Rottnest Island first captured my attention when fellow blogger Liz of 125 wrote about her visit there last year. That post inspired me to add Rottnest to my bucket list. And now the time has come, the day is here… (ten points if you can name that musical theater lyric).

I depart for Rottnest Island (“Rotto” as the locals call it) bright and early to make the most of my day here. I catch a Rottnest Express ferry from downtown Perth. It also stops in Fremantle, which I plan to explore in depth on another day.

Vehicles are not allowed on Rottnest Island, so this ferry company conveniently offers bike rentals (check out their fleet in the photo above). Bike paths cover the island and it’s safe and easy to get around.

We pass through Fremantle and then onward to Rotto.

The water turns a mesmerizing turquoise color as we approach Rottnest.

I grab a bike and head off to explore! Unfortunately the ferry company runs out of helmets so they send me to a local bike shop just off the pier to get a free rental. While I appreciate that, it still costs me about 45 minutes of waiting in line (and a $20 deposit, which I get back at the end of the day). But it’s worth the peace of mind to keep my mind in one piece!

That is an original Erica Meyer pun. You’re welcome.

I’m not able to get my hands on a map (I’m surprised the bike shop doesn’t offer any) but there’s occasional signage along the way. I also rely on my Google Maps app a few times when unsure which way to turn.

A thin stretch of land cuts through this lake below:

I ride to the iconic Rotto lighthouse. There are several on the island but this is the most photographed.

(The lighthouse is to my right as I snap the photo below; it appears in its full splendor a few photos down.)

Are you kidding me with these colors?!

Here’s a view from the other end of the beach:

Oh man, this place exceeds my expectations! I don’t want to leave!

The water is quite chilly, but I’ve come prepared for a beach photo op. While getting ready this morning I purposely select my bright red bathing suit to pop against the turquoise water. I love the contrasting colors.

Here’s an equally impressive adjacent beach:

Time to bike the rest of the way around the island.

The wide and safe bike paths are glorious — aside from the occasional cycler passing by, I have the place to myself. I pause frequently to snap photos.

Here’s another lighthouse, this time inland:

After awhile I quit stopping for photos because every beach is this incredible:

I make it to Cape Vlamingh on the far west coast of Rotto.

On the way back I put the pedal to the metal (or however that phrase translates to biking terms) because I don’t want to miss the return ferry. I make it back with just enough time to grab a burger on the main street.

This peacock thinks it’s being quite stealth. But as I comment on Instagram, this is a terrible disguise for a bird trying to sneak into a restaurant.

Here is the route I cycled:

Google Maps tells me it takes 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete this 25 km loop on a bike. It probably takes me 3 hours because I stop so often for photos.

I am so, so pleased with this day trip. If accommodation were any cheaper, I’d happily stay overnight. There is a hostel but it’s not open in the winter months — I overhear someone say that it’s used exclusively for school groups during that time? Regardless, it’s a blissful way to spend a day.

Many thanks to Rottnest Express for hosting my trip to this dazzling island! Opinions are my own.