A long trip to Perth will not be completed without a visit to these two off-shore island; Rottnest Island and Penguin Island!
We visited Rottnest Island in 2011 and explored the island on bicycles, it can also be explored by bus or on foot. The island is serviced by 45-minute ferry rides from Perth and Fremantle; the Fremantle port is located at B Shed, Victoria Quay (near E Shed Markets). We rented bicycles and helmets (compulsory) from the rental shop and spent the entire day exploring the island.
It is best to prepare some food to snack along the way and for pit-stops to rest and enjoy the scenery. Some parts of the ride are pretty challenging so do be prepared for sore bums and burning legs.
Along the way, remember to keep a lookout for the quokka, the happiest animal in the world!
We visited Penguin Island which was located close to our Rockingham base in 2011. The more adventurous and young-at-heart can take a walk on the sandbar from the shore to the island during low tides. It can be quite nerve-wrecking as you can’t really see the path that you are taking through the water. One can always opt for ferry services that are available.
As the name suggests, the island is a penguin sanctuary. There is a penguin conservation center which holds penguin shows and education talks. We attended the show and then proceeded to walk around the island to do some penguin spotting.
They can be found huddling in caves or hiding beneath the staircases, please refrain from touching them! You would also see many different types of birds on the island, try not to approach their nests as they are really territorial and will attack you.
absolute honesty 