Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 9 . PERTH & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
theory lesson followed by a boat dive is A$200 (US$130) including return transport
from Perth.
FOR HISTORY BUFFS
Rottnest has quite a bit to offer history buffs, who may want to walk (45-min.
trip), cycle, or take the train to the Oliver Hill 1930s gun emplacements, which
has intact 9.2-inch guns and battery tunnels housing an engine room, a plotting
room, and observation posts. You can explore the 1.5km (1-mile) heritage trail
on your own (maps are at the visitor center), or take a guided 1-hour tour on
the hour between 11am and 2pm inclusive. The train fare, which includes the
tour except for the last trip of the day, costs A$15 (US$9.75) for adults, A$7.70
(US$5) for children 4 to 12, and A$39 (US$25) for families of four (extra child
A$3.85/US$2.50). It departs from the station near the visitor center hourly
from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
Volunteer guides run several free 1-hour walking tours. One is a historical tour
of architectural points of interest around Thomson Bay, many of which were
built in the 19th century, such as the Governor’s residence, the chapel, the octagonal
prison, the small museum (&08/9372 9753; open daily 11am–4pm), and
the former Boys’ Reformatory. Another heritage trail takes you to the memorial
marking de Vlamingh, the Dutch explorer who named the island Rott Enest (Rat
Nest) in 1696 when he mistook quokkas for rats. There are also quokka walks,
an Aboriginal historical walk, and a walk to Bathurst lighthouse.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Call the Rottnest Island Authority’s accommodation booking service (& 08/
9432 9111; www.rottnest.wa.gov.au) to book one of its 250-plus holiday
homes, apartments, cabins, historic cottages, or the campground. Don’t expect
anything new or upscale. Water and electricity restrictions mean no accommodation
is air-conditioned. Accommodations during the Western Australian summer
and Easter school vacation times are allotted on a ballot system, for which
you must submit an application form (see the website or call 08/9432 9178).
Book well in advance at any time because accommodations are limited.
Apart from the restaurants at the hotels listed below, the casual tearooms, and
a couple of lackluster takeout joints, your only other dining option is the excellent
DOME cafe at the jetty.
Shoulder season is usually April through May, and again September through
November or December. Winter is June through August.
Allison Camping Area This is the island’s only camping area, located at
Thomson Bay, with unpowered tent sites. There is a shower and toilet block,
and gas barbecues. Alcohol is not permitted, and a quiet time rule applies from
11pm to 7am.
c/o Rottnest Island Authority, E Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle, WA 6160. & 08/9432 9111. Fax 08/9372
9715. www.rottnest.wa.gov.au. 50 tent sites. Tent site A$6 (US$3.90) per night.
Rottnest Hotel Plans are underway to add a 100-room hotel to this 1864
building near the jetty. Once the state governor’s summer residence, the existing
hotel is now the local pub where day-trippers gather in the sports bar or the large
open-air beer garden to admire the ocean views over an ale or two. At press time,
the building had pleasant, modern motel-style rooms, some with a small patio
and sea views, but this may have all changed by the time you visit. The prices
may have, too.