"Rottnest, but the Australians say... " a Rottnest Island Travel Page by bryINpoland

Rottnest Island is located about 12 miles offshore of Perth, Australia. An island known worldwide for its awesome beaches with crystal clear water, its a must see when in Western Australia.

Rottnest was named by the Dutch explorer William de Vlamingh, who came across the island in 1696. Though not the first to step on the island, since it is believed that earlier European explorers have shipwrecked off its shores, He was the first to Document his discovery. He named it Rottnest because of the rat like creatures (known now as Quokkas) that he and his crew found on the island. The island is filled with them!

Though William de Vlamingh, gets the credit as one of the island first explorers. Recent explorers of the island have uncovered fossils dating back more then 6500 years ago of that of the Aboriginal people.

The most famous time period of Rottnest Island, is that of the early to late 19th century when the island was used as a prison for the Aboriginal people. For nearly a hundred years they served sentences on the island in buildings that still stand today.

Rottnest is a place filled with history, and beauty. Its a place calling to be explored and re-explored over and over again. I just went to see the beaches, but discovered there was much more to the island...

Putting the beaches and history aside, Rottnest Island is also filled with fascinating creatures around every corner of the island. More about that through the Rottnest pages though.

Heres a shot of me and a friendly snake i met along the road while cycling to the West End of the island...

Click on the following link, for my Rottnest Island map....Rottnest Island Map