Rottnest Island - Remote Destination of the Week

by Fiona Harper on 19 Jan 2009 Crisp fresh salty air blowing in from the Indian Ocean. Long summer days of the southern hemisphere dictated by the heat of the sun and the strength of the wind. Where the only suitable clothing is of the summer boating holiday kind: board shorts, bathers and brightly coloured t-shirts are de rigueur.

Where the moist salty beach sand seems tattooed on your toes, and your hair takes on a lived in look. But don’t worry about your ‘do’, because Rottnest Island is just not a hairdryer kind of place. It’s the kind of place where parents relax enough to allow the kids to do just what they want. And the kids do, well, exactly what they want. What’s not to love about Rottnest Island?

Well, it really should be renamed Rotto for a start. Nobody calls the island by its actual name except the most officious of officialdom. Rotto, with its gorgeous limestone edged coves and reef-protected bays is the perfect location for a summer boating getaway.

And where is it? Out in the Indian Ocean, off the west coast of Australia, not far from one of the most isolated modern cities in the Western World, Perth. And to get away from the Australian coastline that's where, it seems, most of Perth's population ends up if they have the yacht or powerboat to get there, which makes it pretty busy for its remoteness. But don’t let the nearness of others hinder your fun. Allow your inner voyeur to break free instead and enjoy a little surreptitious people watching. It’s all part of the uninhibited fun of Rotto. And, if sleeping onboard your vessel loses its attraction, there is an abundance of accommodation ashore.

Mooring Options

Once you're there, you'll find that the Rottnest Island Authority manages all public mooring facilities, with all visitors contributing to the conservation of the island, as well as the upkeep of services and facilities. Private vessel owners contribute by purchasing an essential permit to visit the island. Obtain a copy of the Rottnest Island Marine and Boating Guide, to find out about fees, zoning and mooring regulations.

With limited mooring options creating high demand at certain times of the week or year, all mooring facilities require pre-booking. Public swing moorings are available at Thomson, Geordie and Longreach Bays; otherwise anchoring is permitted in designated zones.

Thomson Bay

The only marina-type facilities are in Thomson Bay, which is the hub of the island and home to the busy ferry terminal. All berths are available for a maximum stay of seven nights and can be booked up to three months in advance. Stark Jetty has five pens suitable for small shallow draft vessels, up to 7 mt for $26 per night.

The Fuel Jetty has 26 pens in total. Ten pens are suitable for vessels up to 7.5mt for $26 per night. Another 16 pens are suitable for vessels up to 16mt and cost $39 per night. Only some pens outside are suitable for deeper draft yachts, so it’s best to check with RIA first.

Once you're there, whether onboard a boat or staying in accommodation ashore, with 63 beaches to choose from, Rotto has plenty of options for swimmers, divers, snorkellers, beachgoers and fishermen. Surfers won’t be disappointed either, with reef breaks aplenty, particularly on the outer reefs.

If you’re sightseeing by bicycle (which is the ‘must do’ way to get around), make sure you tuck your beach towel and snorkelling gear into your carry basket, as no matter where you cycle, you’ll come across an enticing bay or cove likely to coax you into the water.

There is an old fashioned timelessness about Rotto that is enchanting. The smell of the sea intermingles with the ‘freshly baked’ aromas from the bakery, permeating the air. Leave behind your big city expectations and allow Rotto to envelop you with its’ charms.

And what better place to be charmed than beneath the trees at the beer garden at the Quokka Arms Hotel. Immerse yourself in hedonistic island culture and watch a quiet summer afternoon evolve. Beachside at Thomson Bay, it’s shoes optional great fun, and part of the quintessential Rotto experience. Just don’t forget to remove all that beach sand from between your toes before you jump back on board your vessel.

For a Complete Guide to marinas all over Australia, visit the Australian Marinas Guide at www.marinasguide.com.au

Essentials:
Rottnest Island Authority www.rottnestisland.com
LAT 31°59.8S LONG 115°32.5E