Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a half hour ferry journey from Fremantle and is one of the most popular excursions from Fremantle or Perth. The large numbers of quokkas to be seen are the obvious draw for all the tourists.
Chapel School – one of the first buildings you come across on landing from Fremantle
The Quokka
If it weren’t for these cute looking marsupials (that the early Dutch explorers thought were rats – hence the island’s name) I doubt that many would visit the island. The quokka are apparently nocturnal. However there were an enormous number round the tourist area of Thomson Bay, maybe scavenging for food? However feeding or touching the quokkas is an offence incurring a hefty fine. Personally I think they look like a cross between a rat & a very small wallaby – but then I am not part of the Rottnest Tourist Board.
There is even a video if you want to see these scavengers in action
We took the Grand Island Tour which included coach and train rides to see the Oliver Hill Guns and tunnels from WWII and various scenic lookouts.
