Sunrise over the ocean at Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island. Friends and families often wander down at the other end of the day for a “sundowner” of Western Australian wine and nibbles.

Pinky Beach during the day, overlooked by Bathurst Lighthouse. This spot is a popular swimming area, thanks to its calm waters, soft sand and proximity to the main settlement.

A colony of Australian sea lions lolls about at Dyer Island, just off Rottnest Island. Underwater, they’re incredibly playful and often dart out to join snorkelers who jump off the back of the canary yellow catamaran, Capella, which visits the waters daily as part of the Charter 1 snorkelling tour.

Youngster Mitchell Stuart jumps off the sand hills at Parakeet Bay. For many children, Rottnest is somewhat of an adventure playground, thanks to the lack of cars and the familial environment.

The illuminated bike path leading to Longreach Bay reflects in the water at night.

Rottnest Island crayfish is purported to be the sweetest and most succulent of all WA crayfish, if you listen to those who catch them. This one was pulled up at Strickland Bay.

The Doctor ocean paddle race is an annual event, held in late January (18-19 in 2014). The 27km paddle from Rottnest’s Thomson Bay over to Sorrento Beach on the mainland can be reversed according to wind conditions.

Wadjemup Lighthouse has eight light beams rotating at 360 degrees, lighting up the reef-riddled surrounds. While the bike ride up the hill is punishing, it grants some of the best views of the island and nearby mainland coast.

There are several giant osprey nests on Rottnest Island, with a handful of pairs breeding there each year. The nest at Salmon Bay, where this bird was photographed, is estimated to be 70 years old. Osprey nests are believed to be some of the most durable in the world.

Rottnest Island from 2000 feet. On a perfectly calm day all the reefs surrounding the outpost are visible.

Sheltered Longreach Bay is a haven for holiday yachts, and home to epic sunsets.

The Rottnest Hotel is the island’s busiest watering hole, with fantastic views over Thompson Bay and the confetti of yachts that coats the transparent waters during summer. The climate suits the open-air style of the historic pub.

The largely tame quokka population is ubiquitous on the island. This one is getting a night-time feed on the grass at Kingstown Barracks.

Below ground are many remnants of Rottnest Island’s war effort. This is the Oliver Hill Gun Battery, built to defend the island and the port of Fremantle during WWII. The tunnels once housed the cordite and engine room to power the 9.2-inch guns. Yellow shirted guides from the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association show visitors through the historic passages.