Perth Day 3: Enjoying "Rotto"

Got up early today to take the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, “Rotto” for locals. Rottnest Island was discovered by Dutchman Willem de Vlamingh, who mistakingly believed that the island’s Quokka –an animal that can only be found on Rottnest Island– was a rat. Hence Rat’s Nest or Rottnest Island.

Back to this morning, when I walked to Perth’s ferry port to get onto the ferry to Rottnest Island (which would take a total of about 1.5 hours). First, the ferry took us from Perth to Fremantle, through the Swan River.

This part of the journey, about an hour, was very comfortable. We were even served a morning coffee and cookie. From Fremantle to Rottnest Island, half an hour, the ferry travelled over open sea.

Unfortunately, the sea was rather rough. Which meant: high waves, instable boat and a seasick me (luckily I managed not to throw up ;)).
I was very glad when the boat finally arrived at Rottnest Island. Got the mountainbike and the helmet that would accompany me for the day. I was also given a map of Rottnest Island, I found out that a full bike tour of the island would be about 25 km. I decided that it was wise to buy a bottle of water and a granola bar at the local grocery store. This was the only grocery store on the island and, even though I had my lunch with me and something do drink, I didn’t want to risk getting hunry or thirsty.

After exiting the grocery store, I saw my first Quokka. So cute, truly adorable. The main thing that this animal has in common with a rat is its tail. It stands and hops like a kangaroo (but is a lot smaller). This particular Quokka was not shy at all, and very interested in me. Actually, I think the animal was particularly interested in the freshly made sandwiches in my backpack :P.

I waved the Quokka goodbye, and finally was on my way. Soon enough there came the first hills and a very strong wind. Very tricky, I refused to get off my bike though while climbing one of those hills (even if the wind was blowing fully against me :D). But what a beautiful island! So many lovely rock formations, lookouts and bays. At some point the color of the water was absolutely stunning (a sort of greenish blue).

During the tour, which I did on my own (I met several other tourists along the way though), I saw various other Quokka’s. Even one mother Quokka with her little baby. Oooh!!! After the challenging, but very rewarding, bike ride I got back to the island on time. I bought myself some souvenirs (yet another magnet) and met up with a Quokka (probably the same one as that morning :)).

At 4.30 pm, the ferry went back to the mainland. The sea had calmed down a little bit, so the journey from Rottnest Island to Fremantle was a little more comfortable than it was in the morning.

When I returned to my hostel, I had a quick dinner. I decided that I didn’t have enough exercise for the day. I went on the treadmill for 26 minutes (I don’t want to forget how to run ;)), my legs were –surprisingly so– not sore. Took it sort of easy though on het treadmill. Now I have showered, and I am writing this blog. This time from the hostel. I pay one dollar to go online for 15 minutes, I refuse to pay more for the internet ;).

Tomorrow’s plans are not as certain as they seemed yesterday. I wanted to do a half day tour to Swan Valley. The tour agency promised to call me back today, to inform me if there still was any spot availbale on the tour. Didn’t receive a call, even though I had my cell phone on during the day (and had excellent reception on Rottnest Island). I will see tomorrow if I can still get on another half day tour or otherwise I will explore Perth a little bit more.