Away from the Rott Race

Rottnest Island gained its name from Dutch explorers who thought it a home to rats. These ‘rats’ are actually small marsupials called quokkas. They are friendly, kangaroo-type animals that often mingle freely with visitors to the island. The island is 18 kilometres off the coast and it’s an excellent day trip from Perth. Ferries run to the island from Barrack Street Jetty and Sorrento in Perth, and from Victoria Quay in Fremantle.

There are fine beaches with crystal clear waters, excellent for swimming, sailing, fishing or snorkelling. You can dive among the coral reefs and there’s also golf, good hikes and cycling (bicycles are the main form of transport). For a relax, head to the beer garden of the Rottnest Hotel.

The rodent reference reminded me of a Japanese family we once bumped into on our travels. Despite the fact that their English was a little limited and that our Japanese pulls up at ‘konitchiwa’, we somehow hit it off and decided to meet for dinner. We were swapping stories as we were perusing the menu when their young son suddenly burst into uncontrollable tears.