西澳游记｜Rottnest Island

Western Australia Travelogue | Rottnest Island

 
If Western Australia has the most healing utopia, it must be Rottnest Island. This pristine island, free of cars, hustle, and commercialization, is the gentlest backdrop of Perth. The entire island is surrounded by clear, gradient jelly-like waters, with long, clean white sandy beaches stretching endlessly along the coastline, and quokkas leisurely roaming everywhere. Here, there are no rushed itineraries, no noisy traffic, only sea breeze, blue sea, wilderness, and the wild, gentle healing that soothes the soul. It's a magical island where one can completely relax and slow down.

 


 
The area around Thomson Bay Jetty, where you disembark, is a high-frequency zone for quokka sightings. These round little creatures are the unique spirits of this island, always seeming to smile, earning them the title of the world's happiest little animals. During the scorching midday sun, most of them hide in the shade of trees and bushes to cool down and rest. In the gentle afternoon sun, they slowly wander out, roaming on the lawns and around cafes, freely munching on branches and leaves. They are accustomed to tourists and will curl up on the ground for a nap, seemingly oblivious to people, with their tiny paws clasped in front, looking incredibly adorable. When observing, it's important to maintain a distance, and not to feed or touch them. Quietly observing and taking photos from afar is the best way to show respect for these wild creatures.

 


 
For island sightseeing, there are two main ways to experience the island. Energetic individuals often choose to rent a bicycle and cycle along the coastal road. The road winds along the coastline, with low scrubland on one side and the boundless Indian Ocean on the other. The sea breeze blows against your face, and the only sounds are the turning of wheels and the waves. You can stop anywhere along the way, venture into an deserted bay, and slowly feel the rhythm of the island. If you don't want to expend too much energy, the hop-on hop-off island bus is much more comfortable. With over a dozen stops around the island, the bus loops around, allowing you to alight at any bay you wish to explore, and then catch the next bus to continue your journey. This is ideal for day-trippers to the island.