As you know from my previous posts about Rottnest Island (here and here), it's one of my favourite places in the world. A true paradise island off the west coast of Australia, Rotto is home to, and named after, the world's happiest animal, the Quokka (original Dutch settlers thought they were rats, so called it ratsnest/rottnest), as well as being home to dozens of beautiful beaches and amazing snorkelling.
My family arrived in Perth a week after me, and they're staying on longer, so we only had a week back in Perth together. Therefore we wanted to have a couple of days just the four of us, and as they were off down south for Easter, the obvious choice for us was Rotto.
We got an early ferry out on the Tuesday, and despite forecasts of storms and a cloudy start, the day couldn't have been more beautiful! We checked into the Rottnest Lodge, and found out that they're making some drastic changes over the next few years.
There isn't currently any luxury accommodation on the island, it's all very basic as they have strict rules on what can be built on the island. Rottnest Lodge was taken over by Karma a few years ago, and they've been given permission to rebuild the lodge as a luxury hotel. I'm super excited to see it completed, the plans look absolutely amazing! They're also going to turn the Quod into a museum and cultural centre, as while it's currently used as accommodation, it actually used to be the islands prison, where over 300 Aborigines died.
After checking in we ditched our bags and went up to The Basin for a swim and snorkel, but not before meeting some happy little Quokkas on the way.
The sun was glorious, and it was so lovely to be back at one of my favourite sunbathing and swimming spots. It's basically a natural pool that's really sheltered and safe for swimming, and the snorkelling is pretty good as there's a giant reef that surrounds the pool. My brother and I checked out the snorkelling while mum and dad chilled on the beach.
The sun was glorious, and it was so lovely to be back at one of my favourite sunbathing and swimming spots. It's basically a natural pool that's really sheltered and safe for swimming, and the snorkelling is pretty good as there's a giant reef that surrounds the pool. My brother and I checked out the snorkelling while mum and dad chilled on the beach.
We finally got back and got changed ready for dinner. We always have dinner at the Rottnest Hotel, the view over Thompson Bay is just gorgeous, and it has a more relaxed and fun vibe than Aristos. Also the food is usually pretty delicious!
Sadly on this occasion I got food poisoning from the fish and chips, and woke up around midnight with violent vomiting. Not nice.
On our way back to the lodge from dinner I decided to test out star photography, I've been wanting to try it for a while but am never anywhere dark enough and with zero light pollution, so I gave it a go and even though it was my first time, I was pretty pleased with the results. I played around with different settings, and managed to get a teeny bit of the milkway, which you can see below!
The next day we cycled through the salt lakes and up to Wadjemup lighthouse.
Sadly on this occasion I got food poisoning from the fish and chips, and woke up around midnight with violent vomiting. Not nice.
On our way back to the lodge from dinner I decided to test out star photography, I've been wanting to try it for a while but am never anywhere dark enough and with zero light pollution, so I gave it a go and even though it was my first time, I was pretty pleased with the results. I played around with different settings, and managed to get a teeny bit of the milkway, which you can see below!
The next day we cycled through the salt lakes and up to Wadjemup lighthouse.
From there we rode to Parakeet Bay, a favourite of ours. It's just gorgeous.
Just l o o k at these photos!
We did some swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing there, the water was really cold but oh so refreshing when it was so hot outside. It was the perfect treat after our cycle, and even Dad played along with the underwater photos!
Just l o o k at these photos!
We did some swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing there, the water was really cold but oh so refreshing when it was so hot outside. It was the perfect treat after our cycle, and even Dad played along with the underwater photos!
After Fay's Bay we rode back to the main settlement to drop off the bikes, and made a quick stop at Pinky Beach for a family selfie in front of Bathurst Lighthouse.
I then came across a few Quokkas, including a mother and baby - how cute is this baby Quokka with his leaf?!
I then came across a few Quokkas, including a mother and baby - how cute is this baby Quokka with his leaf?!
We had a very late lunch at Dome (they do the best fries and iced chocolate, seriously), before hopping on the ferry back to Perth. A lovely two days with the family on my favourite island!
Take a look at my vlog below from our 'midweek weekend' on Rottnest!