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Rottnest Island

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Rottnest Island - Cities, Towns and Localities
Only 11 km long and 4.5 km at it’s widest point, the local Aboriginal people knew the Island as “Wadjemup”, thought to have the meaning “land across the water”. The Island was named late in 1696 by the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who called it “Rottnest” meaning rats nest, having mistaken the quokkas (see photo) for huge rats.

European settlement quickly changed the landscape of Rottnest, land was cleared and tracks made. Firewood was gathered and the Island was repeatedly burned. Aboriginal prisoners often used fires as an aid in hunting Quokkas.

In the late 1920s the Quokka population was protected and began to soar and grazing heavily on the palatable Acacia rostellifera. The impact of fire and Quokka grazing, resulted in a huge reduction of the Island’s forest cover. This combined with fire and wood collecting reduced the Island remaining naturally forest area to about 7 per cent.

The Rottnest Island Authority is today actively “re-greening” the Island. with reforestation of the Island’s woodland. Planted areas are protected from Quokkas by fencing, allowing for some areas to regenerate naturally.

Rottnest Island has a unique style of architecture dating back to the 1800’s. It has a history as an Aboriginal penal settlement, a World War I camp for prisoners of war, a place for salt gathering and processing and a World War II military installation.
 

Today, it is well known to the locals as a place for recreation, with some of the best beaches and bays in the world. It was first used by the Governors of Western Australia as a holiday resort between 1848 and 1919.

Check out the Calendar of Events on the government website.

Location: 30 minutes by ferry from Fremantle, or 15 minutes by plane from Perth.

For up-to-date info, contact the local visitor centre:

Information Centre

Central Reservation - Rottnest Island Authority
‘E’ Shed, Victoria Quay
FREMANTLE WA 6160
Ph: 08 9432 9300 (General Enquiries)
Email (Enquiries)
Ph: 08 9432 9111
Freecall: 1800 111 111 (WA Country Callers)
Email (Reservations)

Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
Ph: 08 9372 9732 (Information)
Fax: 08 9372 9755
Email

Open 7 days per week from 7:30 am

The visitor centre is located at the end of the jetty and provides a range of maps, brochures, history, tours and attraction information and services. The visitor centre is the check-in point for the Rottnest accommodation. Check-in time is 2 pm.

Those wishing to book accommodation should ring the Central Reservation Office

MSN Map of Rottnest Island, Western Australia
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Rottnest Island Tours

WA ToursOutbackEcoAdventureNational Tours
— VIATOR —
Rottnest Island
Have you ever met a Quokka? If not, then jump aboard for this great trip to Rottnest Island. Located offshore from Perth, it is a unspoilt island with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Tour the island, where you learn of its fascinating history and get to meet a Quokka! Enjoy time to swim, snorkel or take a bike ride. A fun and relaxing day out…

View other Viator Perth Tours and Western Australia Tours

Click here for more information.
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Updated: 31-October-2008 


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