Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, is a picturesque destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history. With its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and sandy dunes, the island offers a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The adorable quokkas, friendly marsupials found only in this region, have become a symbol of the island. Visitors can enjoy activities such as cycling, snorkeling, and exploring historical sites, while the absence of private vehicles creates a peaceful and environmentally friendly atmosphere. Rottnest Island is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and encounters with unique wildlife.
Well, thats what ChatGPT says. What it didn’t say was that it was named by Dutch explorers who thought the quokkas were large rats. There are hundreds of them. They get everywhere, even under the tables in restaurants and cafes.
Our group met at the ferry port, mid-afternoon on a Friday. The last time I went to Rottnest I was seasick and only had a couple of hours after recovering to explore. This time, Delia waved me off to enjoy a weekend without me whilst I sped off in the twin hulled ferry on a sea as calm as a mill pond.
We were to share a number of 3 or 4 bedroom cottages, functionally appointed, shall I say.
That evening we set off to nearby Bathurst lighthouse to take some shots of the sunset before fish and chips delivered to us on the beach near the chip shop.
There was a workshop looking at how artists told their stories and how we might translate that to our photography. I tried a few shots of a colleague looking suspicious and ended up with an inevitable cute quokka. Then some early evening “golden hour” shots.
The next morning we were up for dawn again and some more (better?) shots across the water towards Perth. After breakfast we all hopped on the “hop on, hop off” bus to the Wadjemup Lighthouse for a tour and a climb to the top.
