Latest news with #RottnestIsland
ABC News
01-07-2025
- ABC News
Fears for Moreton Bay Figs after shot-hole borer detected on Rottnest Island
The shot hole borer has been detected on Rottnest Island and has already destroyed several trees, raising concerns for the island's long-established Moreton Bay figs. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby confirmed the arrival of the invasive pest on the WA holiday island, off Perth, in response to a question during a budget estimates hearing in state parliament on Tuesday. The tree-killing beetle has spread across the Perth metropolitan area, and there is a nationally-funded effort to stop it breaking out into agricultural areas and other parts of the country. On Friday, the wood-boring beetle was detected in the City of Wanneroo, in Perth's north, for the first time, after previously mainly being found in the southern and central metropolitan areas. The WA government recently conceded it had lost the multi-million dollar fight to eradicate the shot-hole borer, instead shifting its focus to managing it. Most of the trees on Rottnest Island are native, which the beetle does not target. However, Mr Whitby told budget estimates less than 10 non-native, or exotic, trees had been killed or infested by shot-hole borers. There is particular concern for the island's long-established Moreton Bay fig trees. "We're very mindful of ensuring that they are protected," he said. "There's a lot of work about that given that they are not natives and I guess they are more susceptible." Moreton Bay fig trees have already been removed from Perth's Kings Park and Hyde Park as part of efforts to eradicate the borer. According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, there have been no confirmed detections of polyphagous shot-hole borer outside of the Perth metropolitan area. But the national biosecurity strategy to deal with the pest is currently in transition from eradication to management, in recognition that it is not possible to wipe them out. It is suspected the destructive beetle came to Rottnest Island in a batch of mulch from the mainland. All mulch is now being treated before being sent across to the island. "It's being monitored very closely, and we haven't seen any further issues, " Mr Whitby said. Trees native to Rottnest Island were already being propagated in a nursery to try and re-establish the woodland that once covered much of the island. Mr Whitby said that would continue and will be part of the re-planting of trees impacted by shot-hole borers. Mr Whity said the loss of a small number of trees to the shot hole borer would highlight the importance of the program, which was aimed at increasing the tree canopy on the island.
The Australian
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Katy Perry snapped with cute Aussie quokka on Rottnest Island
No trip to WA is complete without an obligatory quokka selfie and international superstar Katy Perry is no exception. The Firework singer took some time out from her Lifetimes tour in Perth to visit Rottnest Island and took a photo with arguably the nation's most adorable animal. Perry shared photos from her visit on social media where she can be seen dancing on a beach, riding a bike, playing cards and hanging out on a boat with her crew as they make their way to 'Rotto.' 'Mood: Quokka,' she wrote on social media. Singer Katy Perry visits Rottnest Island while she was in Perth for The Lifetimes Tour. Picture: Facebook Katy Perry shared adorable quokka selfies while she was in Perth for The Lifetimes Tour. Picture: Facebook Katy Perry took time out with her crew on The Lifetimes Tour to visit Rottnest Island in Perth. Picture: Facebook Perry follows in the footsteps of other celebrities who make the 19km journey by sea to visit the native animals that inhabit Rottnest Island located off Perth's coastline. Famous faces that have made a quokka selfie synonymous with a trip to WA include Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Roger Federer, Hugh Jackman, Kelly Slater, Shawn Mendes and K-pop group Blackpink. The singer is now in Adelaide to play two concerts before she returns to the US and Canada where she will continue her tour.
News.com.au
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
International pop superstar Katy Perry tours Rottnest Island in WA for a quokka selfie
No trip to WA is complete without an obligatory quokka selfie and international superstar Katy Perry is no exception. The Firework singer took some time out from her Lifetimes tour in Perth to visit Rottnest Island and took a photo with arguably the nation's most adorable animal. Perry shared photos from her visit on social media where she can be seen dancing on a beach, riding a bike, playing cards and hanging out on a boat with her crew as they make their way to 'Rotto.' 'Mood: Quokka,' she wrote on social media. Perry follows in the footsteps of other celebrities who make the 19km journey by sea to visit the native animals that inhabit Rottnest Island located off Perth's coastline. Famous faces that have made a quokka selfie synonymous with a trip to WA include Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Roger Federer, Hugh Jackman, Kelly Slater, Shawn Mendes and K-pop group Blackpink. The singer is now in Adelaide to play two concerts before she returns to the US and Canada where she will continue her tour.
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry finds happiness Down Under amid split from Orlando Bloom
Katy Perry has found happiness in Australia following her shock split from fiancé Orlando Bloom. Rumours of a break-up kicked into high gear this week as the couple,who share daughter Daisy Dove, four, spend time apart and go without their wedding rings. Now, the US popstar, 40, has shared videos and photos to Instagram on Friday which saw her living the high life with quokkas on Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The Firework hitmaker was all smiles as she got down to the ground and posed with the small macropod which appeared to be having a snack. Katy rugged up for the cold weather in black tights and a puffer jacket, as she pulled a matching cap down low over her head. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Mood: quokka,' she captioned the gallery of images, which also contained a clip of her dancing on the beach alongside a flock of seagulls. Katy also stopped at a local supermarket and took a photo of a chocolate treat in the shape of a quokka. Daughter Daisy also came along for the trip and even got to sit at the wheel of the boat which took Katy and her entourage to Rottnest Island off the coast of WA. It comes after fan footage resurfaced of Katy weeping openly onstage in Mexico City, just weeks before her split from Orlando, 48, went public. A blizzard of rumours swirled this Wednesday that Katy and Orlando have gone their separate ways after a nine-year romance which produced their daughter Daisy. Seemingly confirming the conjecture, Orlando then went to Venice alone to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's lavish Italian wedding celebration. While he mingles with the Kardashians, goes boating with Tom Brady and gets a pep talk from Oprah Winfrey, Katy is in Australia for her Lifetimes Tour. But in an unearthed clip from the beginning of the tour in April, Katy was seen apparently battling with some private anguish onstage. The singer sang through her tears as she delivered a rendition of her 2010 song Pearl, which is about leaving a troubled relationship. At one point she took the microphone away from her face and emotionally screamed out the lyric: 'I let him rule my world!' The California born pop act then gathered herself for the next lines: 'But I woke up and grew strong, and I can still go on and no one can take my pearl.' Her Lifetimes Tour began with the Mexico City shows in April, for which she was roundly derided over her 'mum moves.' In backstage footage she posted to Instagram from the Mexican capital, she explained she had been 'struggling for the past few things with my voice, having a flu-cold thing' and also mentioned the city's famously high altitude. Her tour began in the immediate aftermath of her controversial all-female Blue Origin space flight - which was launched by Jeff with Lauren as one of the passengers. In the wake of this week's breakup reports, Orlando was spotted Thursday in what appeared to be a deep and heartfelt conversation with none other than Oprah on the eve of Jeff and Lauren's wedding in Venice. Orlando leaned in intently, hands clasped behind his back, as the queen of self-help placed her hands on his shoulders—seemingly offering him a private dose of wisdom and encouragement amid his split from Katy. While the star-studded crowd partied around them, Orlando and Oprah looked like they were in a world of their own, locked in a moment that felt more life-coach than cocktail hour. Speculation surrounding Orlando and Katy's relationship was finally put to rest on Thursday, with insiders confirming the longtime couple has gone their separate ways. The pair first began dating in 2016, endured a brief split, and reunited in 2018. Orlando popped the question the following year, and the couple welcomed their daughter Daisy in August 2020. Rumours of trouble began swirling earlier this month, with reports hinting at mounting tension behind the scenes. Sources claimed the underwhelming response to Katy's latest album 143, the backlash over her much-mocked Blue Origin spaceflight, and the demands of her current Lifetimes Tour all contributed to strain in the relationship. Adding fuel to the fire, Katy has recently been spotted without her engagement ring.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Travel expert reveals the ultimate Western Australia itinerary - from secluded beaches to a 19th century prison
Around the size of Western Europe, Australia's largest state remains blissfully far removed from the bright lights of Sydney and the well-trodden tourist trail of the East Coast. You'd need months to explore all that wildly beautiful Western Australia has to offer, but our 10-day taster is a great way to kickstart your love affair with WA… Day 1: Perth Western Australia's sun-drenched capital offers a cool, comfortable launchpad for your WA vacay, with a handful of boutique and high-end hotels, a Downtown decked with handsome, turn-of-the-century buildings and street art, plus dreamy stretches of beaches. After you've had your culture fix at the Art Gallery of Western Australia – which hosts the state's largest art collection – head to Kings Park and Botanic Garden for some downtime among the trees. Join Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and founder of Mindful in Nature, Belinda McCawley, on a hosted Forest Bathing session, where you'll learn about WA's fabulous flora and fauna, and prep yourself to embrace the outdoor adventures to come. Experience: A three-hour Forest Bathing Experience in Kings Park and Botanic Garden with Mindful in Nature costs from £70 per person ( Stay: The Adnate Perth – Art Series hotel is home to the Caribbean-inspired BAHA Poolside Bar & Kitchen and offers complimentary art tours. King rooms starts from £154.72 per person ( Day 2: Rottnest Island Regular daily ferries run from Perth City, Fremantle, North Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island or Wadjemup, home of the famous quokkas: cute, friendly marsupials which roam wild around the island. Fringed by white-sand beaches and rugged coastal trails, you'll find plenty of ways to explore and meet them. With few cars on the island, cycling or riding an e-bike is a breeze, and visitors can hire both from Pedal & Flipper, a short stroll from the main jetty. Learn about the island's Aboriginal history walking the Wadjemup Bidi trail, or join a guided Segway tour to discover Rottnest's military past, coastal lookouts and secluded bays. Experience: Segway Tours WA offer three guided tours of Rottnest to uncover the culture, history and natural beauty of the island, from £47 per person ( Stay: Drawing on the pastel hues of Rottnest, The Lodge Wadjemup, formerly Rottnest Island Lodge, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, with spacious new Courtyard, Poolhouse and Lake Rooms, plus the open bar and dining space, Sunsets, which overlooks the island's scenic salt lakes. Listen to live music from local artists every Friday, or enjoy a Mediterranean feast at the weekly Sunday Escapes ( Days 3 & 4: Margaret River Just three hours' drive south of Perth, one of the world's best wine regions awaits, with well-established vineyards offering, pretty villages, breathtaking forests and some of Australia's best surf beaches. The Margaret River region is small but mighty, and you'll need a few days to experience all there is on offer. Sign up for a 4WD adventure with The Margaret River Discovery Co. and visit secluded beaches, ancient waterholes, canoe along the sleepy river, hike the Cape-to-Cape Track, and sample award-winning wines over a lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate. Experience: The Margaret River Discovery Tour costs from £104 per person, including canoeing, hiking and an exclusive wine tasting and gourmet lunch ( Stay: With its brewhouse, restaurant, beer garden and community café, South Camp is your very own laid-back mini-village in the heart of Dunsborough. Stay in one of 18 contemporary timber cabins or two apartments set around a peaceful garden, each with a large comfy bed, record player, rainfall shower and an outdoor deck Cabins start from £95 per night ( Day 5 : Fremantle Head back towards Perth, but stay in the capital's sister city, Fremantle – or 'Freo' – which offers an exciting mix of history, arts and culture, wrapped in a beachy vibe. Connected to Perth by a 25-minute train ride, Freo has a busy port and a historic centre, with nineteenth-century 'Gold Boom' buildings, which now house an eclectic mix of chic restaurants, boutiques and bars. Linger over coffee on Market Street's famous 'Cappuccino Strip' before visiting Fremantle Prison, WA's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed building. Constructed as a convict barracks in the 1850s, the prison was in operation until 1991, and lively tours offer visitors the opportunity to delve into ghastly crimes and ghostly tunnels. Experience: Tours of Fremantle Prison start from around £11 per adult and £6 per child, with family passes available from around £31.50. Stay: A stone's throw from Market Street, The Hougoumont offers a stylish sanctuary in the heart of Fremantle. With small-but-perfectly-formed modular cabin rooms, inspired by sea containers, guests enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, bicycle hire and spin bikes, gym access and nightly wine and hors d'oeuvres in adjacent nano-brewery and bar, Calamity's Rod. Cabins cost from around £100 per night ( Days 6 & 7: Shark Bay Hop on a two-hour flight from Perth to Monkey Mia Airport to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shark Bay. Stunning landscapes see ochre cliffs plunge onto dazzling white-sand beaches which stretch towards turquoise seas, teeming with dugongs (sea cows), turtles and rays. Earth's oldest living life forms, dating back 3.5 billion years, stony stromatolites stand in the shallows of Hamelin Pool, while the world's largest seagrass beds sway offshore. Explore Francois Peron (Wulyibidi) National Park or Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana) with Aboriginal guide Darren 'Capes' Capewell to discover what the region means to the Indigenous Nhanda and Malgana people, the traditional custodians of the land for more than 40,000 years. Experience: A full-day Kayaking and Wildlife Adventure Tour with Capes' Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures costs around £107.50 per adult and £90 per child. ( Stay: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has been a magnet for wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins for more than 50 years. Each morning, guests can watch them being fed a highly controlled amount of fish along the shoreline, while learning about their natural behaviours. Accommodation includes beach-, garden- and pool-view rooms and villas, plus dorms, caravan sites and camping ( Days 8 & 9: Exmouth / Ningaloo Coast A six-hour drive north from Shark Bay brings you to the coastal town of Exmouth, gateway to the amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast, home to one of the longest fringing reefs in the world. This paradise for ocean-lovers offers miles of sandy beaches, crystal-clear seas and the epic Ningaloo Reef, bursting with kaleidoscopic marine life. Ningaloo is one of the best places in the world to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark, and licensed operators supervise swim and snorkel sessions with the leviathans from late-March to August. You'll also find seasonal tours to swim with humpback whales and manta rays, while turtles, dolphins and dugongs are regular year-round visitors. Experience: Exmouth Dive & Whale Sharks offers swim and snorkel tours with Ningaloo's marine mega fauna, from £192 per adult (discounts for children aged 6+). Stay: For a wild but comfortable glamping stay, check in to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, which has large eco-luxe safari-style tents, just a few barefoot steps away from the the Indian Ocean. Kayak, paddle board and snorkel from the long stretch of talcum-soft sand, before enjoying sundowners and a communal three-course meal with fellow guests in The Lodge ( Day 10: Cervantes / The Pinnacles Desert An other-worldly landscape awaits visitors to Nambung National Park near the town of Cervantes, a two-hour drive north of Perth. The Pinnacles Desert has a battalion of thousands of limestone pillars standing to attention across its sandy plain, surrounded by shifting dunes and lowland heaths, where delicate wildflowers bloom. A sacred site for the Indigenous Noongar people, The Pinnacles started to form 30,000 years ago, when the region was covered by sea. Weathered by wind and sand, the spires range from centimetres to more than three metres tall, providing a mystical setting for stunning sunsets and stargazing tours, as the Milky Way shimmers across WA's southern skies. Experience: Lumineer Adventure Tours offer a Pinnacles Sunset Dinner Stargazing Tour, which departs from Perth and includes dinner and wine, from £83 per person. Stay: A short stroll from Perth Train Station, the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre has plenty to see and do on the doorstep, with Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Swan River and the RAC Arena all nearby. Browse the shopping arcades of Hay Street Mall, then head to dinner at in-house industrial-chic restaurant, Ivy & Jack, and raise a goodbye glass to WA (
