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A
lifestyle
untouched
by
the
pressures
of
the
mainland
draws
thousands
of
holidaymakers
to
Rottnest
each
year.
Its
crystal
clear
bays
and
beaches
are
perfect
for
swimming,
snorkelling,
windsurfing,skindiving,sunbathing,
surfing,
boating
and
fishing.
One
reason
for
the
idyllic
atmosphere
is
the
absence
of
cars.
Everyone
rides
bicycles.
You
can
hire
them
on
the
island
or
bring
your
own
on
the
ferry.
For
safety
reasons,
bicycle
helmets
must
be
worn
and
these
are
also
available
for
hire.
And
Rottnest
wouldn't
be
Rottnest
without
the
quokkas,
the
small
marsupials
which
inhabit
the
island.
It's
great
to
spend
a
few
days
at
Rottnest,
but
you
can
still
have
a
relaxing
time
visiting
for
a
day.
It
doesn't
take
long
to
slow
down
to
"Rotto"
pace.
Rottnest
Museum
Formerly
the
Old
Bam
and
Grain
Crushing
Mill,
the
museum
traces
the
cultural
and
natural
history
of
Rottnest
from
the
early
Dutch
explorers
to
the
present,
Many
fascinating
relics
of
the
convict
days
and
shipwrecks
around
the
island
are
on
display.
Open:
10am-4pm
summer
11am-4pm
winter
Telephone:
(09)
372
9727
Rotto
Rail
Rottnest
Island
Railway
Trust
The
historic
Oliver
Hill
light
railway
which
once
hauled
guns
and
ammunition
for
the
Army
now
carries
tourists,
opening
up
views
of
the
island
which
cannot
be
seen
from
the
road.
Purchase
tickets
from
the
Visitors'
Centre
at
the
end
of
the
jetty.
Telephone:
(09)
372
752
Rottnest
Island
Bus
Tours
Two
coach
tours
of
the
island
are
available,
Tickets
can
be
purchased
from
the
Visitors'
centre.
Tours
leave
at
11.30am
and
1.30pm
daily.
Telephone:
(09)
372
9720
Guided
Walking
Tours
Rottnest
Island
Guided
Tours
This
free
walking
tour
of
Rottnest's
Colonial
architecture
and
relics
brings
the
island's
rich
history
of
prisoners
and
pioneers
to
life.
Leaves
11.15am
and
2pm
daily
from
the
Visitors'
Centre.
Tel:
372
9727
How
to
Get
There
Visit
Oceanic
Cruises
Website
Ferries
leave
from
the
Barrack
Street
Jetty
in
Perth,
Northport
in
North
Fremantle
or
Hillarys
Boat
Harbour.
Flights
leave
from
Perth
Airport.
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