046 & 047 - Rottnest Island (12-13/5/17)

OK... so this one will be different. Rather than wax lyrically on how awesome Rottnest Island was, I figure I'd tell the story through pics, God knows we took enough.

Rottnest (or "Rotty" to the locals) was a place B had been hanging to go back to ever since coming as a backpacker way back in the Ye Olden Days; back when it was all sepia toned and the like. So when we dreamed up this trip, Rotty, was a complete non-negotiable.

So, please, indulge me, whilst I take you on what was simply an awesome trip over to Rottnest Island...

Rottnest is "car free" so you have to carry on everything that you'll need. The smart folk stay in cabins or at the motel. We'd decided that our tents would do. So tents, mats, sleeping bags, clothes and a day's worth of food needed to be carried. Got some weird looks from the Nomads in the Caravan Park as we left our van looking like we'd moved out! Even stranger waiting at the bus stop with it all. Still, the kids were brilliant and carried all their stuff. Well, nearly all their stuff.

"Who's exited to go to Rottnest?!?"

The boys awaiting the Ferry at Northport.

"Where is it Dad?"

"There it is" said James. "It looks fast"

Yep... Sam's ready to roll.

Little did we realise but this Ferry connection came from Perth and Fremantle so all the good spots were taken. Still, we managed to find some seats in the "Upstairs Out" bit.

I wonder who is smiling the most about going to Rottnest..

Yep... I think we all know...

See ya later Mainland. Catch you tomorrow.

As you can tell, terrible day for a cruise across on the Ferry...

Hmm... I think this photo might be slightly over exposed.

This one is definitely over exposed. Subject matter has gone all weird.

Best part of being a kid? Being able to wangle your way infront of everyone to get the best view point.

I didn't realise that the waters off from Freo were literally like a shopping centre carpark for big ships waiting to come into port. There was heaps of them!

"It's Rottnest! It's Rottnest!" squealed B with delight.

"Yo... get out of my parking spot!"

After what seemed like eternity, we managed to find the campground, and just squeeze into an available space. It was pretty tight, but we made it work.

Evie was pretty chuffed about getting back into the tents. It might have been to do with...

...seeing our first Quokka!

On the way back into town we spotted this rare "Nutella Faced" Quokka

And soon... two more!

The only way to get around Rottnest of any great note is either by Bus or to hire/bring bikes. We checked out hire prices and managed to swing hire for the entire family for our stay for around $100. Pretty good value in the end and it proved to be a most excellent mode of transport.

"Sam, where did James go?"

"Dunno... he was here a minute ago, just before this hill"

"Here I am... wait for me!!"

"Ha ha... suckers... pass you all now"

One of the many bays that Rottnest is home too. On days like this it was simply breathtaking as to how beautiful it was.

At a pitstop, B and Sam walked down to check out the water for snorkelling possibilities. They were endless apparently.

"Why can't all the ride be downhill?"

"Eeeeeeee heeeee........"

"Too slow Mum..."

Was definitely an icy pole kind of day. Particularly after you power your way around a 15km loop.

"James are you teasing the Quokka with pretend food?"

We got back and found that the Quokka is a naturally inquisitive animal... or should that be nosey. We quickly learnt that the zips on the tent need to be at the top. Whilst I don't think they got in whilst we were gone, they looked wiley enough to open them, get in, nick food, get out and do the zip in all with a cute little marsupial grin on their faces...

...which sucked a few people in.

Sam, James and I weren't so sure...

It's 'customary' or so I'm told (or sucked in by) to try and get a selfie with a quokka...

Quokka Selfie Attempt #1 - Got me.. blurred the Quokka. And yes, I'm laying down on the chip bark to get this... sheesh.

So we chucked on the togs, walked the 50m over the dune to the lighthouse near the campground, and to the beach.

This beach. Wow. Serious Wow.

B and Sam decided to try their hand at snorkelling...

...whilst Evie and James played in the sand and once again made friends with random kids nearby!

Me? I snuck some contraband onto the beach and enjoyed watching the family play and enjoy themselves with the peace and quiet of only the voices in my head...

Eventually the sun set and we had to head off to find some dinner. But even at sunset, it adds another beautiful dimension.

The main waterfront as the sun goes down...

We walked to the couple of places that offer dinner on the island, and as we walked pass the boardwalk in front of this joint, Aristos, we asked the family what it was like (that's them in the background of this shot). "Mate, Friday special, $16.50 Fish and Chips, can't go wrong."

And we didn't. Three serves between four of us, and really B and I should have shared also as we both didn't finish! Sam stuck with nuggets, but they were awesome too apparently. We stayed there for a few (expensive) drinks watching the first half of the footy as the kids coloured in on some drawings provided.

All in all, a fantastic dinner, befitting of such a brilliant place.

Quokka Selfie Attempt 2 - Nailed the Quokka, shadowed me. Went for extra degree of difficulty with the night time shot.

After a 'reasonable' night in the tents (girls vs. boys) B got up to go to the dunny and managed to sneak down to the beach to take this amazing shot as the sun came over the Island. Me? I was happy to snore away in the boys tent.

Apparently climbed up the lighthouse to take it from the other direction too!

Back on the bikes we headed off to a part of the island that we left unvisited yesterday. And what a surprise, another beautiful cove.

B decided another snorkel was in order...

You've got to love her determination and commitment. It wasn't warm enough for me (which isn't uncommon) but even the kids weren't entertaining getting in.

Probably because they were too busy playing on the awesome sand dunes!!

I managed to crawl up to the top of the dune to meet them, and was rewarded with this spectacular view, which may or may not come across in this panorama.

The scale of the dune, to the kids, to the beach...

Walking along the beach I spotted a few of these bad boys.... Decided I'd go back and warn B in case she hadn't noticed.

Too late... Managed to get a souvenir on the way out of the water, getting stung through her bathers! The pain grew a little, welt go a bit bigger, but eventually after the magical medicinal properties of Paw Paw cream, subsided. Tough cookie though. I know where James get's it from.

We headed back into town where I'd promised the kids (i.e. myself) a treat of bakery lunch. This was a sneaky way to watch the Hawks game on my phone as we took on the Lions in Tassie. As this shot can tell, I wasn't overly enthused by the first half... Meanwhile B and the kids....

...went for more rides...

...saw more of the beautiful island...

...checked out the 'museum' and learnt about the history of the island itself...

...generally monkeyed around...

...and snuck in some mini golf. Here we can see James displaying the unique split hand grip.

Sam going for the traditional grip, albeit with a more upright and cramped stance...

But with the day ending, and a boat to catch, we had to rush the mini-golf, return the bikes and get to the jetty.

James was quite pleased that we got to go back on the fast boat, and due to my PIA mentality of getting to places as much in advance of departure time, we got an awesome spot on the "Upstairs Out" for the journey home.

And yes... the ships were still parked there.

All in all, Rottnest Island was a brilliant place. So unique. So different. A whole society devoid of vehicles (with the exception of police, ambulance and contractors who run services on the island). It felt safe and clean. Quiet and yet still so accessible. I can now understand why B was so keen to get back here. We really thought about trying to extend our stay a night or two more, but we were only kitted out for one night. Had we been more prepared, I'd have brought the esky, a few more changes of clothes and a few sherpa's to carry all the gear. It's not the cheapest place to get to, or buy stuff on, but it's understandable considering it's location.

I couldn't recommend a journey out to Rottnest more. And even moreso to stay over on the island and not rush to catch a ferry back on the same day. A few hours wouldn't do it justice and we've just scratched the surface with our 30hrs. Hell, we didn't fish or play golf!

I will be back here. Not sure when, but when I get here, I'll be even more prepared. And I'll damn well get a decent selfie.