I arrived back in Perth on Friday and checked into the very lovely Pan Pacific Hotel, I was really fortunate to be allocated one of the re-furbished rooms on the 22nd floor, the hotel has work on-going, however, I have no time for lie in’s on this trip so the noise of the work didn’t bother me.

I got collected at 7.30am for my Rottnest trip, I could have easily walked down to the port, however, not knowing what I do now round and round the town I went picking up others going on the same ferry similar to our Seacat at home. When I got back I just walked back to the Hotel rather than get the bus back. There are 2-3 different ferry companies so plenty of choice. You sail for quite a while on the river before going out into the sea, it’s lovely it gives you a chance to see the city of Perth, if you are lucky some Dolphin’s and the different water activities on the river.

I was on a pre-paid tour of the Island and whilst it was good I think I would have preferred just hiring a bike and maybe stopping off at a beach here and there as the sand is so fine and white and the sea a very acceptable temperature, well compared to Donegal and the Atlantic that is! You can easily go round the Island on your bike in a day and for those that don’t want to pedal too much you can hire a motorised one, however, I suggest you definitely pre-book if you want one of those.

I was with 4 Texan’s and 25 people from Finland! I was asked if I could speak Finish! Anyway, Rottnest Island is a highly recommend, it is beautiful. If you want to stay on the Island you need to book accommodation 8 months in advance or go to one of the two 5* Resorts.

There are salt lakes which often makes the water look pink and are really pretty.

You can see the Island in a day, I joined the small open train at Oliver Hill a 10 min walk from the dock and we chugged up to Oliver Hill Guns where there is also a lighthouse. This small railway was put in to transport the huge canon to protect the Island and I think the entry into Perth. The Island had a military presence from 1935 through to 1984 when the canon’s were decommissioned. They were deemed too heavy and difficult to be returned to the mainland and so this is now a heritage site where volunteers take you on tours of the site.

A coach and tour then picked us up with lunch and we went on a tour of the island, had time for a paddle and then were returned to near the Port.

The Island is famous for their Quokka’s which are marsupial’s and do look like they are smiling at you, they are harmless and just roam around the place minding their own business.