TEMPO.CO, Perth - On the mid of February, I visited Rottnest Island in West Australia. Kirsty, my tour guide, showed me around the small island that is nested on the mouth of the Indian Ocean. The island can be reached from Perth in around 90-minute ferry ride.
From the ferry harbor in Perth, return ticket to Rottnest is AUS$114 plus tax and is available in most times with route Perth-Fremantle-Rottnest. You can also rent a bicycle for AUS$30 to explore the island.
Having white sand and quiet beach, Rottnest becomes favorite getaway for the Western Australians. In this island live a rat-like animals named quokka. It is of cat size and included in marsupial family – along with the kangaroo.
Quokka is dubbed as the happiest animals on earth for its smiley look. They can be seen anywhere in quokka and is friendly to human. I enjoyed playing around with them.
I realized that the island's shape is similar to Bali but smaller in size. Australia, for me, is identical with images of Aborigins, kangaroo, boomerang and the Waltzing Matilda song that often heard from Australian Radio in Indonesia. I have thrown the boomerangs as well as met with the indigenous Aborigin people. But I had never met the kangaroos.
Therefore, when Kirsty offered me to stop by Fremantle, I instantly agreed to the idea, beacuse I wanted to try out the kangaroo meat.
The Australian government is indeed suggesting its people to start eating kangaroo meat to control the animal’s population. Kangaroo meat is a source of proteins.
“I know a good place for you,” said Kirsty.
She took me to the Little Creature, a restaurant and microbrewery that sells sea food, and home-made beers. The restaurant is located in the harbor complex.
A portion of Kangaroo Tomato Chutney and one pint of Bright Ale tasted so special that afternoon. I enjoy my meal while looking at the fishing port that got busier as the day turned into night. I was suspicious that the restaurant is indeed a ‘little secret’ that is offered to the tourists in last hours. I am glad Kirsty took me to this place. It is indeed a good place.
PHILIPUS PARERA
