Rottnest

A day at Rottnest meant a bit more structure than we have been used to on holiday - but it had to be done. Down to Fremantle in time for the morning ferry. We picked a day when the weather was fairly calm - as it can be a bit rough on the way out. The traditional thing to do is to hire bikes for the trip around Rottnest - but my inability to ride a bike meant we had to be on the bus tour to see around the island. The cottages, which are the main form of accommodation on the island - are all government owned. Accommodation between Christmas and new year is decided by a ballot. I think this gives the whole place the look of a scout camp. The cottages are all kinds of different styles - but all painted the same yellow. Only people who work on the island and need to be there either before the first ferry or after the last ferry can stay there. There is a little primary school with less than ten pupils. All very idyllic. The island has all kinds pretty bays and interesting birdlife. And, of course, quokkas. I must say that quokkas would be the animals that I would class as the most indifferent to humans of any I have ever seen. They neither beg nor run away. If you go up and pay attention to them, they pay attention back, but that is about all. They hang out near the bakery but can also be spotted under the trees. We enjoyed the bus tour - which seemed to cover the main features and was friendly and informative. We had thought about taking the little train to see the WW2 gun emplacements and tunnels, but instead opted to take a bit of a walk around the island. Somehow we got lost, and then the rain squalls that have been around during our whole stay in the west rolled in and caught us without cover again. Luckily another bus happened by and gave us a lift back to the shops. Or else the radio chatter on the island about the two pathetic tourists sheltering under the eaves of the toilet block summoned them... After that, we retreated to the cover of the Dome cafe (a local chain) for a quiet afternoon tea before the return ferry. We finished the day at little creatures again. Just love the atmosphere there. Very nice.