#rottnest express

[mucseszter22-blog]

Did you know about the quokka? Quokkas are small marsupials native to a few islands off the coast of Western Australia, especially Rottnest Island. They’re about the size of a domestic cat and have a round, compact body with brownish-gray fur. Quokkas are known for their friendly, smile-like expressions, earning them the nickname “the world’s happiest animal.”

their cute appearance, quokkas are actually quite hardy. They’re nocturnal and mainly herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, and roots. Quokkas can go long periods without water, as they get much of their hydration from the plants they eat. They’re social animals and live in groups, but they’re also known for their curiosity and don’t mind getting close to humans, making them popular for selfies! I love them

[clivemwilliams]

Australia 2023

18th- 20th January

It has been good to spend a few days relaxing at Christine and John’s place in Goulburn - its greatest claim is that its prison houses Australia’s most high risk convicts! We visited a quaint place called Exeter, so a few photos of this Devon namesake were required, in addition to the great coffee and cake. We also visited Fitzroy Falls with some amazing views of the falls and the valley below. We also visited the majestic Kangaroo Valley.

On Thursday Christine and John drove us to Sydney airport for our evening flight to Perth. I was surprised when I realised that the flight was 5 hours and there is a 3 hour time difference so it was quite late by the time we picked up our hire car and drove to our hotel in Fremantle.

We awoke to a fabulous day in Fremantle and decided to get the express catamaran to Rottnest Island, about 30 mins away. We spent the day exploring the many sandy bays, watching the seals and sea birds, discovering quokka (miniature wallabies!), swimming and snorkelling and generally having a great time. The return sea journey was unexpectedly rough but we managed to survive!

[seasandsuns]

Rottnest Island, Perth, Australia

Back on Tumblr again after a decade. Life has changed so much since then. Well, I've graduated college for over four years now, and had a couple of jobs here and there.

The biggest change that happened is my relationship of eight years, the one I thought would last a lifetime, came to an end in one of the most painful ways possible.

My takeaway from that? To love myself more than I could ever love anyone else. My mum has preached this to me since the dawn of time but I couldn't understand what that truly meant. Now, it's a lesson burnt into my soul - my cup always comes first. It has to be filled to the brim every single day without question, and I will only pour into someone else when it overflows. When I do choose to share my excess with another, they'd have to have earned it. They'd have to be worthy. After all, my cup and the contents within it are sacred.

Hence the revival of this blog. I've always been one to seek adventures, but I placed it on the back burner to make room for people and responsibilities in my life. It's time to put myself first and explore new things life has to offer. Anyway, I've lined up several goals, trips - all that good stuff. I'd like to capture and share these memories in detail, but I'm not so much a video editor type of person in this reels/tiktok generation. I prefer to express myself through words and pictures so here we are.

Pretty excited for this rebirth era, and best believe I'm going to blog all about it.

[chirag-malhotra]

Rottnest Island Australia - An amazing island where you can enjoy on bicycle & see the whole island. It was crazy to shoot the video on bike. The views were so amazing that I didn't wanted to even block my eyes.

[letsgokidsseo]

Quokka Club can Travel – Rottnest Express

Quokka Club can Travel – Rottnest Express - Want to check what are the latest events in your state? Click on the link and discover a whole lot more: https://www.letsgokids.com.au/events/quokka-club-can-travel-rottnest-express/

[halleythecometcorgi]

So this week, my partner and I took a couple of days off and had a little adventure on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup! No pets are allowed on the island, so Halley was very well looked after by  https://www.instagram.com/_kennox/

My partner bought a GoPro just before we went, so we took a few videos while snorkelling. The water was just beautiful, will have to go back sometime to try more of the snorkelling spots!

Other highlights: the tiny Quokka that snuck onto our porch to say hi, going out to see the stars during a brief blackout and a couple of extremely pretty sunsets.

Halley got on well with her pet sitters, but was so excited to see us! Bounced between us like a ping pong ball, did happy zoomies, then settled down with that loving expression. It was a great adventure, but it’s good to be home.

[oliviawilliams9539]

A Trip To Perth: Amazing Destinations and Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is the easy breezy bohemian city that finds its way into every avid traveller’s bucket-list. Perth has an amazing urban settlement that attracts every visitor with its lively market places, glamorous Australian beaches and diverse flora and fauna. Visit this amazing city to embrace the best of both worlds, where you will find white sandy beaches, scenic parks, creative restaurants and lush green surrounds. As you escape the busy streets of Perth, head over to the seashores to rest by the side of pristine waters, away from the hustle and bustle in the city. Either enjoy sunbathing or indulge in activities such as walking tours, cycling, snorkeling, surfing, a train ride to the island's tunnels. It is totally up to you. There are expert guided tours which also offer amazing vantage points to watch dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife up close. 

One of the most exciting things you can do while you’re here is to jump on board for a boat cruise in Perth. The operators we have here are locals. Afterall, who knows about the places better than the locals? And living by this theory, take this tour with the local operators so that you have the best of experience. Start a two and half hours cruise trip here in Perth with tea or coffee followed by lunch. The cruises in Perth offer a roving view of the city and its popular landmark areas while you indulge in an delicious gourmet lunch consisting of continental meats, Australian prawns and a variety of salads on the Swan river. Marvel at the iconic sights of the Bell tower, Kings Park, the revamped Swan Brewery, the Royal Perth Yacht Club and the luxury homes overlooking the river. You can also listen to the captain's commentary as you pass by these tourist destinations.

Visit the historical Fremantle town for crafted beers and an awesome Aussie light lunch.The town of Fremantle is studded with numerous historic architectures like Fremantle Railway Station, weekend market, Round House, Prison, and many other beautiful monuments. Witness the spectacular sunset from Monument Hill or Fremantle’s pristine coastline before returning to the city of Perth. End your trip by returning to Perth or Northbridge and relish a delicious dinner at Chinatown or Crown Casino for dinner (at own cost). 

Visit Kings Park—one of the largest inner-city parks in the world—before you take a quick 30-minute walk to the lesser-known bohemian beach town of Cottesloe. Discover the marvellous underwater world of the West at one of the greatest snorkelling and swimming hotspots in the city, at Peters Pool. Dry off and set sail down the picturesque Swan River to Fremantle, making stops at local hotspots like Fremantle Market, where you can sample some of Fremantle’s many ethnic craft breweries such as the Little Creatures Brewery.

Next in line is the spectacular Rottnest Island, which is a Western Australia's capital city, protected nature reserve with rich biodiversity, Rottnest Island has a beach that is loved by all. But the true attraction that has made Rottnest Island really famous in the last few years is its plentiful native population of Quokkas. These extremely cute creatures wander the island and are friendly enough to pose right up with us and take a selfie. However, it is highly recommended that we do not feed them as they are wild animals. Grab a Rottnest Island Ferry ticket to wander around Perth and explore its laid-back surroundings. With a lot of interesting activities on offer, you can have a perfect day doing the things you like. Take a comfortable ferry ride to Rottnest Island to get glimpses of the most picturesque escapades. To board the Rottnest Express, the most trusted ferry service at the island, choose between Barrack Street Jetty and B-Shed which are both located in mainland Perth.

[valerie-michelle92]

A Day Trip to Rottnest Island to get a #QuokkaSelfie | WA

A Day Trip to Rottnest Island to get a #QuokkaSelfie | WA

The favorite day trip for visitors to Perth or Fremantle is a ferry ride to Rottnest Island. Rottnest, or Rotto, is a little sandy island right off the coast of Fremantle in Western Australia. It’s a fantastic spot for a day trip to stretch out on a beautiful beach, and get up close and personal with the famous smiley marsupial, the Quokka.

Quokkas are only found on Rottnest Island, and they are…

[areluctantsblog]

Starker on Rottnest Island or the trip where Tony faces unexpected competition

At first, Tony is amused by how taken Peter is with the undeniably cute little animals on Rottnest Island, but if he's honest he's hoped that they'd spend some time enjoying each other's company, too. At one point, it seems that he gets what he wishes for.

It's the third day on the island and they are deliciously entwined, lying in the soft white sand of a hidden little beach. Suddenly, Peter breaks off their kiss and when Tony looks around to see what's wrong, he spots a quokka watching them curiously from behind a tree. When Tony turns back to Peter, he presses a last kiss on Tony's lips before sitting up to try and lure what seems the hundredth quokka to him.

Tony's disappointment is complete when Peter falls asleep the moment they go to bed in the evening. Even though he knows that it's understandable after another long day spent outdoors, he misses their intimacy acutely. But Tony is not one to become grumpy or needy. No. He's one to accept the challenge.

These creatures, who could just as easily be called cuteness incarnate as quokkas certainly give him a run for his money, but Tony won't back down. It takes some time to convince Friday to allocate her resources to this particular issue, but their joint efforts eventually bare fruit and at 3am Tony sneaks out to collect the package delivered by the drone Friday was kind enough to hack.

Tony will have to get up early to surprise Peter, but his enthusiasm beats sleepiness anytime, especially if it is about his lover. That's how morning sunshine finds Tony sitting on the front porch, donned in the outfit he and Friday thought would give him the best chance at stealing the title of cuteness incarnate from his four legged competitors.

It is with some trepidation that Tony waits for Peter to glimpse him. At first he sees utter shock on his lover’s face, then Peter throws back his head in laughter. Tony tells himself that it's more endeared than anything, but his worries subside only when Peter walks up to him and asks with the kindest expression what on earth he's doing.

"I'm trying to be the cutest thing for you on this island," Tony answers as seriously as he can in the bunny onesie and grins widely into their kiss when Peter straddles him.

Moodboard and drabble requested by @scarletmanuka1. Hope you like it, sweetie. I loved your moodboard, WA must be amazing 🧡

Ps. I take full responsibility for this cracked up idea, @scarletmanuka1 is only to be blamed for encouraging me 😜

[perthisok]

Now Rottnest Express departs from Perth via three different locations, running multiple services per day back and forth from as early as 7am until sometimes as late as 9pm in peak season. With boats specifically designed to travel to Rottnest, here’s a few simple reasons why you should do so with Rottnest Express.

[leanpick]

WIN a family pass to Rottnest Island

WIN a family pass to Rottnest Island

There’s a reason why Rottnest Express is the most experienced and trusted ferry operator in Perth. Not only do they offer more departures, more often and have been in the industry for over 60 years but they offer much more than just a ferry service. They can package your tickets up with bike hire, snorkel hire, bus tours, adventure boat tours and so much more. This summer, Rottnest Express is…

[charlesandmartine]

Monday 26th February 2018

A full day today, so an early start as soon as the Special K was consumed. Strolling down to Victoria Quay to catch the 10.15 Rottnest Express to well, Rottnest Island, it was noticeably cloudy and cooler despite a very muggy night. This is a 30 minute fast boat ride across 18km of quite choppy water from Freo. Just to make it a really grand day out, we were blessed in sharing our rust bucket with what seemed to be the contents of at least 2 teenage boys schools. The crew very wisely placed all those who had no obvious connection with the testosterone charged conglomerate on a separate deck. It was like a male St Trinian's outing.     

Rottnest (Rotto as the native Aussie would say) or Wadjemup as the Noongar people would call it, or "place across the water where the spirits are" is an A-class reserve, the highest level of protection afforded to public land in Australia. There is evidence that the Aborigines have had a connection with the Island for possibility up to 70,000 years. A long time. Europeans first appeared on the Island in 1831 just 2 years after the Swan Colony arrived on the mainland and 2 men, William Clarke and Robert Thomson received land grants for town lots and pasture land on the island . Within 2 years someone had the idea that Aborigine prisoners could be held on Rottnest, so without thought of the insult to these peoples, 6 convicts serving sentences for murder, theft and assault were duly parcelled up and shipped across. Within a very short period of time, all six escaped in Robert Thompson's own boat and 5 survived back to the mainland. However, despite this small hiccup, it was decided that Rottnest should be used as a prison for Aborigines, and between 1838 and 1931 over 3,700 were shipped there, and by all accounts kept in the most appalling conditions in the prison the Aborigines built for themselves. It is a very pleasant island with sand dunes on a bed of limestone and inland salt lakes. The coastline is rugged and at West End resembles a Cornish cove. The island has no private vehicles and the most common means of transport is the bicycle which can readily be hired. We opted for the hop on, hop off bus for which we negotiated an age concession with the ticket machine. Very good value as it circumnavigates the whole of the island and the driver points out the places of interest for you. Our first stop was at West End, the furthest west you can go, where New Zealand seals and Sea Lions swim beneath the cliff top viewing platform. Were it not blowing a gale, we might have lingered here a bit longer. Hopping back on the bus we stayed on until we reached Geordie Bay where there was a convenient coffee shop, and at that point the clouds parted and the sun came out as it is supposed to in this part of the world. The island has a permanent population of 330 people and a huge population of Quokkas, a small marsupial found in very few other locations. They are very cute and are clearly very used to the human influence and can spot a sandwich at 60 paces.

The original Settlement at Thompson Bay still has original buildings including the Church and Quod (prison) built by the Aboriginals plus a number of auxiliary stores all dating back to the mid 19th century. The government now has a number of initiatives to re-build good relations with the Noongar people as the shameful history continues to impact them to this day. These include recognising the unmarked Aboriginal graves as important to them and respecting the areas where they are. The problems are deep and the island has been bombarded with activities far removed from the peaceful and spiritual use the Aborigine made for it. In its short European history it has been a Prison, Boys Reformatory, Internment Camp in ww1 and ww2, a Military and Gun Emplacement during ww2 and now tourists flock to it on a daily basis. Not really the place across the water where the spirits are.  

A very good day out, and a 'must see' if in the Perth/ Fremantle areas. We had circled the island twice and stopped at various places on route and then caught the ferry back to Freo followed by a visit to a fish emporium for a seafood platter. Very nice it was too. 

[infreo]

Beautiful post @_gographics_ Photo by @ospreycreative Big and small, we do it all! 🙌 Ahead of summer last year, our team pulled together to give @rottnestexpress a well-deserved freshen up in its iconic red and white colours. With a custom marine wrap made to withstand tough weather conditions, the ferry is guaranteed to look like new throughout Rotto's peak tourist season.👌 Now that it's warming up, it's the perfect time to get your boat revamped and detailed. To speak to our designers, call 9433 5544. Like Rottnest Express, we'll give your ride some much needed TLC. 🛥 . . . . . . . . . #infreo #fremantle #freostory #freo #justanotherdayinwa #rotto #rottnest #rottnestisland #quokka #thisisfreo #visitfreo #freolife #icfreo #icwest #igfreo #tweetfreo #WesternAustralia #seeaustralia #ig_Australia #freopics #lovefreo #thisisWA #amazingWA #sun7 #drone #drones #dronephotography #aerialphotography #fromwhereidrone #dronesaustralia (at Victoria Quay) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4_m8VAhQgA/?igshid=1qkdk4o4briri

[dbamountaineer]

When I left the museum, honestly I thought that I will go straight to the jetty and will just wait there until boarding time. But while walking, I found information boards not far from buildings. And I saw a couple of them. When I approached one of it, I realized that the building it describes are historical building. Then, I remembered that I had a brochure about Rottnest Colonial Buildings, I took it out from my bag. Then, I checked the time, I knew I had at least half an hour to spare for a walk to see the historical buildings in the island before the scheduled boarding time. I was time conscious or else I will be left behind by the ferry and most likely to miss my flight back to Manila that night. But, it did not happen as I quickly stride from one building to another. Below are some if not all colonial buildings that I was able to see as fast as I can while in the island.

Since I came from Rottnest Island Museum, the first building that I was able to recognized as colonial building in Thomson Bay Settlement area was Old Mill and Hay Store.

Old Mill and Hay Store (1857) – Rottnest Island Museum

The building was constructed after previous farm buildings were destroyed by fire as part of the complex farm buildings alongside with General Store. The building was first converted into staff accommodation for the Island’s hostel in 1911 when the prison was closed, it also housed the Rottnest Literary Institute and Club until it finally became a museum in 1979.

Then I walked along Digby Drive towards the bay and turned left and went inside the General Store to buy post cards as my souvenir in the island.

Hay Store (1857) – General Store

The island’s current shopping mall was part of the complex that includes two-storey prison/workshop building, stables, barns, and a piggery. The General Store was a former hay store and converted for commercial use in the early 20th century.

With the arrival of the first holiday makers in early 1900s, The General Store and Bakery were the first to welcome the public, followed by a greengrocer, butcher, laundrette and hair salon.

From General Store, I walked along Somerville Drive and turned right at Maley Street where I found the Military Barracks and now serve as accommodation units for guest and visitors in the island.

Military Barracks (1844)  – 3 Flats (“E”,”J” & “H”) or Room 339, 338, & 337

Originally a military barracks and accommodated soldiers that guarded Aboriginal prison. When a new prison built in 1864, the soldier replaced by resident  prison warders. This building consisted of 3 rooms and modified later for Prison wardens and their families. It was altered again and extended  to provide accommodation for the Island’s School Teacher in 1898. Then it divided again into 3 Flats in 1917.

Then, I turned left in Vincent Way while facing the bay. The next building that I saw was the Second Superintend’s House, which serve as another accommodation unit in the island.

Second Superintendent’s House (1848) – Sullivan or Room 336

This building built in 1848 when Governor Fitzgerald expressed interest in taking over the First Superintendent’s House. The building also accommodated the Island’s store keeper (1898), the Colonial Secretary (1908) and the Officer-In-Charge (World War I & II). It later became the Island Manager’s House.

I was still walking along Vincent Way, when I found the Pilot’s Quarters or Pilot’s Cottage which now serve as additional accommodation unit.

Pilot’s Quarters / Cottage (1847) – Room 335 & 334

Mr. Francis Armstrong arrived at the island in 1847 as Storekeeper and Moral Agent to improve the habits and morals of the prisoners. He lived in the cottage for less than a year to avoid conflicts with Henry Vincent – the Superintendent of Aboriginal Prison. After Armstrong, the chief pilot occupied the cottage, that is why it was called as Pilot’s cottage.

Another building that I found along Vincent Way was Coxwain’s Cottage. I was not able to capture the photo of the next building beside which called as Pilot Crew Kitchen

Coxswain’s Cottage (1871) with Photo – Room 333 & Pilot Crew Kitchen (1867) No Photo – Room 332

Coxwain which was an Assistant Pilot stayed in the cottage and was built in 1871. Between 1848 and 1903, pilot crew were needed for guiding ships between the island and Fremantle Port. Cottages are need for Coxwain and other pilot crews. Pilot Crew Kitchen was built inn 1867.

The last building that I saw along Vincent Way before I turned left to Cusack St was the Pilot’s Crew Quarter but was not able to capture a photo of it. But currently the quarter is now served as guest accommodation too.

Pilot Crew’s Quarter (1846-1852) No Photo – Room 301

Pilot Service was stationed in the island as guide ship due to treacherous reefs and the Pilot Crew Quarters became their accommodation.

While taking the Cusack Street, I had a chance to see the Orchard.

The Orchard

The Orchard showcases that during the colony period, vegetable yards was very important for the early settlers, until the said industry became big and this enabled them to trade to the mainland. The orchard shows the fencing style and plantings during that time.

While I was checking the Orchard, I was lucky so see Quokka for the second time (the first was while I was in Parker Point). This time, I realized how these animals are so cute and charming when up close with them.

Then, I walked along Kitson Street until I found what I was looking for, the School House.

Quokka

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Pilot Crew Quarters & School House (1890) – Guest House / Accommodation

The building was built in 1890, to be used by Leading Hand of the Pilot Crew. Then, became island’s first designated school-house from 1910 to 1962 when the Pilot Service was closed in 1903. Until it finally became staff and holiday accommodation.

Not far from School House, I saw information board telling the readers that the land

Wadjemup Burial Ground – A sacred Site

When I read the information boards across burial ground area, it was a relief that there was a ground dedicated and recognized as sacred site for the aboriginals throughout the island. After learning that a lot of aboriginals were buried somewhere within the island and yet unidentified was somewhat a sad story for the natives. And having this kind of site returns respect to Aboriginals after a tragic history that happens in Rottnest.

Then, I looked again on the brochure map that I was holding and following the location of the other colonial buildings. But before I found another one, I saw again a familiar flag while I was traveling in Western Australia, an Australian Aboriginal Flag. Not far from where the Australian Aboriginal Flag stands, I found the Lomas Cottage.

Australian Aboriginal Flag

Lomas Cottage (1871) – Exhibition Space

Lomas Cottage or commonly known as “Buckingham Palace” a named it received in 1880s when Warder Buckingham lived in the cottage. Formerly it was built for John Lomas, ex-convict and became “Imperial Pauper”. The cottage served many different purposes. Right now, it servers as an exhibition space.

Next to Lomas Cottage, the vast space or grasssed area now with trees is known as Heritage Common.

Heritage Common

These place witnessed the men whom crossed here from 1864 to 1903 as over 3000 Aboriginal men came to Rottnest’s infamous Quod.

The Quod (1863-1864) – Karma Rottnest

Quod is an old English slang word for prison. And the Quod served as prison in Rottnest island for Aboriginal men. When the prison was closed, it was converted into a hostel or lodge as holiday accommodation today as Karma Rottnest.

After passing “The Quod”, my walk continue until I saw another board information which signifies another historical colonial building, where I saw “The Chapel”.

The Old School and Chapel (1856 – 1857)

The building was originally built as school by aboriginals and became local point of the island’s community. It was used as school during weekday and chapel on Sundays. It has been venue for tea dances and meetings of the Rottnest Island Institute. When the prison was closed, it was stopped as school and converted back as chapel.

Just beside “The Chapel”, another colonial building is still standing, it is called Boy Reformatory and now additional accommodation for guests in the island.

Boys Reformatory (1880-1881) – Accomodation Hostel

The building was designed by Public Works Department, it was completed in 1881. Before, the juvenile prisoners sent to Perth Gaol, but when this was built, young prisoners sent here so that they can be separated to adult criminals to be able to change their way of life and not to be influence of prisoners in gaol. Now, the building was converted into “Accommodation House” for the State Hostel and the dormitories were divided into bedrooms.

Then, as I look into the map, the last building that I can visit to see before I walked towards the jetty to board a ferry was “The Salt Store”. One of the buildings that easy to see since it is standing not far from the jetty. But because, of the time the building was already closed, where the volunteers in the picture took care the Australian flag.

The Salt Store (1868) – Gallery and Exhibition Centre

Capture before boarding the ferry

Captured when arrived in the island

Salt which crystallizes on the beds of the salt lakes when dried were brought to Salt Store since 1830s by the settlers and then later by aboriginals. Salt Store supplies the salt to the whole Western Australia during its early years.

There is one and probably the most charming building of all colonial buildings that I should see but I missed was Governor’s Residence as it is separated to most of the colonial buildings that I saw. Because of limited time, I had to run to jetty not to missed my ferry.

Until then.

                Rottnest Walks : Colonial Buildings of Thomson Bay When I left the museum, honestly I thought that I will go straight to the jetty and will just wait there until boarding time.

[popupfashionbubble]

West-Australia #2: Rottnest Island

I took a ferry and strolled about Rottnest island for a day. I didn’t actually stroll about since I had a bike but I really like the expression my Manchesterfriends so kindly teached me. The island is pretty small but you still need a full day to explore it (it would be even better if you have 2 or 3 days).

A lot of nice beaches but also a lot of lakes and the wildlife is unlike anything else: quokka’s everywhere! They are very curious and come up to you to see what’s up. I had one all to myself when I was cruising around. We chilled for 15 minutes until he had to go somewhere.

After I met my new friend I cruised further down the island and I saw a pink lake. I didn’t look up too much before I went there so I was surprised and really happy.