Rottnest Island

Rottnest . biz Your one stop for Rottnest Island information.

Here you will find pages of information on the majestic Rottnest Island.

Rottnest has been a major tourist attraction for years. Boating, fishing, diving and swimming are favourite activities on Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island is located about 19km off the coast of Perth, Western Australia and is home to some of the worlds most crystal clear beaches and bays. Swarming with over 360 species of fish and marine life Rottnest is a world wide tourist mecca for divers and snorklers alike with it's many reefs and numerous ship wrecks. Rottnest Island was named in late 1696 by the Dutch explorer William de Vlaming who called it Rottnest meaning rat's nest;mistaking the Quokkas for huge rats he saw on the Island. Rottnest Island was initially used for farming,fishing and salt gathering until it became a prison for Aboriginal men in the late 1830's. In 1903, the Aboriginal prison was closed and the island was open for recreation. Around this time the Colonial Governor, Admiral Bedford declared that Rottnest should be a public park and recreation ground forever and in 1917 Rottnest island was declared an" A" Class Public Reserve. When war was declared, Rottnest Island was closed to the public and became the centre for coastal defence for Fremantle harbour and metropolitan Perth. Today Rottnest Island is a popular and relaxing holiday destination. The colourful history of Rottnest Island is reflected on Rottnest with some of the oldest buildings in Western Australia on Rottnest Island now used as accommodation on the island.