. There is a good network of sealed roads on Rottnest Island and the only way to get around, besides the bus tours that go around the island, is by bicycle. You will be able to ride around it in less than three hours. Whichever road you take, you will come across some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world. There are beautiful coves with small, sandy beaches and pristine, sparkling water with offshore reefs altogether superior to anything found on the nearby mainland coast. You could also visit the Rottnest Museum or take a train ride on the historic Oliver Hill train.

Popular Activities:
Activities based on or around water such as kayaking and self piloted glass bottom boats attract thousands of visitors a year. Some of the other popular activities in this area are - Mountain Biking, Bird watching, Bush walking, Camping, Cycling, Scuba-Diving, Fishing - Beach, Fishing - Game, Fishing - Deep Sea, Exercising, Flora, Golfing, Sea kayaking, Kite Surfing, Photography, Sailing, Shopping, Sightseeing, Skiing - Water, Snorkeling, Spotlighting, Surfing, Wind Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Animal Viewing, Marine Animal watching, Walking, Water-based sports and much more.

Accommodation:
There is a variety of accommodation options available here, there are plenty of places where your can eat and stay but it is always good to book in advance especially if you are planning to travel during school holidays.