After the Perth Marathon: Rottnest Island
The Route: Perth → Fremantle → Rottnest Island (Thomson Bay) → Fremantle → Perth Logistics: Ferry to Thomson Bay from Fremantle or from Barrack Street Jetty in central Perth. Two or more operators run the route, and crossing times vary by operator and departure point. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip
Perth Barrack St Jetty ──(about 90 mins ferry)──> Rottnest Island (Thomson Bay)
Fremantle ──(about 25 mins ferry)──> Rottnest Island (Thomson Bay)
The Perth Marathon ends on a Sunday morning, and Rottnest is a fine Monday, provided you treat it as a day of sitting rather than cycling. The island is called Wadjemup by the Whadjuk Noongar people and is a few kilometres wide. Private cars are not allowed, so people cycle, walk or use the island's bus. After 42 kilometres, take the bus.
October in Rottnest: spring. Daytime temperatures are usually around the high teens to low twenties Celsius, the sea is still cool, and the wind can be strong on the exposed west side. Quokkas are on the island all year. Do not feed or handle them, and expect them to come close to anyone sitting outdoors with food. Check ferry timetables and fares with the operators, because they change with the season and the sailing pattern.
Ferries from Fremantle take about 25 minutes, and those from Barrack Street Jetty take about 90. If legs are stiff, the Fremantle service is the easier day. Book in advance in spring, because school and public holiday weekends fill quickly.
At Thomson Bay the settlement has cafés, a bakery and shops within a flat, paved walk of the jetty. The hop-on hop-off island bus loops between the main bays and the lighthouses. Fares and timetables change, so check the current details when booking the ferry. Bikes can be hired at the ferry jetty, and the island is rolling rather than flat, with some climbs on the road to the western end, so keep the bike for another trip.
The most recovery-friendly asset is the walk along the northern shore from Thomson Bay to Longreach Bay, roughly a kilometre of sealed and compacted path close to the water. Pinky Beach is close to the settlement and the swimming water is calm on a still day. The Basin is reached by bus and has sheltered water, and the walk from the bus stop is short, though the sand is soft. Wadjemup Lighthouse sits on Wadjemup Hill and is reached by bus and a short climb, so it is optional.
Eat in the settlement. The pub and the cafés serve the usual island menu, and lunch is easier than dinner because the last ferries leave in the late afternoon. Confirm the return times at booking, and do not plan a late finish.
Return by ferry to Fremantle or Perth. The Fremantle Line train takes about 30 minutes back to Perth Station.