Rottnest Island, a popular holiday island located 12 kilometres off Freemantle, is a Class A marine reserve with spectacular underwater life.  The limestone formation of the island has dissolved over time to form elaborate cave systems and swim throughs.

The island has rich history dating back to around 7,000 years ago with Aboriginal artefacts being found from this time.  After visits by a number of European explorers in the 1600 and 1700s, the island farmed for hay, and salt was also harvested from the salt lakes present in the island’s interior in the 1830’s.  

The underwater scenery includes massive limestone caverns and tunnels, meadows of sea grass, sponges and soft corals.  The cave systems, including the well known Crystal Palace, form elaborate systems.  During spring the Humpback whales can be spotted and in autumn the dive sites at the western end of the island host Grey Nurse Sharks.

Another diving opportunity is the Rottnest Shipwreck Trail.  The wrecks typically date from the early 1800s and are in shallow water to 10m | 33ft. With over 200 dive sites to choose from Rottnest Island is must for diving in Western Australia.