September 2011
Notice to Mariners – Closed waters around Geordie Bay Jetty
In the previous Rotto Marine News the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) advised of an upgrade to the Geordie Bay Jetty. The Department of Transport has now issued a Notice to Mariners advising that waters 20 metres either side of the Geordie Bay Jetty is closed to all unauthorised vessels from
16 September to 4 November 2011.
The closed waters are defined by a float line and two yellow flashing lights on top of 1.5m marker buoys. A barge will be operating in the area and vessel operators are advised that the barge is restricted in moveability and will be operating on the eastern side. During this time access to the jetty is closed to all vessels and pedestrians.
T Jetty Maintenance
The RIA wishes to advise vessel operators that maintenance work to the
T Jetty off the Main jetty will commence from 18 October 2011. While this work is being performed access to the jetty will be closed. Work is expected to take about 7 days and is subject to weather conditions.
Mooring Servicing
Vessel operators are advised that with the warmer weather approaching, mooring contractors have commenced servicing moorings. The mooring contractors will display a code “A” flag (dive) when their diver is in the water. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution and keep a minimum separation distance of 50 metres.
Licence Renewal Documentation
When returning renewal documents to the RIA please ensure you provide a copy of your current boat registration and insurance documents for our records. Providing these copies speeds up the renewal process considerably. If paying in person please attend at “B” Shed Ferry Terminal (opposite E Shed) where the RIA now operates a Fremantle Visitors Centre. Office hours are 8.00am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively the documents can be faxed to 08-9432 9301 or e-mailed to: moorings@rottnestisland.com.
Annual Bayseeker Bus Pass
The RIA offers annual Bayseeker hop-on hop-off bus passes to visitors to the island. Passes can be purchased at the Rottnest Visitors Centre and are non transferable. The cost of the cards is
- Adult $50
- Concession $35
- Child 4–12 $25
- Family 2 Adults and 2 Children $110, Extra Child $10
Water Hire Equipment
As well as continuing to provide your dive tank refills, Rottnest Island Bike and Hire will commence hiring scuba tanks from 15 October 2011. Along with our paddleboards, surfboards, body boards, wetsuits, mask/snorkel/fin sets and beach cricket and soccer, we now have vu-boards – great for those who love the underwater life but hate putting their heads in the water. For enquiries call Bike and Hire on 9372 9764.
On-line Book Enhancements
The RIA has released a number of enhancements to the on-line rental mooring systems. These include:
- Same day booking and admission fees
- Check in on public holidays
- Ability to go straight to mooring bookings
Rottnest Golf
The Rottnest Island nine hole public golf course is the ideal venue for social, corporate and family groups to enjoy a special day out, or enhance their Island experience. The unique setting is at it's picturesque best between the months of May and October.
The Rottnest Island 'Pro Shop' has opened and is located next to the Country Clubhouse. Here , everything for golf is available for hire and there is a limited stock of golfing accessories to buy. Bowls, with mats and jacks may also be hired for the bowling green. The ' Pro Shop ' is staffed most days between 8:30am and 4:30pm, and when unattended please contact Bike Hire on 93729764 and someone will assist with all your golfing enquiries. Bookings may be made by contacting the golf coordinator on 0409753959. More information at
http://www.rottnestisland.com/about/golf-on-rottnest-island
List of Events
Swim Thru Rottnest – 3 December 2011
Entries are now open for the 35th Swim Thru Rottnest! On Saturday 3 December 2011, Rottnest comes alive as competitors and spectators head to the Island for the 35th Swim Thru Rottnest. Held in the clear and sheltered waters of South Thomson, the 1.6km swim attracts competitors aged 8 to 80 years and starts at 1pm.
Coordinated by the Cottesloe Crabs Winter Swimming Club, the Swim Thru is a not for profit event with all proceeds going to the Royal Perth Hospital. Whether you are competing in the race or cheering on your friends and family, it’s a great day out! More information and registration details can be found at: http://www.swimthrurotto.com
BIAWA Safety Convoy 5-6 November 2011
Conducted approximately 4 times a year, this event is an important teaching tool used by the Boating Industry Association of WA to educate new boat owners on how to reach and use the waters around Rottnest Island in a responsible and safe manner.
Wadjemup Cup (Australian Rules football) 19-20 November 2011
The Wadjemup Cup is in its fifth year and now includes representatives from 13 Clontarf Academies across the State, a pleasing increase from the original 4 academies in its inaugural year. Approximately 120 students will compete in a joint team round robin competition on Saturday 19 November 2011. All Island visitors are welcome to watch the football games.
Lighthouse to Leighton Kite Surfing Race 3 December 2011
This is one of the longest kite surfing races ever to be staged in Australia. Starting at Philip Point Rottnest Island, competitors speed across the ocean on the Gage Roads channel, finishing at Leighton Beach, North Fremantle. This year the event is set to double its capacity to 100 competitors.
Leavers Celebrations 26 to 28 November 2011
Leavers 2011 has been scheduled for the last weekend of November 2011.
During the celebrations the following boating restrictions are in place:
- Beach anchoring is prohibited from the northern point of Bathurst Beach to 400 metres south of the Hotel Jetty, and
- Stark, Main, Fuel and Hotel Jetties are all set down and pickup points only, with a maximum stay time 20 minutes.