Around Perth: Rottnest Island and Fremantle
On the 8th of July me and a friend I made in my hostel, Silke, set off quite early in the morning to catch our transfer to Hillary's Boat Harbour, north of Perth to take the ferry to for me one of the biggest highlights of Western Australia: Rottnest Island. This island is located about 18 km from Perth and has a rich Dutch history. The name Rottnest is derived from the Dutch "Rotte nest" or "rat nest" given by Willem de Vlamingh who mistook the islands' currently most beloved inhabitants, the quokka's, for giant rats.
Way before the Dutch arrived, however, Aboriginals inhabited the island when it was still connected to the mainland. Artefacts have been found that date back to more than 50,000 years ago, possibly even 70,000 years. However, some 7,000 years ago the sea level rose and Wadjemup (the Aboriginal name for the island) was separated from the mainland. Now that the climate is changing again there is even the chance for the island splitting up into two at a point called 'Narrow Neck'.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches and many people go snorkling and diving there in summer. Unfortunately for Silke and me the water was too cold for us despite it being a beautiful winter day, but we most defitinely enjoyed ourselves by taking a 22 km bike tour around the island to explore all its beauties. We had lunch at our private beach, where the only disturbance was a very annoying raven that tried to steal our food while at the same time making the aweful noises that Australian ravens are apparently known for. If you are sick and tired of the pigeons waking you up in the morning, just listen to this and know how much we want to shoot these birds down.
Apart from the beautiful nature, the biggest reason to go to Rottnest Island are the quokka's, which are marsupials looking like smaller kangaroos or wallibis, about the size of a cat, with a rat-like tail, and are known as the World's happiest animal! They are famous for posting in selfies and are very keen on humans. However, to protect them, you are not allowed to touch them or feed them (though the former one is difficult as they literally chase you and jump on you...). I am in love!!!
After 5 hours on the island the ferry dropped us back on the mainland, which also meant that it was time to say goodbye to Silke as she is going to travel north to Broome. But despite that it was a really awesome day that I will definitely not forget!
Way before the Dutch arrived, however, Aboriginals inhabited the island when it was still connected to the mainland. Artefacts have been found that date back to more than 50,000 years ago, possibly even 70,000 years. However, some 7,000 years ago the sea level rose and Wadjemup (the Aboriginal name for the island) was separated from the mainland. Now that the climate is changing again there is even the chance for the island splitting up into two at a point called 'Narrow Neck'.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches and many people go snorkling and diving there in summer. Unfortunately for Silke and me the water was too cold for us despite it being a beautiful winter day, but we most defitinely enjoyed ourselves by taking a 22 km bike tour around the island to explore all its beauties. We had lunch at our private beach, where the only disturbance was a very annoying raven that tried to steal our food while at the same time making the aweful noises that Australian ravens are apparently known for. If you are sick and tired of the pigeons waking you up in the morning, just listen to this and know how much we want to shoot these birds down.
Apart from the beautiful nature, the biggest reason to go to Rottnest Island are the quokka's, which are marsupials looking like smaller kangaroos or wallibis, about the size of a cat, with a rat-like tail, and are known as the World's happiest animal! They are famous for posting in selfies and are very keen on humans. However, to protect them, you are not allowed to touch them or feed them (though the former one is difficult as they literally chase you and jump on you...). I am in love!!!
After 5 hours on the island the ferry dropped us back on the mainland, which also meant that it was time to say goodbye to Silke as she is going to travel north to Broome. But despite that it was a really awesome day that I will definitely not forget!
Today, so Sunday the 9th of July, it was my last day in Western Australia, and to finish my stay here I took the train to Fremantle, otherwise known as Freo, a port town near Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. This town has a totally different feel than Perth's CBD, with Victorian buildings and more of a European atmosphere than the skyscrapers of Perth. Fremantle is known for its market hall that dates back to 1897 where food, clothes and souvenirs are sold. It was really busy and the food tastings were delicious, but nonetheless I decided to buy my lunch somewhere else. On my way to the market I had already spotted the Ohana Acai Bar and the decision to get an acai bowl there, which is basically a really thick smoothie (in my case chocolate) with several toppings (like fruit, nuts, or peanut butter). It does not only look good, but it tastes delicious as well!
After that I strolled down Bathers beach and the port, and took a look at the Round House, a former prison and the oldest building still standing in Western Australia (1831). I ended my trip to Fremantle in Esplanade Park, where they had created an iceskating track for kids in the spirits of winter (it never snows there). It was fun to watch both the kids and adults struggle to balance themselves on the slippery ice, though some of them made real improvements. I enjoyed the sun and my book with a view on the ferris wheel and skating park before returning to Perth to pack my bags for tomorrow's flight to Melbourne! I really enjoyed Perth and will definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about travelling to this side of the world!
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