75


cut down for building or firewood for the island’s salt works, heath has taken over. Woodland is being replanted, but only with the two tree species native to the island: the Rottnest Island Pine and Rottnest Island Tea Tree, since other varieties put too much pressure on the limited groundwater.


EATING AND SLEEPING Conservation is refreshingly top of the agenda, but since this is Western Australia there are also fantastic dining options for a wide choice of budgets. For corporate events you can have a picnic on the beach with canapés, champagne and some snorkelling, while more typical options include a range of restaurants such as the bar and bistro at the Hotel Rottnest on the beachfront of Tomson Bay. Te former Governor’s Residence of Charles Fitzgerald (Perth was too hot for him in the summer), it is castellated to give a castle-like silhouette. With 18 rooms and a wide veranda, you can easily while away an aſternoon over dishes such as Rottnest crayfish salad – crayfish is the local name for rock lobster. Simpler but equally delicious fare includes burgers and chicken sandwich. Te vast majority of visitors return to the mainland


at the end of each day but, with camping, cabins and hotels on the island, options for staying on Rottnest itself are increasing, including more high-end


busin e s s t r a ve lle r . c o m


INFORMATION Rottnest Island rottnestisland.com Corsaire Aviation corsaireaviation. com.au Hotel Rottnest hotelrottnest.com.au Rottnest Express rottnestexpress. com.au


accommodation. It’s possible to rent historic heritage cottages or more modern apartments, to stay budget in the old barracks, or in the forthcoming Pinky’s Eco Retreat Rottnest, which will have more than 80 “glamping” tents (even the Hotel Rottnest is planning to add another 80 rooms). Tat said, Rottnest isn’t a budget destination. I spoke with several Perth citizens who told me it was less expensive for them, in terms of complete package price, to fly from Perth to Bali for a long weekend than to travel to Rottnest and stay in a similar standard of accommodation. It’s the latest twist for this island that has had more than its fair share of history. BT


S E P TEMBE R 2 0 18


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108