Day 54: Sat 11 May 24 - Rockingham - @KJ's ( Rottnest Island)

Sat 11 May 24 - Rockingham - @KJ's ( Rottnest Island)

19 Deg C, partly cloudy with a gentle 9km/h breeze, reaching 23 Deg C, no wind and mostly sunny on Rottnest Island.

We woke at 5:45am, and left Rockingham for Fremantle at 07:00am. Arriving nice and early we had no trouble finding a car park for the day, but it comes at a somewhat hefty price. We walked a short distance to the Victoria Quay but there were no cafes open yet, so in need of coffee we returned to Fremantle's nearby West End where we had 2 x coffees and toast for breakfast. We then walked back to Victoria Quay to B Shed and caught our Rottnest Express Ferry across to the Island which departed at 09:30. It was a cloudy morning, but the clouds soon lifted, and some light fog rolled in, but it looked like becoming a nice day. There was a slight delay in letting go the ropes, but we eventually set sail into bit of a swell, and it was a pleasant 35 minute trip across to Rottnest Island.

After arrival, pre-booked hop-on hop-off bus tickets ensured we were quickly on our way around Rottnest Island on the Explorer bus. First stop was not a designated stop. Nevertheless, the driver was more than happy to let us off near Salmon Bay to walk about 500m along a track to the Oliver Hill Gun Battery's (there is no shuttle bus to here, most people either walk or catch the shuttle train). Here we received an impromptu guided tour of the gun battery including everything from its purpose, to how it was built and how it operated. The only thing we didn't do was a tour of the tunnels which sounded interesting, but we were keen to start seeing more of the Island. We walked back down along the same track that we walked up and waved down the next shuttle (They pass each stop every 20 minutes and take about an hour to do lap of the Island). Next stop for us was at Cape Vlamingh (West End), the furthest point on the island. Here we spotted seals frolicking off Cathedral Rocks, then we went for a walk along the boardwalk to a lookout with wonderful ocean views on an increasingly beautiful day. After about an hour, we returned and caught another shuttle to our next stop - Geordie Bay. Here we had a short walk around, spotted our first Quokkas (which normally sleep through the day), then returned to Thompson Bay - our starting point on the Island. Here we headed for a cafe and with a good appetite, had a nice cup of tea and some sustenance - carrot cake for Noel and chocolate bread and butter pudding muffin for me - very nice. We then went for a wander through the old settlement before it was time to board the ferry at 4:00pm for a 4:30 departure back to Fremantle. We arrived back in Fremantle on time, then drove back home to Rockingham, arriving at about 7:00pm feeling a bit weary. It was a warm day, and we walked close to 12-14km, little wonder we're both feeling a tired. My lasting impression of Rottnest is positive. I wouldn't like to do it during school or public holidays, and while it wasn't too busy today, I think a weekday would be even better. I'd be happy to return again, but would like to stay one or two nights to have more time exploring the island by a bike, walk a few more trails, maybe have a swim or just relaxing. Overall, it was an enjoyable day and pleased to have finally done it.

**Caution - Pictures of cute Quokkas**

Fremantle - Renowned for its well-preserved architectural heritage.

Fremantle's West End is brimming with amazing heritage architecture. Most of the West Ends original buildings date back to the 1890's, and has the State's highest density of heritage listed buildings.

On the way to Victoria Quay to B Shed to catch the Rottnest Express to Rottnest Island

Almost at Rottnest Island on the Rottnest Express

Map of Rottnest Island (11km long and 4.5km at its widest point), showing key locations and shuttle stops which start ad finish at Thompson Bay.

Walking from Parker Point Road to Oliver Hill Guns (Still Smiling)

Walking to Oliver Hill Guns past the Plotting Rooms - a series of underground rooms built in 1935 to accomodate radar fire control equipment. Information of enemy targets, which were measured from Fortress Observation Posts, were transmitted to the Plotting Rooms via underground heavy armoured cables. The target position was then plotted on a large horizontal mechanical plotting table and the bearing and range were then transmitted to the guns.

One of two 9.2" Mk 10 Coastal Artillary Guns with a range of 29km.

One of two 9.2" Mk 10 Coastal Artillary Guns with a range of 29km - Wadjemup Lighthouse, Signal Station and Battery Observation Post in the background

One of two 9.2" Mk 10 Coastal Artillary Guns

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery. Rottnest Island was a key defence site to protect vital shipping during WW2, thankfully the guns were never fired in anger

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery.

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery. These projectiles are very heavy, and it's hard to comprehend the power needed to send them 29kms into the distance.

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery.

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery (with a timely Seagull photo-bomb)

The Oliver Hill 9.2" Gun battery.

Looking towards the lighthouse from Olivers Hills Battery

Looking back at Olivers Hill Gun Battery

Waiting for the next shuttle on Parker Point Road

The western end of Rottnest - Cape Vlamingh

Cape Vlamingh - Cathedral Rocks (We did spot seals but too far in the distance to clearly photograph)

Cape Vlamingh - Cathedral Rocks

Cape Vlamingh - Ocean Views

Cape Vlamingh - Wildlife

Cape Vlamingh - Ocean Views

Cape Vlamingh - Boardwalk

Cape Vlamingh - Boardwalk Views

Geordie Bay

Geordie Bay - First Quokka Sighting

Geordie Bay - Another Quokka

Geordie Bay

Holy Trinity Catholic Church located on a small hill not far from the main jetty

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Monsignor John O’Shea, resident for over 50 years, providing a year-round Sunday Mass, and national chaplain to seafarers at many Australian ports is buried here.