Take a short ferry ride to Perth’s idyllic island playground, Rottnest Island, and spend a full day exploring the unique flora and fauna that has evolved in isolation on this car-free Class A reserve. From Fremantle, the ferry will get you there in just 25-30 minutes. Regular ferries also run from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour. Around 140 indigenous plants thrive here, including the iconic Rottnest Island Pine, the Rottnest Island tea tree and the pretty blue Rottnest daisy. The Bayseeker Bus will take you around most of the island, but hiring a bike or walking will give you a better opportunity to explore the heath, woodlands and salt lake habitats. Before leaving Thomson Bay Settlement, pick up a map from the visitor centre, and stock up on water and picnic supplies at the island’s bakery, cafes or general store. Take your pick from the island’s 63 white-sand beaches and 20 clear bays for a lazy picnic lunch. Little Parakeet Bay is a picturesque spot for a swim and snorkel. Keep a lookout for Western Australia’s cutest marsupial, the quokka, seeking shade under the trees and shrubs. Return to Thomson Bay and head for the cafes or bars for an afternoon drink, taking in the view of Perth’s city skyline from across the ocean. Head back to the jetty to catch the afternoon ferry back to Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys.