Fremantle. Western Australia
Last night I kept asking DH if we were actually sailing. After the rockin’ and rollin’ of the past couple of days and nights, the calm seas we were sailing in seemed sur-real. No staggering around the cabin and in the bathroom. Gee, we became so conscientious of closing drawers and wardrobe drawers for fear of crashing into them, the cabin looked very neat and tidy.
Thank goodness today turned out to be picture perfect, slight breeze, sunny and calm seas, just ideal for our trip to Rottnest Island. Our good friends booked our ferry and bus tour on the island for us over 2 months ago, Thank you to them. The ferry left from Shed B, just about 500 metres from the ship’s terminal. A shuttle bus provided by the City of Fremantle, took us from the terminal to the front of the railway station. Some passengers caught the electric train to Perth from here, or walked to the Maritime Museum of Ship Wrecks, or in our case, a short walk to where the ferry left for Rottnest Island.
The ferry took 30 minutes to cross to the island. Once arriving at the jetty we joined the crowd of tourists, most of them walking with their own bikes, to the little settlement of shops and accommodation. The main form of transport is either a shuttle bus (for people using the accommodation), tour bus to see the sights, Segway or bike riding. Generally people rode bikes, either their own or hired. There were whole families riding along the single lane bitumen roads, enjoying the scenery and stopping to look at the wild Quockers, sometimes on the way to swim and snorkel at one of the pristine beaches.
We were interested to see a lot of private launches moored in little protected bays around the island. Then of course the penny dropped….it is Friday, just before the Australia Day Long Weekend AND the last day of the school holidays. The weather is ideal. Lucky people. BUT then who is going on a 55 day cruise around the Indian Ocean?.....derrr.
Our trip back to the mainland on the ferry was uneventful and our walk to the cruise terminal, I am sure, saw us on the ship earlier than if we walked over to the train station to catch to free shuttle.
On arrival most of the new passengers embarking here in Fremantle were on board and about to attend the compulsory Muster Station Lecture. The ship is buzzing with excitement.
Internet is really slow so I will post photos at a later date.
Boardwalk at North West Cape on Rottnest Island
Mini Admiral's Arch
Clear blue waters
If we travelled due west (which is behind us) we would end up in South Africia!
Lighthouse on island, 45 metres above sea level and one of the second highest lighthouses in the Southern Hemisphere.
Single lane road with bike riders visible in distance.
Osprey nest, one of two on the island.
Apparently the moorings for Rottnest Island are owned by the boat owner.
No one can moor in an unmarked area, this is a measure taken t protect the sea weed.
One od many ship wrecks on the island's coastline. This one is ideal for snorklers
as it close to the shore.
Two hansome men.
Many bikes which are taken off the ferry. Though a lot of passengers take along their own.
Two beautiful ladies.
We are so glad the weather has improved, it really did look shocking.
ReplyDeleteA&K