Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia. The island is home to some quirky and cute, unique flora and fauna that is not found anywhere else in the world (check out the quokka and australian mountain duck photos). 

Surrounded by crystal clear water the island boasts some of the most spectacular bays and beaches you will ever see. 

Awesome for surfing, swimming and watersports we took eight, 17-19 year olds for an 18th birthday celebration. They surfed most of the day with food and drinks taking second priority.

With the main form of transport being bicycles, the island has a very casual atmosphere, and is treasured by Western Australians. It is also becoming increasingly popular for interstate and international visitors. The Mediterranean-style climate and indigenous flora and fauna of this Island provide the backdrop to a special holiday experience!

Many tours and activities operate throughout the day, including the popular Island Discovery Coach Tour, the historic Oliver Hill Train Tour onboard the 'Captain Hussey', the Underwater Explorer, Rottnest Express Eco Tour, joy flights on the Rottnest Air Taxi, Brett Heady's Family Fun Park, guided walking tours conducted by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides, the Rottnest Museum and more.

Journeys by ferry take 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys, 90 minutes from Perth, you can also get to the Island in 15 minutes by aeroplane from Jandakot Airport.

 

Facts and Figures

• More than 500,000 people visit Rottnest Island each year. 
  
• The Island is 11 kilometres long, 4.5 kilometres at its widest point, and the land area measures 1,900 hectares. 
  
• It is a 24km ride around the Island. Allow at least 2.5 hours for a leisurely cycle.
  
• The Island is an 'A' Class reserve managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. 
• Each visitor to the Island pays an entry fee to the Island ($12.50 for adults and $1.00 for children), which is included in the ferry fare, or as part of an annual admission fee for boat owners.

Sailing the Whitsundays

I lived and worked on Hamilton Island (located in the heart of The Whitsundays) for 16 years so had ample time to extensively explore the region.

The Whitsundays are located on the north-eastern coast of Australia and are protected by the Great Barrier Reef. It is a sub-tropical climate and when the weather patterns are 'normal' it is common to experience humid, wet summers and dry (often windier) winters.

There are hundreds of islands and islets to explore, the island's are mountainous with large inlets and bays providing shelter from all wind directions.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian government have been very careful in limiting the development in the area and only 9 island have any human development.

Sailing Tahiti - Heaven On Earth!

French Polynesia more commonly known as "Tahiti", is located in the South Pacific approximately 8 hours by plane from the city of Los Angeles or 9 hours by plane from Sydney Australia.

Located 260km from the main island of "Tahiti", the Society Islands in French Polynesia are the most stunning sailing grounds I have ever visited.

The scenery is mind blowingly awesome, it is often aptly described as heaven on earth! We spent most of our time marvelling at the sheer beauty of the islands, clarity of the water, friendliness of the locals and the overall good vibed ambiance of the region.

The island's sheer, eroded peaks preside more than 700 metres above sea level and hover over crystal clear turquoise coloured lagoons. The lagoons boast and abundance of  marine life and are all sheltered by surrounding reef making them calm and easy to sail.

We chartered a yacht from Sunsail from Raiatea in May which was a great time of year as it offered us pleasant unwavering temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.

Island's visited in order of our 10 day sail.

Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora.

We had 10 days, if you can take 2 weeks I highly recommend it as you will have more time to explore the natural wonders of this garden of Eden!