Islands without Cars

The first in my series of articles on idyllic islands where bicycle, walking, boating and swimming are the main modes of getting from point A to B is far away off the West coast of Western Australia. Rottnest Island is a little paradise 18km off the coast of W.A. which can only be reached by a daily ferry service from Perth or Fremantle or by plane from the smaller Jandakot Airport outside of Perth. It is also the very popular destination for privately owned boats.

Rottnest Island is renowned for its many beautiful beaches with soft, soft white sand and turquoise waters often surrounded by reefs which make it ideal for snorkeling and diving. One can spend hours doing very little by laying on the beach enjoying a book and occasionally taking a cool dip in that beautifully refreshing crystal clear, clean water. Snorkeling and diving in the reefs is a fun filled option and if you really know where to look, you can dive for your lunch. Crayfish live on the shelves of the reefs and Australians love their crayfish. There is nothing like it – a lunch of crayfish, freshly baked bread from the bakery and a cold beer, or, my preference, a beer shandy! After a morning in the sun, swimming and relaxing, a crayfish lunch is a memorable midday break.

Getting around without a car is a pleasant way to spend the time. Life slows down and you enjoy the scenery as you cycle along on your rented bicycle. Walking along the sandy paths is another option and there is also a bus that travels around the island if walking or cycling are not for you.

The island is populated by, and named after, a little, shy marsurpial known as a quokka but originally thought to be a large rat! When William de Vlaming visited the island in 1696 and observed the quokka, he named the island Rotte Nest. In fact, the quokka looks like a very small kangaroo. The first European believed to have discovered the island was Dutch explorer Samuel Vokerson in 1658.

Originally occupied by Australian aborigines, the island separated from the mainland about 7000 years ago, and was home to various tribes of aboriginals until the Europeans discovered it. They turned it into a penal colony in the 1800’s for mostly aboriginals, who were put to work building various structures around the island, mostly from the native limestone. Some of these structures still stand today, notably some of the original prison quarters now rented out as cottages. The thick limestone walls help to keep the interiors pleasantly cool.

Rottnest is a popular tourist destination for people who want nothing more than peace and quiet, sun and swimming, enjoying the natural vegetation and fauna, snorkeling and scuba diving, cycling or walking from one beach to another.

There are some lovely places to stay. Renting a cottage is one option or staying in one of the two comfortable hotels, another. There is also backpacker accommodation available for the budget conscious.

For family fun other than the beaches, there are numerous sporting activities at the Fun Park, including an 18 hole mini golf course. The island also has a unique 9 hole golf course that can be played as an 18 hole golf course.

Rottnest Island is sub-tropical and the vegetation is scrubby rather than lush, which you will find further North towards the equator. The beauty of this island lies in its idyllic peaceful way of spending a holiday and made more so by its lack of cars. There are a couple of island emergency vehicles around but for the most part, it is nothing but soft breezes, the salty air, low murmurings of relaxed families and the sound of bicycle tires!

Author: Maxine Willan