Rottnest Island, Western Australia Quiz

Answer: All of these

Sadly, based on records that were kept by the early Dutch explorers, it has been estimated that almost ninety percent of the island's plant species have been wiped out. To protect the remaining flora and fauna the State Government declared the island an 'A-Class' Reserve in 1917 and the Rottnest Island Authority, which was formed to manage the island, has been tasked with its 're-greening' programme.

The Rottnest Island Daisy is a member of the carrot family.

Answer: True

The island is totally under the control of the Rottnest Island Authority. Tourists can only access Rottnest by air or sea and they are unable to bring cars onto the island. The only way to traverse its 1900 hectares is by foot or bicycle.

Since the creation of this quiz a shuttle bus operation has been allowed on the island as well as a "Quokka Hopper" option. The latter is an extended version of a golf cart.

Answer: Place across the water

The Noongar people, who are mainly resident in the south west of Australia, have been known to have inhabited the island over 6500 years ago. This is evidenced by artefacts, that are possibly tens of thousands of years old, being found embedded within the island's limestone.

The local aboriginals were not considered to have been seafaring so the inhabitation is likely to have occurred when the island was actually connected to the mainland. The separation of the island has occurred as a result of rising sea levels over the millennia.

Answer: Quokka

The quokka, when originally sighted, was thought to resemble a large rat. When Willem De Vlamingh first saw the island in 1696 he described it as a 'Rats Nest' or 'Rotte Nest' in Dutch.
The quokka actually looks like a very small kangaroo and is very friendly in its nature. Sadly, these days, it tends to make more headlines as the unfortunate victim of 'quokka soccer' by drunken louts.

Answer: Wind turbine

The West Australian Government took advantage of the very strong winds (known as the 'Roaring Forties') that blow off the Southern Ocean by installing wind turbines to power the island. The turbines provide just over a third of the island's power needs, have lowered the consumption of diesel by 400,000 litres per year and have been responsible for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer: Fremantle Harbour

Two 9.2 inch cannons were erected during World War II at Oliver Hill and a further two six inch cannons at Bickley Point. Railway lines were put in place to run between the cannons, an ammunition dump at the jetty in Thompson's Bay and the Army Barracks at Kingstown.

This infrastructure is collectively known as the 'Rottnest Island Fortress' and today is basis for one of the island's major tours.

Answer: Vessels wrecked on the island's coast

Despite its small size, Rottnest has recorded a significant number of shipwrecks. The main reasons being (a) Fremantle, which is one of State's major sea lanes is situated only nineteen kilometres away, hence a large flow of water traffic, (b) the island is home to a host of hidden and partly exposed reef structures and (c) the prevailing Westerly winds which buffet the coastline. The Wadjemup Lighthouse was built in the centre of the island in 1849 to provide a warning to ships but, after an enquiry into the disastrous sinking of the 'Duke of York' in 1899, a further lighthouse was erected on Bathurst Point in 1901.

Answer: Crayfish (Rock Lobster)

The island has 63 sheltered beaches and 20 bays. It is home to 20 different varieties of coral and 360 species of fish. Strict rules are in place to protect the crayfish supply. The 'bag limit' is eight 'crays' per licence per day or 16 per boat. The crayfish can be captured either by hand (diving) or specially made pots (traps).

It is illegal to use any method likely to puncture the crayfish shell.

Answer: Cottesloe Beach

The island was a prison colony in its early days. This event was based on the suggestion that prisoners would be able to escape from the island and make the treacherous swim, through shark patrolled waters, to the mainland. The idea of prisoners swimming to freedom was scoffed at, however, it certainly created an interesting excuse for a competitive dip in ocean.

The first crossing from the mainland to the island that was ever documented was that of Gerd Von Dincklage Schulingberg in 1956.

Answer: All are being utilised

The State Governor's summer residence was built in 1859. Today it is better known as the 'Quokka Arms Hotel' and is the focal point for visitors to the island. No trip to Rottnest is complete without a visit to the 'Quokka Arms'.
The Boy's Reformatory was set up to rehabilitate young boys who'd strayed from the law. It was built in 1881 and decommissioned in 1901. Today it is operated as the 'Rottnest Lodge'.
Kingstown Barracks were established during World War II to house the support for the cannons at Bickley Point and Oliver Hill. It was purchased by the Rottnest Island Board in 1984 and converted into accommodation units.