I really enjoyed reading about your Rottnest Island day — it’s funny how a place can be so beautiful and yet leave you feeling completely wiped out by the end (esp with those temps!). I could almost feel that mix of sunburn, tiredness, and satisfaction you described. Sometimes those are the adventures that stick with you the most. I'm glad you were able to relax at the end with the quokkas!
While i'm more familiar with Fahrenheit vs Celsius, my heart and face began to sank when you mentioned that temperature as I know that's quite hot. Adding on what sounds like high humidity and that is just a recipe for disaster. I give you a ton of credit for giving it your best shot, but sometimes it's just not meant to be. Glad you got to at least enjoy the day sitting and relaxing in and by the water. To me, those kind of hot days just scream "take a break and relax!"
Exactly, time to take a break. I actually went back to Rottnest later in my stay in WA. The island is slightly cooler than the mainland and the quokkas were so cute. I did not even attempt biking the second time. Just relax and enjoy the beach and ocean. If I ever get there in the cooler months, I might attempt the ride again...or just take the bus.
That sounds like a very scary experience, especially travelling solo. A different climate can make such a difference to an activity that you would normally do without difficulty at home. You made the right decision. Rottnest island does sound like a fascinating place to visit - both for the history and the quokkas.
Snacks for the win! I've learned the hard way that activities such as hikes or long journeys like this can often be more difficult than expected and to be prepared. Sounds like you made a wise choice in not going further, and luckily you started to feel better. A visit to Rottnest Island to see the Quokkas is so high on my list, they just look so happy all the time. But the Australian temperatures might make me plan around the hottest parts of the year so it's a more enjoyable trip.
I agree with Lyn, it was a wise decision to turn back and not push through. Sometimes we underestimate activities abroad as we compare them to the conditions at home. Like you, I would have also been enthusiastic and gone with the bike option, ignoring the 36 degrees and just suffer through the experience. It is not enjoyable nor worth it. Plus one forgets, that the Australian day runs on another timeline, with 6pm pitch black so you may want to wrap up any activity around 3pm. It is a very short time frame to do 21km by bike and in those conditions. I hope to read a follow up post soon from you as I am nosy now if you got to see more of Rottnest Island in the end.
Yes, all good comments. We do tend to do things differently when abroad.
With regard to the timing though, last ferry leaves at 4:30, so that's when you need to be back. Ferry arrives mid morning, so that's plenty of time. 21 km should take about 2 hrs, so there should be plenty of time for breaks and views.
What a scary experience, especially for a solo traveller! You were very wise to recognize you had hit your limit and returned rather than push on. It's a good reminder to your readers to be prepared when heading out on an active excursion, even when you feel confident. I am persuaded that this is not an activity I should choose if I travel to Rottnest Island.
I would enjoy the beach and watching the quokkas! They are truly adorable.
I agree. Although it probably would have been fine in cooler weather, its best to know your limits and stay within them. The next time I go, I will opt for the hop-on / hop-off shuttle that goes around the island to the sights.
Wow! Reminds me of my hike up a hill in South Korea last week. I should have taken the longer, gentle incline but no … fortunately, it was a cool day and I was with a group. I just took my time doing it but I seriously thought I was going to toss my cookies before I got to the top. I took the easy way back down.
Yes, its a horrible feeling when the body does not cooperate. I would be worried about trying to keep up with the group and not not expressing how poorly I felt. I've had this happen even with friends.
The heat and going uphill, uneven terrain contributed to your exhaustion no doubt! You were wise to drink the water and find shade. Protein bars are lifesavers… abd those packets of hydro-boost water enhancers to curb dehydration. I’d never heard of them till walk-in Uluru and my friend mixed one in my water bottle. I’m glad you had the ocean and the cute inhabitants to make you smile and breathe again! Great read; agony and beauty..but not defeat …on an island. 😁☺️👍
Yes, it was very scary, indeed. I think what made it feel worse was the question of who would come to my rescue. People in general are very self-absorbed these days and unless I fell down in front of them, I doubt many would have noticed me having an issue.
I really enjoyed reading about your Rottnest Island day — it’s funny how a place can be so beautiful and yet leave you feeling completely wiped out by the end (esp with those temps!). I could almost feel that mix of sunburn, tiredness, and satisfaction you described. Sometimes those are the adventures that stick with you the most. I'm glad you were able to relax at the end with the quokkas!
Yes, it was truly a memorable experience. If I go back to Australia next year, I think I will make a side trip back to Rottnest.
While i'm more familiar with Fahrenheit vs Celsius, my heart and face began to sank when you mentioned that temperature as I know that's quite hot. Adding on what sounds like high humidity and that is just a recipe for disaster. I give you a ton of credit for giving it your best shot, but sometimes it's just not meant to be. Glad you got to at least enjoy the day sitting and relaxing in and by the water. To me, those kind of hot days just scream "take a break and relax!"
Exactly, time to take a break. I actually went back to Rottnest later in my stay in WA. The island is slightly cooler than the mainland and the quokkas were so cute. I did not even attempt biking the second time. Just relax and enjoy the beach and ocean. If I ever get there in the cooler months, I might attempt the ride again...or just take the bus.
That sounds like a very scary experience, especially travelling solo. A different climate can make such a difference to an activity that you would normally do without difficulty at home. You made the right decision. Rottnest island does sound like a fascinating place to visit - both for the history and the quokkas.
Snacks for the win! I've learned the hard way that activities such as hikes or long journeys like this can often be more difficult than expected and to be prepared. Sounds like you made a wise choice in not going further, and luckily you started to feel better. A visit to Rottnest Island to see the Quokkas is so high on my list, they just look so happy all the time. But the Australian temperatures might make me plan around the hottest parts of the year so it's a more enjoyable trip.
Yes, definitely need to review the temperatures a little more cautiously in the heat.
And the quokkas really are sooo cute!
I agree with Lyn, it was a wise decision to turn back and not push through. Sometimes we underestimate activities abroad as we compare them to the conditions at home. Like you, I would have also been enthusiastic and gone with the bike option, ignoring the 36 degrees and just suffer through the experience. It is not enjoyable nor worth it. Plus one forgets, that the Australian day runs on another timeline, with 6pm pitch black so you may want to wrap up any activity around 3pm. It is a very short time frame to do 21km by bike and in those conditions. I hope to read a follow up post soon from you as I am nosy now if you got to see more of Rottnest Island in the end.
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>
Yes, all good comments. We do tend to do things differently when abroad.
With regard to the timing though, last ferry leaves at 4:30, so that's when you need to be back. Ferry arrives mid morning, so that's plenty of time. 21 km should take about 2 hrs, so there should be plenty of time for breaks and views.
What a scary experience, especially for a solo traveller! You were very wise to recognize you had hit your limit and returned rather than push on. It's a good reminder to your readers to be prepared when heading out on an active excursion, even when you feel confident. I am persuaded that this is not an activity I should choose if I travel to Rottnest Island.
I would enjoy the beach and watching the quokkas! They are truly adorable.
I agree. Although it probably would have been fine in cooler weather, its best to know your limits and stay within them. The next time I go, I will opt for the hop-on / hop-off shuttle that goes around the island to the sights.
And yes, the quokkas are truly adorable!
Wow! Reminds me of my hike up a hill in South Korea last week. I should have taken the longer, gentle incline but no … fortunately, it was a cool day and I was with a group. I just took my time doing it but I seriously thought I was going to toss my cookies before I got to the top. I took the easy way back down.
Yes, its a horrible feeling when the body does not cooperate. I would be worried about trying to keep up with the group and not not expressing how poorly I felt. I've had this happen even with friends.
One of the tour group leaders and one of the park rangers was with me every step of the way, so I was very grateful for that.
The heat and going uphill, uneven terrain contributed to your exhaustion no doubt! You were wise to drink the water and find shade. Protein bars are lifesavers… abd those packets of hydro-boost water enhancers to curb dehydration. I’d never heard of them till walk-in Uluru and my friend mixed one in my water bottle. I’m glad you had the ocean and the cute inhabitants to make you smile and breathe again! Great read; agony and beauty..but not defeat …on an island. 😁☺️👍
Yes, definitely an eye-opening experience.
Wow, Laura! Scary. I've never heard of that before. So glad all worked out well in the end--the ocean must have felt super restorative.
Yes, it was very scary, indeed. I think what made it feel worse was the question of who would come to my rescue. People in general are very self-absorbed these days and unless I fell down in front of them, I doubt many would have noticed me having an issue.
And yes, the ocean felt wonderful.