We got an early ferry out on the Tuesday, and despite forecasts of storms and a cloudy start, the day couldn’t have been more beautiful! We checked into the Rottnest Lodge, and found out that they’re making some drastic changes over the next few years.
After checking in we ditched our bags and went up to The Basin for a swim and snorkel, but not before meeting some happy little Quokkas on the way.
The sun was glorious, and it was so lovely to be back at one of my favourite sunbathing and swimming spots. It’s basically a natural pool that’s really sheltered and safe for swimming, and the snorkelling is pretty good as there’s a giant reef that surrounds the pool. My brother and I checked out the snorkelling while mum and dad chilled on the beach.
In the afternoon we went to the hire place on the island to hire some bikes for 24 hours. Big mistake. They’re just as bad as they were a few years ago, ie; totally shit. Anywho, we decided to cycle round the Parker Point loop, which was quite traumatic. First I got stung by a stinger that for some reason made me bleed (like, wtf?!), and then mum’s bike chain broke, so she had to walk all the way back as the bike place was closed.
We finally got back and got changed ready for dinner. We always have dinner at the Rottnest Hotel, the view over Thompson Bay is just gorgeous, and it has a more relaxed and fun vibe than Aristos. Also the food is usually pretty delicious!
Sadly on this occasion I got food poisoning from the fish and chips, and woke up around midnight with violent vomiting. Not nice.
On our way back to the lodge from dinner I decided to test out star photography, I’ve been wanting to try it for a while but am never anywhere dark enough and with zero light pollution, so I gave it a go and even though it was my first time, I was pretty pleased with the results. I played around with different settings, and managed to get a teeny bit of the milkway, which you can see below!
The next day we cycled through the salt lakes and up to Wadjemup lighthouse.
From there we rode to Parakeet Bay, a favourite of ours. It’s just gorgeous.Just l o o k at these photos!
We did some swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing there, the water was really cold but oh so refreshing when it was so hot outside. It was the perfect treat after our cycle, and even Dad played along with the underwater photos!
From there we then cycled to Geordie Bay for a quick coffee and cake, and then on to Fay’s Bay for another beach session. The previous day I’d stupidly worn a skirt and flip flops to cycle round Parker Point in, so this day I made sure I wore shorts and my Superga’s – these trainers were lifesavers, so comfy for cycling and easy to slip on and off when going on the beaches!
After Fay’s Bay we rode back to the main settlement to drop off the bikes, and made a quick stop at Pinky Beach for a family selfie in front of Bathurst Lighthouse.
I then came across a few Quokkas, including a mother and baby – how cute is this baby Quokka with his leaf?!
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
These little cuties are adorable! Looks like such a wonderful place. Food poisoning is not okay though! Hope it didn't take too long to pass.
Lauren xx
The Lifestyle Diaries
They're so so cute! It's gorgeous, definitely one of my fave places! Thankfully the food poisoning didn't last long 🙂
C x
I never saw a Quokka in Australia, it looks so cute!! Like a big squirrel!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
They're only native to Rottnest Island! If you see them elsewhere in Australia you have to go to a zoo! Yes, when the Dutch landed they thought they were giant rats hence the name 'Rottnest' (it means Ratsnest)
C x
AAAAAH those Quokkas are so cute! You know I have a weakness for rodent-like creatures – marsupial or not, if it looks like a hamster I want it!
Your water selfies do look nice and crisp – can you do comprehensive review on the Olympus Tough? I'm this close to getting one, and you know its your blog posts that seal that seal the deal for me 😉
Jasiminne | Posh, Broke, & Bored
SO cute! I adore them!
Yes, I might do a big review after my trip to the Caribbean in October – I want to give it a full lengthy test run first 🙂
C x
Oh my gosh those Quokkas are adorable! Also, I love your shots of the stars, so amazing and definitely not something to even begin to attempt in London with all the light pollution, it makes me forget that all of that is up there, we just can't see it.
Thank you, I was so pleased with how they turned out!
C x
Can I adopt a baby Quokka 😉 So adorable – love your underwater shots and the milky way ones too
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Haha I wish I could!
Thanks 🙂
C x
I love your Quokka selfies! So cute!! Sounds like the perfect family trip 🙂
Polly xx
Follow Your Sunshine
Haha thanks! 😛
C x
The Quokka is SO cute! I would definitely travel there just to see it! Your pictures are so pretty! Sounds like a great trip! Lovely post!
xx
Kenzie
Behindhazeleyes06.blogspot.com
Do it!! Thanks!
C x
Love this post!!! I'm so happy to hear they're doing up the lodge to something a bit more luxurious! x
Same, the one thing I dislike about Rotto is NO luxury options, so happy they're fixing this!
C x
Errr what on earth are Quokkas?.. whatever they are they are supper qute, great posts from Auz
Haha they're marsupials!
This looks like an amazing day but WHAT is a Quokka?! They're ver cute even if I haven't got a clue what they are!
Dreaming of those beaches now they all look so beautiful!
Katie <3
Haha! They're marsupials, like Kangaroos but smaller!
C x
So cute! I want to meet the quokkas now!
I <3 them!