The tallest tree ever felled in the district was 104m which is the equivalent of a 34storey building. The sandy island is 11klm long and 3klm at its widest part and covered in low scrub. The traditional building colour for the island is the distinctive Rottnest yellow made from a mixture of phosphate or sulphate of iron and builders lime. This tradition has been adopted since early settlement in 1836 when it was used as a penal settlement for Aborigines. The island was declared a reserve and wildlife sanctuary in 1917 and no vehicles are allowed on the island.
Transport is on foot or by bycicle to offer maximum protection.
The name was an accidental title bestowed by the Dutch explorer de Vlamingh who landed in the 17th century. He mistook the small wallaby-like quokkas for rats and called the place Rats'Nest Island. This collection including Interface design, menus and graphics are copyright. Cardline Pty. Ltd.