Where else can you stroll along one of 63 secluded beaches (during peak season), take a quokka selfie, receive a massage from a Balinese masseuse that has worked on professional athletes and retire to a beach-front restaurant with cocktail in hand, all in one day?
Finding a destination that can satisfy your holiday craving without taking up more than a weekend is no easy task. The price point, weather and timing are all factors that affect the success of a quick getaway, especially when kids are involved. Rottnest Island is a holiday haven that strikes a balance between adventure and relaxation, come summer or winter. Where else can you stroll along one of 63 secluded beaches (during peak season), take a quokka selfie, receive a massage from a Balinese masseuse that has worked on professional athletes and retire to a beach-front restaurant with cocktail in hand, all in one day? Only on Rotto! [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ess_grid_gal="" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/11/cliffs-and-ocean-resized.jpg|,https://media.localista.com.au/2018/11/ocean-view-1.jpg|"]Go off the beaten track (a photographer’s dream)
Being less than 20km from Fremantle means Rotto is the perfect place for those who have caught the photography bug. There are many walking trails that lead to spectacular ocean views and make cool coastal shots an easy feat. Adventurous types can discover secluded beaches and bays by hiking up hills and climbing rocky cliffs. It's never been this easy to become an overnight Instagram sensation!
Make a weekend of it
There’s nothing quite like having a few cheeky bevies at the water-front restaurant (and then a few more at the local pub!) knowing you can stumble home with a minute’s walk. Rottnest Island has a range of accommodation to suit every visit type, be it a couples retreat, family-bonding weekend or well-deserved mates trip. The Karma Hotel is a stand-out because of its central location, pool, buffet breakfast and lakeside room choices; making winding down after a long day of island exploration incredibly peaceful. [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/11/Apothecary-Bar-Rotto-Low-Res.jpg.jpg|,https://media.localista.com.au/2018/11/flu-tea.jpg|"]Relax at a coastal chic spa
Be one of the first to treat yourself at Karma Spa; where coastal chic meets boho luxe. Nyoman, resident masseuse, will transport you with a tailored full-body massage, taking care of your aching feet after a long day of exploring the island or soothing your sunburnt face with a hydrating facial. Alternatively, if you're a lover of scented oils, The Apothecary Bar offers a unique experience using various essential oil infusions to pair with your massage; some provide complete relaxation and others, a boost of energy. Knowing you are in the capable hands of someone that has worked their magic on Aaron Sandilands (any Fremantle Docker’s fans out there!?) means you will leave the spa floating on air.
The Quokka Selfie
The Quokka selfie will never go out of style, but you definitely need to be in the right place, at the right time; you don’t choose the quokka, the quokka chooses you. Increase your odds of taking the perfect selfie by spending some time in the shopping strip (near the bakery is a hotspot) where you will find cuddly quokka’s that have become accustomed to friendly photos. If you sit on the ground long enough you might just be able to get close enough for a stunning snap.
