Rottnest a hit with beach-loving travel writer
A British travel writer with more than 30 years experience in newspapers and television has described the Rottnest Island beaches as the prettiest she has seen.
Writing for the online edition of the Huffington Post, Petra Shepherd said it was little wonder Perth was considered one of the world's most livable cities, with more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city.
"However, if you've travelled all the way to WA, you won't want to be tied to a city," she wrote.
"There are all manner of tours and activities on offer and with all that sunny weather, there's no hardship in experiencing the great outdoors, beautiful beaches and awesome scenery that the region is famed for."
Shepherd has visited more than 80 countries. She spent 19 years as a host and documentary maker with Travel Channel International, the world's leading global travel broadcaster.
On her way back from South America, she visited Perth and went to Rottnest, Cervantes, Lancelin and Rockingham.
"What WA has that South America lacks is breathtaking beaches that seemingly go on for ever with miles and miles of near-deserted white sand," she wrote.
"Some of the prettiest beaches I've ever encountered can be found at Rottnest Island."
“The island reminded me of a hotter version of the Scilly Isles, low lying and unspoilt with endless small bays with the whitest sand.
“Each bay is different and just when you think you’ve found the perfect one, another magical one appears around the corner.”
Shepherd said the Pinnacles were a “one off” and a walk through the iconic spires was “an eerie experience”.
She said the Lobster Shack processing plant at Cervantes was “fascinating” and a tour bus ride over the Lancelin dunes was “thrilling”.
Shepherd said the opportunity to swim with dolphins with Rockingham Wild Encounters was a “once in a lifetime experience”.
She said all three tours came highly recommended but “if I had to choose one it would be a visit to Rottnest Island”.
“Standing in the shallows, delighting in the incredible palette of brilliant blues stretching before me and knowing that I’ve left the British winter behind is a good feeling to have,” she wrote.
