Rottnest Island, Protected nature reserve island near Perth, Australia
Rottnest Island is a nature reserve in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. Limestone cliffs alternate with sandy coves, while shallow waters shelter coral and fish.
Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh reached the place in 1696 and named it Rottenest because he mistook the local quokkas for rats. Later the area served as a prison for Aboriginal people before becoming a protected reserve.
The Whadjuk Noongar call the place Wadjemup, meaning the place across the water where the spirits are. This name reflects a spiritual connection that has endured for thousands of years.
Ferries run regularly from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys Boat Harbour, with crossings taking between half an hour and an hour and a half depending on the departure point. Bicycles can be rented on site because cars are not permitted on the reserve.
About ten thousand quokkas live on the reserve, small marsupials with curved mouths that make them look as if they are smiling. The species is found almost nowhere else and shows little fear of visitors.
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