When to visit
Summer is without doubt the most popular time to visit Rotto, with summer school holidays particularly busy.With a typically dry summer heat, relieved every afternoon by the fresh south westerly seabreeze, the northern side of the island is the most popular. Thomson Bay, with its shops, restaurants and famous bakery, forms the islands' hub, and is just a short walk from the ferry terminal.  This is also where the only public jetty on the island is available for private vessels to dock temporarily to take on fuel and water.  A small number of casual pile pens are available here.  Most vessels, however, head straight for Geordie or Longreach Bay, which are often packed with vessels of all sizes, either anchored or utilising the scores of public moorings scattered throughout the island.

Although the islands entertainment is predominantly water based, it is actually a year round destination.Indeed, for those that enjoy romantic seaside weekends for two around a log fire, the cooler months between May and October are preferable. It's the perfect time to catch up on that novel you've been wanting to read, with serious reading interspersed with brisk ocean walks along deserted beaches.

Visitors wanting to truly immerse themselves in Rotto style, who didn't bring their own bikes, should head straight to the bike hire depot. Here you can hire one of the thousands of bikes from what must be the biggest bike shed in the country. As vehicles are not permitted, with the exception of the courtesy shuttle bus and island administration vehicles, cycling is the natural way to get around.

In fact, the style across the entire is similarly casual, even at the old Tearooms that recently underwent a swanky refurbishment to become the premier dining option. The Rottnest Hotel, known as the Quokka Arms after the small marsupial quokkas that are seen hopping all over the island, attracts large crowds of fun lovers attracted to the beer garden & bistro overlooking the azure bay. Long weekends attract a particularly boisterous crowd to the beachfront pub. 

How to get there
Ferries take about 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour or one hour from the Perth CBD. For ferry timetables contact Oceanic Cruises or Rottnest Express. Alternatively Rottnest Air Taxis operate light aircraft from Jandakot Airport. If taking your own vessel, you can either pre-book a mooring or pen with the Rottnest Island Authority, or anchor in the designated locations.

Where to stay
Accommodation is dotted across the island in various settlements. Simple and casual is the prevailing theme, with timber floors and views to the ocean given high priority. Freestanding bungalows with their lattice-enclosed verandas are perfect for large groups or families. Modern whitewashed apartments blend into the dunes overlooking Longreach Bay. Ochres and sandstone colours dominate the non-intrusive buildings in this sensitive environment.  Accommodation during busy school periods is allocated on a ballot system, often booked 12 months in advance.  Contact the Rottnest Island Authority to make enquiries.

So while Rottnest swells with the summer crowds enjoying the blazing West Australian sun, perhaps post summertime is a good time to plan that romantic winter getaway. As the skies darken overhead, it's the perfect opportunity to crank up the wood fire, open a cheeky little bottle of Margaret River shiraz and watch the ferocious storms approaching from the west. For me, this is definitely the best time to curl up in a window seat with a loved one and enjoy the tranquillity of Rotto at its very best.