So Much World, Not Enough Time!: February 2014

No matter where we go in the world Rottnest Island, Rotto, is an all time favourite. Just a short boat trip from Perth I always step off the ferry with a feeling of total relaxation, fun, and adventure washes over you. Breath in the salt air and go "Ahhhhhh."

Geordie Bay

This time we visited for a weekend with my fellow blog author, Lesley, and her wonderful husband Ric. For the Hamilton's, this was the first time in three years that we have managed to have our girls, Alix, Kelly and Shannon, together on a family holiday. New memories were formed and old ones recalled. And for Kelly, daughter No 2 (twin No 1), this was a chance for her to share some of her favourite childhood memories with her boyfriend Matt.

Looking back to the mainland across Longreach Bay the city sits on the horizon.

I have been visiting Rotto since the 70's. It is a place we have shared with family and friends, and is a part of our children's life growing up. Alix, our eldest daughter, first visited when she was five months old to watch her father compete in an Iron Man triathlon. It was here that the girls left teeth for the island's tooth fairy, she always paid more than the one at home. Kel broke her nose when she was three having running races around the campground with new found holiday friends. Shan (twin 2) learnt to ride a bike here, after some nervous wobbles she was soon calling for her sisters to ride faster as they chucked laps around the block. This is a fantastic family holiday place as kids have greater freedom to ride and explore, without cars we never worried about them out on their bikes. No matter what bruises or scrapes they got, a swim in the sea cured everything. Now as young adults not much has changed.

Alix photographing Crested Terns at Fay's Bay. A talented photographer and blogger in her own right. Visit her blog here.

Gone are the days when the trip over was a challenge in itself when old river ferries rocked and swayed fighting the swell on a long trip across the 18 kms from the mainland. As someone who suffers sea sickness I can recall some very messy boat rides. Now high speed ferries take only 30 minutes from Fremantle's Rous Head.

Only 11 kms long and 4.5 kms wide this is a car free environment, only service vehicles allowed. Cyclists and walkers rule the roads. For someone like me who finds cycling a painful experience, a bus travels one way around the island every half hour and a free shuttle runs between the main settlement at Thomson's Bay and Geordie Bay, the only areas with accommodation.

This idillic island needs to be respected. There is no fresh water past the settlements and dugites, small venomous snakes, can take you unawares.

With 63 beaches to choose from there is always a bay to find that is protected from the wind. Rotto can get very windy. On this visit some fantastic snorkelling was enjoyed at Fay's Bay (right in front of our chalets), Stark Bay and Little Parakeet Bay. Reefs, with all their nooks a cranny's for a wide range of fish and crayfish to hide, are just a step off the beaches. "Cold, but enjoyable" and quite a workout swimming against the currents and wind. Much laughter was had reliving each adventure captured on a Go-Pro. Once edited I'll post some of the videos.

Little Parakeet Bay

Stark Bay

Ric and Lesley enjoyed the island's less strenuous activities sampling coffee and tea between walks. The islands blowies appreciated the feed of prawns and burley Ric generously provided while dangling a fishing line off the jetties.

The bakery at Thomson's Settlement is an essential part of any visit.

Wadjemup Lighthouse across Lake Bagdad salt lake.

On Saturday night Kel managed to fit in some work as Sound Engineer for the band Hundred Acre Wood who were playing at the Hotel Rottnest (the old Quokka Arms). Once the summer residence for the states Governor, this iconic hotel has been revamped into a stylish, family friendly venue with good food and stunning views.

Hundred Acre Wood

Quokka's

These incredibly cute little marsupials are responsible for the island's name. First spotted in 1658 by passing Dutch Sailors, it was the Dutchmen Vlamingh in 1696 who described then as a "kind of rat as big as a cat" and so he named the island Rottes Nest (Rats Nest).

This little quokka drank this full bowl of water. There is no natural fresh water on the island.

Quokka's are not welcome in the shops or accommodation. Cute as they are they can leave a mess. They will also eat anything they can get their little hands on. Chips and bread are not healthy quokka food. Lesley rescued a large white bun from a a poor little quokka who was terribly confused by his disappearing treat.