Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island or "Rotto" is loved by Perth locals as a relaxing getaway, and is a short ferry ride from the mainland but a world away from the city bustle. With virtually no cars, visitors get around Rottnest on foot or by bicycle and you can easily cycle right round the island in an afternoon - assuming you don't spend too long stopping at the white sand beaches along the way. Island life is relaxed and based around cottage-style accommodation which you can hire by the night or the week; there's also a resort-style hotel and a backpacker hostel. History buffs can explore the convict and wartime relics, and nature enthusiasts can watch quokkas (small wallabies only found on Rottnest) and in the right season, whales off the coast.