Perth Day 1: Day trip to Rottnest Island

10^th November 2015

I touched down Perth International Airport (T1) at 0530 with Air Asia D7 236. This was my first time in the continent of Australia. I passed the immigration with no hassle and upon exiting the immigration, I saw a variety of telco shops. I decided to buy one. I bought the Vodafone simcard for $20 (normal price $30). The Indonesian guy was helpful. He did everything in a minute once I handed him my phone. It is advisable to get your simcard at the airport rather than city as they offered special price for tourist.

Then, I headed out to find Transperth Bus 380. It was easy to spot. I hopped on the bus and bought 2 zone ticket as I needed to catch my ferry to Rottnest Island at B Shed, Fremantle. Thus, from airport, I took bus to Esplanade Busport and changed my mode of transport to train to Fremantle. I had to change train at Perth Station for Fremantle line.

Rottnest Express offers Telethon Tuesday Ferry & Bike Hire Deal that would only cost me $59 instead of $109. The offer is valid until September 2017. However, the deal can only be booked online. So, I purchased the ticket one week early prior to the trip.

I safely arrived at Fremantle Station at 0745. I wandered around the Fremantle city while waiting for my ferry to depart at 0930. Before heading to B-Shed, I went to Old Fire Backpackers to store my luggage. If I knew I could reach early, I would have taken the 0815 ferry, so that I would have much time on the island.

Boarding the ferry was pretty fast and I reached Rottnest Island 20 minutes later. Cars are not allowed on Rottnest Island. With no cars on Rottnest Island, cycling is the best way to get around. There are available bikes for rental. I grabbed my bike and helmet after hopping off the ferry. It is advisable to bring a plenty of water and food with you while cycling and exploring the island as there will no shops available except at the island jetty area.

It had been a while since I last rode bike, so I enjoyed my slow pace of cycling around the island. The safe bike paths are wonderful. I paused frequently to capture photos. 

The first stop was at Henrietta Rocks.

I then came across a few Quokkas. The Quokka is possibly the most well-known animal on Rottnest Island. 

The next stop was at Jeannies Lookout. I didn't know how to describe my feelings as I could see 50 shades of blue and green water surrounding the Rottnest Island. It was absolutely mesmerizing.

I continued cycling to Little Salmon Bay. The water was chilly. I couldn't swim or snorkel but it was refreshing to dip in the water since the weather was pretty hot.

Then, I headed to Wadjemup Lighthouse.

From the lighthouse, I passed by Pink Lake, Lake Negri and Lake Vincent to Little Parakeet Bay.

After I had enough of the gorgeous beaches, I headed to the island jetty.

The return ferry was at 1755. I felt extremely happy with this day trip. If accommodation were any cheaper, I'd happily stay overnight. The cheapest package with accommodation would cost me around $160. Regardless, it was a blissful way to spend my first day in Australia.