Rottnest Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rottnest Island Western Australia
Clockwise from top: Rottnest Island from top: Rottnest Island from space; the Basin; Wadjemup Lighthouse, quokkas; and Parker Point
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Postcode(s)	6161
Elevation	46 m (151 ft)
Area	19 km2 (7.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AWST (UTC+8)
Location	18 km (11 mi) W of Fremantle
LGA(s)	City of Cockburn
State electorate(s)	Fremantle
Federal Division(s)	Fremantle
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 21.5 °C 71 °F 14.9 °C 59 °F 702.3 mm 27.6 in

Rottnest Island (also called Wadjemup by the Noongar people) is a beautiful island off the coast of Western Australia. It's about 19 square kilometres (7.3 square miles) in size. You can find it about 18 kilometres (11 miles) west of Fremantle.

Rottnest is a sandy island made of limestone. It's a special A-class reserve, which means it has the highest level of protection for public land. This helps protect its unique environment.

The island was once connected to the mainland. But about 7,000 years ago, sea levels rose and separated it. The Noongar people called it Wadjemup, meaning 'place across the water where the spirits are'. People lived on the island over 30,000 years ago. But they stopped visiting after it became separated from the mainland.

A Dutch explorer named Willem de Vlamingh first wrote about the island in 1696. He called it "Rats' Nest Island" because of the many quokkas he saw. These small animals looked like large rats to him!

Later, British settlers used the island for farming. A town was built in Thomson Bay. For many years, from 1838 to 1931, Rottnest Island was also used as a prison for Aboriginal Australians. Conditions were very harsh for the prisoners. Many of the island's old buildings were built during this time. Today, these buildings are often used for holiday accommodation.

Rottnest Island is famous for its quokkas. It's also home to Australian sea lions, southern fur seals, and many birds. There are three native tree species, including the Rottnest Island pine. The island is a very popular place for holidays and tourism. Ferries travel there daily from Perth. About 300 people live on the island permanently. Around 780,000 visitors come each year.

Island History

Early History of Wadjemup

The land that is now Rottnest Island was home to the Noongar people. This was before rising sea levels separated it from the mainland. This happened about 7,000 years ago. The island is important in Noongar stories and is called Wadjemup.

Tools and other items found on the island show that Aboriginal people lived there a very long time ago. Some items are from 6,500 to over 30,000 years ago. Other signs suggest people were there even earlier, possibly 70,000 years ago.

There is no sign that the Noongar people continued to live on or visit the island after it became separated. By the time Europeans arrived in the 1600s, the island had likely been empty for thousands of years.

European Visitors and Settlers

European explorers from the Netherlands, France, and England visited the island from around 1619. One of the first was Frederick de Houtman in 1619.

The first Europeans known to land on Rottnest Island were Dutch sailors in 1658. They were from a ship called Waeckende Boey. They landed near Bathurst Lighthouse while looking for survivors of another shipwreck.

Location of Rottnest Island, Western Australia

The ship's commander, Samuel Volkersen, wrote about the island. He described it as having "high mountains" and "much brushwood". He also saw "certain animals" (likely quokkas) and seals. He thought fresh water might be found there.

In 1696, Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh explored the island for six days. He named it 't Eylandt 't Rottenest ('Rats' Nest Island'). This was because he mistook the quokkas for large rats. De Vlamingh said the island was "a paradise on earth". His crew found good drinking water and noted the sweet smell of the island's trees.

Other explorers visited later, including Nicholas Baudin in 1801 and 1803, and Captain James Stirling in 1827. Many early visitors said the island had a lot more trees than it does today.

In 1831, after the British Swan River Colony was set up nearby, William Clarke and Robert Thomson received land on the island. Thomson moved there with his family. He grew hay and harvested salt from the island's salt lakes. Salt was very important before refrigerators were invented.

Rottnest Island Prison

Aboriginal prisoners on the island in 1883

From 1838 to 1931, Rottnest Island was used as a prison for Aboriginal people. The prisoners faced very difficult and unfair conditions. Around 3,600 people were imprisoned there. Sadly, at least 373 people died and were buried in unmarked graves. This is the largest known burial site of Aboriginal people who died in custody in Australia.

The first cemetery became full after an illness spread in 1883. A second one was then started further away. This area is now known as the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.

Aboriginal people were forced to do hard labour. They worked in chain-gangs, farming, quarrying stone, and collecting salt. Many of the island's old buildings were built by these prisoners. These include Government House (now Hotel Rottnest), the church, and the Quod.

In 1863–1864, a large building called "the Quod" was built. It was used for prisoners. In 2018, it was closed to tourists after many years of protests by Aboriginal people. In the early 1880s, an influenza epidemic caused about sixty deaths among the prisoners.

Visitors to the "Quod", early 1900s

The prison was officially announced to be closing in 1902. However, it continued to be used as a forced labour camp until 1931.

In 2015, work began to restore and recognise the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground. This was done after many protests asking for a memorial to remember the events and the people who died there.

Boys' Reformatory

A special school for boys, called a reformatory, opened on the island in 1881. It was next to the Quod. The boys were taught skills like carpentry and gardening.

During the influenza epidemic in 1883, one of the reformatory rooms was used as a hospital. About sixty Indigenous people died that year. The reformatory closed in 1901. The buildings were later used for holiday accommodation until 2022.

Island Fires

In 1856, some of the settlement buildings burned down. The fire was started on purpose by the superintendent, Henry Vincent. He wanted to flush out two escaped prisoners from the bush. But the wind changed direction, and the fire spread to the buildings.

Major bushfires have happened many times on the island. Some were caused by European hunting parties. A very big fire in 1955 burned about two-thirds of the island. Some fires almost wiped out the quokka population.

Military History

BL 9.2 inch Mk X gun at Oliver Hill

During World War II, Rottnest Island was important for defending the port of Fremantle. Large guns were installed at Oliver Hill and Bickley Point. These guns could fire at enemy ships before they got close to the port.

A special railway was built to move supplies and ammunition to the guns. This military area became known as the "Rottnest Island Fortress". Concrete lookouts and bunkers were also built around the island.

After the war, the guns and railway were mostly taken apart. But the big 9.2-inch guns were too expensive to remove. In the 1990s, the gun areas and railway were rebuilt. Now, tourists can take a train ride to see the guns and tunnels.

Island Management

Since 1917, Rottnest Island has been a protected reserve. It is managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. This group works to protect the island's nature and manage tourism. In 2017, the Authority became part of a larger government department that looks after biodiversity, conservation, and attractions.

Rottnest Island is unique in Western Australia. It is the only area classified as a state reserve. This reserve includes the island and the waters around it.

COVID-19 Quarantine

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Rottnest Island was used as a quarantine station. People arriving in Australia stayed there to make sure they didn't have the virus.

Island Wildlife

Naturally occurring salt lakes are a refuge for the abundant birdlife

Rottnest Island is home to many interesting animals and plants.

Birds of Rottnest

Many coastal birds live on Rottnest. These include the pied cormorant, osprey, silver gull, and crested tern. The island's salt lakes are home to tiny brine shrimp. These shrimp are food for birds like the red-necked avocet and banded stilt. Several pairs of osprey build nests on Rottnest each year. One nest at Salmon Point is thought to be 70 years old!

Rottnest is an Important Bird Area. This means it's a key place for birds. It has many breeding fairy terns and a large number of banded stilts.

Other Animals

A Rottnest quokka

Rottnest is one of the few places where you can find the native quokka. They survive well here because there are no natural predators like on the mainland.

The island also has several types of reptiles. These include the dugite snake, King's skink, and bobtail lizard. Three kinds of frogs live here too.

Dolphin in Thomson Bay

The reefs around the island are full of fish, crabs, and coral. You can often see bottlenose dolphins in the waters. Humpback whales and blue whales also visit the area. A group of Australian sea lions lives at Dyer Island. New Zealand fur seals live at Cathedral Rocks.

Feral Animals

In the past, domestic cats were brought to Rottnest. They were pets or used to control rats and mice. But these cats could harm native animals like ground-nesting birds and quokkas. The Rottnest Island Authority has worked hard to remove all feral cats. They believe they have been successful.

The island also has a plan to manage pest birds. These include silver gulls, Australian ravens, and peafowl. Peafowl were released on the island many years ago.

Island Plants

Spinifex longifolius growing on a Rottnest beach

Rottnest Island has three native woodland trees. These are the Rottnest Island pine, the Rottnest Island teatree, and Acacia rostellifera. The Rottnest Island daisy is a common flowering plant.

Early explorers said the island had many more trees. But farming, collecting firewood, and bushfires have removed many large trees. The island has little fresh water, so it's hard for trees to grow back naturally. A program is now working to plant more trees and restore the island's environment.

Island Climate

Rottnest Island has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Even though summers don't get much rain, they can be humid.

Visiting Rottnest Island

The main shopping area at Thomson Bay

Rottnest Island became a popular place for holidays in the 1900s. Today, between 450,000 and 500,000 people visit each year. Most visitors come in summer, especially in January.

You won't find many cars on the island. Only emergency and service vehicles are allowed. There is a bus service, but most visitors get around by bicycle. You can bring your own bike or rent one there.

The main town is at Thomson Bay. This bay is protected and great for boating and swimming. Other smaller towns are at Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay. Many other bays around the island have places to moor boats.

The island can host up to 5,500 visitors at a time. Day visitors can be as many as 20,000. There are many villas, units, and cottages for rent. These are self-catering and can sleep 4, 6, or 8 people. They are very popular, especially in summer. You can book them up to 18 months in advance.

Rottnest's secondary settlement was constructed during the 1970s at Longreach (left) and Geordie Bays.

Other places to stay include group accommodation at Kingstown Barracks. There's also the Hotel Rottnest and the Rottnest Lodge. Cabins at Caroline Thomson are popular for families.

Most visitors arrive by ferry from Fremantle, Perth, or Hillarys. The trip takes about 25 to 90 minutes. There's also a small airport for light planes.

The main town has shops, a bakery, cafes, and restaurants. Geordie Bay also has a general store and cafe.

Pinky's beach, near Bathurst Lighthouse

Fun Activities

Bicycles are a primary form of transport on Rottnest

Diving is a popular activity at Rottnest. The island has many limestone reefs and lots of fish. Diving for Western rock lobster is popular in summer. The season runs from November to June. You can catch them in special traps or by hand while diving.

You can also enjoy a snorkel trail at Parker Point. It has signs underwater that tell you about the marine life. Rottnest is the southernmost place in Western Australia where coral grows. There's also a shipwreck trail. You can see some shipwrecks from a glass-bottomed boat or by diving.

The island has historic buildings and beautiful beaches. You can reach them all by cycling or walking.

The island's main settlement is located at Thomson Bay

Annual Events

• The Rottnest Channel Swim is a long swimming race. It goes from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. It happens every February.
• The Rottnest Marathon & Fun Run is a running event. It includes 5km, 10km, and a full marathon. It's held in October.
• "Rottofest" is a comedy, film, and music festival. It takes place every September.
• "Swim Thru Rottnest" is a 1600-metre swim. It's held in December in Thomson Bay.
• "The Doctor" is a 27km (17 miles) surfski and paddle race. It goes from the Army jetty to Sorrento Beach. It happens every January.

Getting Around and Services

Rottnest Sea Eagle Express ferry departing from Fremantle

In 2017, a new ferry company, SeaLink Rottnest Island, started services. This helped make ferry trips cheaper.

Other ferry services are available from Perth and Fremantle. These are run by Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries.

Bus services on the island are now operated by Adams Coachlines. You can also take helicopter or light plane flights to the island. Remember, private cars are not allowed!

Oliver Hill Railway

Oliver Hill railway station in 2011 with the railcar Captain Hussey

In 1993, the old World War II light railway was rebuilt. It goes from the Kingstown Barracks to Oliver Hill Battery. A new section was added to the main settlement. It opened to the public in 1994.

In 2003, a new train car was added. It was named the Captain Hussey after Frank Bertram Hussey. He helped build the original railway.

Island Services

The wind turbine on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island has few permanent residents. Most island workers travel from the mainland.

Because the island is separate and has no fresh surface water, providing services can be tricky. In 1996, Rottnest started the first public recycling program in Western Australia. A supply barge brings supplies daily and takes away rubbish.

For many years, water came from rainwater collected in large areas. In the 1970s, fresh water was found underground. Since 1995, the island has also used a plant that turns salty groundwater into fresh water.

In 2004, a new wind turbine was built. It provides about 37% of the island's power. This saves a lot of diesel fuel each year.

Two automated lighthouses help guide ships around the island: Bathurst Lighthouse and Wadjemup Lighthouse.

Volunteer Groups

Volunteering has been a part of Rottnest Island's culture for a long time. Groups like the Winnit Club started helping in the 1930s. Other groups include the Rottnest Island Foundation and the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association.

Volunteers do many tasks. They give guided tours, plant trees, collect litter, and build boardwalks. The Rottnest Island Authority has a full-time person to help coordinate volunteers. The Rottnest Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services also helps with emergencies on the island.

See also

In Spanish: Isla de Rottnest para niños