Australian.Geographic_2014_01-02

January–February 2014 43

ROTTNEST ISLAND

 K

NOWN AS Wadjemup, or

“place across the water”,

by the Noongar people,

Rottnest Island is low-lying

• its highest point is just 46m above
  sea level. The island has a permanent
  population of 150–200, but up to
  15,000 people may be visiting at any
  one time during the summer season.
  Visitors can join a guided nature tour
  to learn more about Rottnest’s plant,
  animal and marine life. After dark,
  the night song of the moaning frog,
  the western green tree frog and the
  sandplain froglet can be heard at
  various points on the island.

1900ha

TOTAL

AREA

NUMBER OF

ENDEMIC TREES: 3

LAKES OCCUPY

200ha

LENGTH

10.5km

NUMBER OF

QUOKKAS:

8000–

12,000

Distant horizon. Cape Vlamingh is

Rottnest’s westernmost point. There

is no substantial landmass between

here and Madagascar, about 6600km

west, off the east African coast.