Rain, quokkas & Rottnest

There’s something special about spending a few days on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) as a family.

My husband, our one-year-old son and I arrived on the island yesterday morning for a Father’s Day weekend at the newly renovated The Lodge Wadjemup.

The weather hasn’t exactly delivered the postcard-perfect Rottnest we all know and love, but it hasn’t stopped us from having a fun time. And while we usually spend our days on the island in swimwear, it’s our raincoats that are being put to good use this time.

So far, we’ve enjoyed wandering through the settlement between showers, splashing in puddles and stopping to say hello to the many quokkas that pass us by. Being spring, there are lots of cute baby quokkas about too.

We’re particularly enjoying not having to be anywhere in a hurry. I think that’s the beauty of Rottnest. From the moment you step off the ferry, life seems to slow down a little.

The Lodge Wadjemup has proved to be an ideal base for our young family. Our room overlooks the salt lake and is spacious enough for the three of us. There’s even a big bathtub that has already come in very handy with a one-year-old. And the room’s blackout curtains are ideal for daytime naps, which is something I appreciate far more these days than I ever thought I would.

Last night we had dinner at Sunsets Bar & Dining, where the food was excellent. We started with the warm focaccia and whipped ricotta dish that comes drizzled with honey and yummy toasted walnuts. My husband ordered the market fish for his main, which was pink ling, while I opted for the half rotisserie chicken with fries that could easily be shared between two. Tonight I’m keen to try the sirloin steak with onion and port sauce, whereas my husband has his heart set on the pork cotoletta.

What impressed me most was the children’s menu. Our son happily tucked into his serving of roast chicken and vegetables, which was a proper little meal rather than the usual handful of predictable kids’ options.

As part of The Lodge’s Together On The Island package, our stay includes daily breakfast, return Rottnest Express ferry transfers from Fremantle, a family mini golf voucher and a few thoughtful extras for both children and grown-ups, like a colouring-in book and a soft serve voucher for Pelican, which does great coffee and is situated at the entrance to the hotel.

For our final day on Rottnest, we plan on using the the hop-on hop-off bus service, as a way to see more of the island with a toddler in tow.

And while the forecast may not be perfect, I’m quickly reminded that Rottnest doesn’t need blue skies and perfect beach weather to work its magic. Sometimes a raincoat, good food and a couple of days together are more than enough.

SPRING SPLASH SALE

For a limited time, guests can save 50 per cent on The Lodge Wadjemup’s interconnecting Poolhouse Pool View Rooms, giving families and groups two rooms side by side with a connecting door between them.

It can be particularly handy for parents travelling with children, as it gives you a little more room to move, without having to venture too far to check what’s happening next door.

The Spring Splash Sale has been timed for the lead-up to the school holidays, with the discounted interconnecting stays available across two remaining September weekends: September 11-14 and September 18-21.

Availability is limited, so those keen to take advantage of the offer should do so quickly.

To book, you need to select two Poolhouse Pool View Rooms and enter the promotional code SPLASHSALE when making the reservation.

And while two hotel rooms might ordinarily feel like a bit of an indulgence for a family getaway, getting the second at half price could make having that extra space a little easier to justify.

Visit thelodgewadjemup.com to book now.

Penny Thomas was a guest of The Lodge Wadjemup. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.