Home of the quokka -- mistaken for large rats, by the early Dutch explorers, and hence the name rottenest. These furry animals are about 30-50 cm long and running everywhere. While they are found elsewhere in small numbers, large numbers are still common on the island. Cute for the tourists but I doubt the locals are as fond of them.

http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/mammal.quokka.html

The surrounding waters are stunning and good for shallow snorkelling. I spent the morning on a snorkelling excursion at a nearby shipwreck. Perhaps some underwater photos to come later if they turn out.

On my 4-day tour of southwestern Australia with Planet Perth Tours, I had a great tour group with people from all over the world:

Julius, Julo, & Danka (fr Slovakia); Mark (Auz), Anita (Ireland), Carol (England), Manualla (Germany), Irina (Russia), Isobel (England), (tour guide Dan hiding on back right; and Milka missing from photo)

Valley of The Giants Tree Top Walk

On the second day, we stopped at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. We had an incredible view of the surrounding forest of ancient red and yellow tingle trees and karri trees, with suspended walkways up to 38m above the forest floor.

A few of the gang walking the plank (from front): Dan, Izzy, Carol, Irina, Danka, Hans, Manualla, ...

Margaret River Bushtucker tour

On the last day, we did a bushtucker tour along the Margaret River, an area famous for its wines. We sampled some 'local' food harvested from the wild flora and some kangaroo, bush turkey, and crocodile.

Unfortunately, it was a wet afternoon for Mark, Manualla, Irina, and Carol.

In our canoe, we didn't have to paddle very much with the mighty Julius on our team.

Of course a tour of southwest Australia wouldn't be complete without a visit (or two) for some wine tasting.

1st row: Julius, Milka, Hans, Irina, Manualla 2nd row: Isobel, Danka, Anita, Carol Back: Mark, Julo

One of the highlights of Western Australia was swimming with the dolphins near Rockingham, south of Perth, through a company called Rockingham Dolphins. From the boat, we were towed by our guide using an aqua scooter and formed lines of six by latching onto the weight belt of the swimmer/snorkeller in front. Meanwhile, one of the Rockingham staff headed underwater towed by his own aqua scooter, and would play along with the dolphins, leading them past and under us as we floated on the surface.

http://www.dolphins.com.au/English/index.html

The dolphins came within 1-2m and were zipping past and under us. It was an incredible experience.