Destination-Perth-2025-HR-nocrops (1) - Flipbook - Page 39
BATHURST LIGHTHOUSE, ROTTNEST ISLAND
Rottnest Island
– WADJEMUP
ENTER A DIFFERENT FRAME OF MIND WHEN STEPPING FOOT ON ROTTNEST ISLAND / WADJEMUP,
AN A-CLASS RESERVE RENOWNED FOR SECLUDED BAYS AND LAID-BACK ADVENTURES.
SURROUNDED BY THE expanse of
the Indian Ocean, just 19km from
the coast of Perth, the secluded
Rottnest Island is such a profoundly
special place. It’s a place resonating
with a powerful sense of connection
pulsating through its brilliant bays
and sheltered beaches; untamed
bushland; and laidback, simple
lifestyle. It’s a place to make
memories with the family, and to
meditate with one’s self. It’s a place
so many generations of Western
Australians reminisce upon as they
reflect on joyful family adventures
set to coastal backdrops and
otherworldly sunsets.
It’s also a place that holds
painful memories for Noongar
people whose family members
were incarcerated on the island
from 1838 to 1931, warranting
deep contemplation and an
understanding of its relevance to
Aboriginal people when visiting
the island. There’s plenty to learn
here for those who are curious,
and the Wadjemup Museum and
an immersive tour with Go Cultural
Aboriginal Tours and Experiences
are ideal places to start.
Arrive on the island via ferry
and feel completely at ease with
zero traffic, free from crowds
and city life. The iconic mode of
transport on the island is a bicycle,
while regular hop-on-hop-off
buses and segway tours are also
available.
Get to know Rottnest Island
on a hike of the Wadjemup Bidi,
comprised of five trails that
showcase various landscapes and
scenery from coastal headlands
to stunning inland lakes. The Hike
Collective curate inspiring tours,
with The West End Guided Hike a
favourite for its access to views of
playful long-nosed fur seals from
Cathedral Rocks.
Let the wind whip through your
hair and feel the sunshine on your
back when cycling around to
discover the island’s collection of
serene lakes and swimming spots.
The breadth of incredible
snorkelling opportunities available
is unparalleled. Take a Rottnest
Snorkel Experience Tour for local
insights; indulge with a ‘Snorkel
& Sail’ tour on the iconic Capella
catamaran through Charter 1; or
define your own adventure. While
there are more than sixty beaches
and twenty bays to choose from,
the shallow reefs of The Basin
swimming hole, underwater
trail markers and colourful fish
of southern Little Salmon Bay,
destinationperth.com.au
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