Rottnest Island

This enchanting holiday island is more than Beaches, Boating, Beer and Barbecues.
It's magic.

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	Historically, Rottnest Island has been used as: 1838 - an aboriginal prison for 70 years 1846 - a pilot base to guide ships for 57 years 1848 - the governors summer home for 65 years 1881 - a boys reformatory for 20 years 1902 - classed 'recreational use' forever 1915 - an internment and prisoner of war camp 1917 - classed 'A-Class reserve' forever 1940 - an army camp during the war for 5 years

	These tasty, timid creatures were called 'Quak-a' by the aborigines who hunted them. Abundant in the south west of WA before dingoes, cats and foxes arrived. Now they are only found on a few small islands that formed about 6500 years ago when the sea levels rose.

	Over 300 years ago, on the largest island, Dutch explorers saw it was infested with rats and named it Rottenest Island. These gregarious marsupials are like kangaroos and wallabies - the females suckle their young in a pouch. They are herbivorous, nocturnal, can climb trees and survive without freshwater. Now called Quokkas, the current population on Rottnest is about 10 000.

	Ospreys are spectacular hunters with sharp curved talons built for fishing. Also called Fish Hawks. There are several nests around the island, all protected by the small limestone stacks. Eggs in August, chicks in October and flying by December.

	Bathurst lighthouse is one of two on Rottnest. After a few local shipwrecks, this lighthouse was built and lit in 1900.

	Nothing like a good stretch before take-off.

	After more than 100 years, both the lighthouse and keepers cottage and are still in daily use.