January School Holiday Activities
Summer fun is here!
Activities commence 01 January and conclude 27 January 2012
Fill your day with some great fun packed activities throughout the January school holidays. Suitable for children of any age – even adults that are young at heart!
The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) Education unit together with the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (RVGA) have created a program of activities and tours that will get you exploring and learning about the natural environment and its history.
For a comprehensive guide to the holiday program download your very own brochure or see below for the essentials!
Escape the heat of summer at the Discovery Centre.
Located 1.2km from the main settlement area, the Discovery Centre is open Monday to Friday (excluding Australia Day) between 12 noon and 3:00pm.
In air conditioned comfort you can view specimens – big and small – that call Rottnest Island home. Entry is by gold coin donation.
While you’re there create your own art and craft masterpiece to take home with you including:
- badge making ($1.00)
- animal masks ($2.00)
- bug habitat boxes ($3.00).
Payment to be made at the Discovery Centre.
How to get there?
Follow the signs to Kingstown and cycle, or catch the free shuttle bus from town to Kingstown.
Take part in some great interactive activities that get the whole family investigating the Island! Conducted by Rottnest Island Education staff, registration and payment are essential prior to the activities from the Visitor Centre.
Rotto Rat Race
How did Rottnest get its name? What was the lucrative business for the Island in the 1800’s? In this Amazing Race style of activity, teams of four solve clues and test their skills and Rottnest Island knowledge in a series of challenges to see which team is crowned champion. Prizes are given out along the way.
Bikes, helmets, water bottles and bookings are essential. Teams must include at least one adult, but no more than two. Bookings are essential! Cost $12.00 team entry
Fishing Clinic
In this hands on clinic, learn how you can help our local fish populations through sustainable fishing practices. Master the perfect cast out from RecFishWest and Fisheries volunteers as they share their secrets of the trade. Bait and rods provided, so all you need to bring is your sun smart hats and sunscreen. Meet at the Army Jetty in South Thomson Bay every Monday (except 2nd Jan) and Thursday (except 26th Jan) at 9:30am. Cost $12.00
Sea Monkeys
Discover the secrets of these amazing creatures that were around at the time of the dinosaurs! See where they live, what they contribute to the environment and look at them up close. Departing from the museum every Tuesday at 10am. Cost: $6.00
Touch Pools
What is a sea cucumber? Are star fish really fish? .. This dry land experience is for those who are fascinated by marine creatures! Learn about marine habitats, cool animal adaptations see some amazing ocean animals up close. Meet at Bathurst Lighthouse for a 10am start every Friday of the holidays. Cost: $12.00
Family Quiz Nights and West End Sunset Bus Tours are back on again for Island visitors. Both events regularly sell out, so purchase your tickets from the Salt Store prior to each event to avoid disappointment.
Family Quiz Night
Come and join a table or make up your own table of eight for this popular family event. This Tuesday night event will be loads of fun for the family and you might even win some great prizes! Be sure to arrive at the Country (Golf) Club before the start time of 7:30pm. Cost: $10 Adults, $5 concession card holders & students
West End Sunset Bus Tour
See the rugged beauty of the West End at sunset every Wednesday evening and visit the Wadjemup lighthouse on the return journey. Bus departs the main settlement bus stop at 6:45pm sharp. Cost: $10 Adults, $5 concession card holders & students
Come along to a free tour facilitated by The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association and learn a little about the Island’s magic! There’s something for everyone from early morning bird and beach walks, afternoon quokka walks and evening ghost tours.
Birds of Rottnest
Grab your binoculars for this enjoyable morning walk. Starting at 8am every morning from Monday 2nd January to Friday 27th January you can join a Guide to spot some of Rottnest Island’s amazing bird life. Learn more about our feathered friends, their habitats and adaptations. Meet your guide at the Salt Store. Cost: Free
Secrets from the Sea
Ever wondered about the things that get left on our beaches by the retreating waves? Come beach combing and search for the secrets on the beach. Tours depart 10am Monday to Thursday from the north Thomson Bay beach shelter (Monday and Wednesday) and Geordie Bay beach shelter (Tuesday and Thursday). Cost: Free
Quokka Walk
They look cute and furry but how much do you really know about our native quokka? Safely explore Quokka habitats with a Guide and learn about this unique marsupial on the Quokka Walk, departing every day of the holidays from the Salt Store at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Cost: Free
Pirate Pete
Learn about beach mysteries from Pirate Pete every Friday of the holidays and be rewarded with treasure when you find the Treasure Chest! Meet Pirate Pete at 10am sharp at the north Thomson Bay Beach Shelter… and be sure to bring your mateys! Cost: Free
Night Sky Tour
With your eyes cast upwards, learn about the planets and stars and hear about the wonders of the night sky on this pleasant Sunday evening walk. Meet at the Salt Store for an 8pm departure. Cost: Free
Ghosts, Myths and Legends
Bring the family along to hear some thrilling tales about many of Rottnest Island’s mysterious past identities. Meet your Guide at Lomas Cottage (Heritage Common) every Thursday evening at 8pm. Cost: Free