Directions

Search

Edit
distance
duration
List
  • Add
  • Reverse
  • Clear
1 results of 1 Open Now

Whereis > WA > Rottnest Island

Map of Rottnest Island, WA 6161

Rottnest Island (Wajuk: Wadjemup), nicknamed "Rotto", is a 19-square-kilometre (7.3 sq mi) island off the coast of Western Australia, 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of Fremantle. A sandy, low-lying island formed on a base of aeolianite limestone, it is an A-class reserve, the highest level of protection afforded to public land.

With Garden Island, Rottnest Island is a remnant of Pleistocene dune ridges. Along with several other islands, Rottnest became separated from the mainland when sea levels rose around 7,000 years ago. The traditional Noongar name for the island is Wadjemup, which means "place across the water where the spirits are". The earliest recorded human presence on Rottnest was at least 17,000 years ago, but visitation and habitation of the island by the Noongar people appears to have ceased following its separation from the mainland.

Rottnest was first documented by Willem de Vlamingh in 1696, who called it 't Eylandt 't Rottenest (lit. 'Rats' Nest Island') after the quokka population. Following establishment of the Swan River Colony (now Perth) in 1829, the island was initially used by British settlers for agriculture, and a permanent settlement was built in Thomson Bay. From 1838 to 1931, Rottnest Island was used as a prison and forced labour camp for over 3,600 Aboriginal people, who were subjected to extremely harsh conditions.

Other past uses of the island include as a military site, and for internment camps housing enemy aliens. Many of the island's buildings date from the colonial period, often made from locally quarried limestone, and are now used as accommodation for holidays.
Wikipedia, CC-BY-SA license
Popular
Businesses
Streets

Popular businesses & services in Rottnest Island

Businesses and services in Rottnest Island starting with E

My Whereis

Home

Set home location

Work

Set work location

Set your home and work address and access your most frequently used addresses easily.

Get quotes from your local Australian Businesses
Our new tool powered by        
Looking for {{name}}?
Find out more about this business on Yellow Pages.
Results
Close