Page 314 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

312  WESTERN A USTR ALIA

2 Rottnest Island

Less than 20 km (12 miles) west of Fremantle lies the idyllic
island of Rottnest. Settled by Europeans in 1831, it was used
as an Aboriginal prison between 1838 and 1902. In 1917, in
recognition of its scenic beauty and rich bird life, the island
became a protected area and today it is a popular tourist
destination. Rottnest’s oldest settlement, Thomson Bay, dates
from the 1840s. The island’s other settlements, all built in the
20th century, are found at Longreach Bay, Geordie Bay and Aerial View of Rottnest
Kingstown. Rottnest’s rugged coastline comprises beaches, Rottnest is 11 km (7 miles) long,
coves and reefs – ideal for many water-based activities – 4.5 km (3 miles) wide, and is
governed by strict conservation
salt lakes and several visible shipwrecks. Private cars are regulations.
not allowed on the island, so the only way to get around
is by bicycle or bus, or on foot.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
The lighthouse on Wadjemup
Hill was built in 1895.
“Wadjemup” is the Aboriginal
name for the island.

Rocky Bay
Overlooked by the sandy Lady Edeline
beach, this popular, picturesque bay also
contains the wreck of the barque Mira Flores,
which sank in 1886.

KEY
1 Strickland Bay was named Island, particularly with families
after Sir Gerald Strickland, with children, as it is easily
governor of Rottnest from accessible on foot from
1909 to 1912, and is a prime Thomson Bay.
surfing spot. 5 The Rottnest Museum is
2 City of York Bay was housed in the old granary,
named after Rottnest’s most which dates from 1857.
tragic shipwreck. In 1899, the Exhibits cover the island’s
captain of the City of York geology, its many shipwrecks,
mistook a lighthouse flare for flora and fauna, and
a pilot’s signal and headed memorabilia of the early
towards the rocks. settlers and convicts.
Cape Vlamingh Lookout
Named after Dutch explorer 3 Parakeet Bay is popular 6 Henrietta Rocks are a
Willem de Vlamingh, Rottnest’s with snorkellers. It is also an hazardous place for shipping.
most famous early European excellent spot to see the rock No less than three ships have
visitor, this lookout stands at the parrots after which it is named. been wrecked in the waters
furthest tip of the island, 10.5 km 4 The Basin is the most off this point.
(6.5 miles) from Thomson Bay. popular beach on Rottnest 7 Mabel Cove
The view is spectacular.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p490 and pp519–21