Pinky’s Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Monica Tindall
I have to admit that the reason we’re at Pinky’s Rottnest Island is because I was dying to meet the quokkas! No, not the 2004 comedy of a similar name, but the island’s most charming resident!
These small, marsupials are often dubbed the “world’s happiest animals,” thanks to their adorable smiling faces. They look as though they could’ve popped straight out of a Studio Ghibli screen, and their friendly and curious nature, means you can see them up close. Just be calm and quiet, and they will hop on over. With their plump bodies, short limbs, and big, expressive eyes, it’s easy to become enamoured by a quokka.
But Rottnest Island is more than just a sanctuary for quokkas. Its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters could easily compete with any Maldivian or Mediterranean holiday brochure. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, it’s a must on your Western Australian agenda. Just under a two-hour ferry ride from Perth, it makes an excellent day trip. But you know what makes a day trip even better? Awesome food and beverage! And that, my friends, is the long way around to introducing you to Pinky’s Rottnest Island (and my shameless excuse for including some cute quokka pics).
Pinky’s Rottnest Island
Pinky’s is about one kilometre from the ferry pier. A short walk through the town and picturesque scenery has us seated at a shaded table with an outlook of the sea. The beach here is one of the prettiest on the island, bordered by white sand and book-ended with a rocky outcrop at one edge and a lighthouse at the other. The scent of native scrub is one of the things I appreciate most when home—the aroma of eucalyptus and other indigenous plants is genuinely therapeutic.
We receive a friendly welcome from the team at Pinky’s Rottnest Island, who are well equipped to receive guests from around the world. The tables are filled with local and international travellers, all enjoying the fabulous outdoors and incredible scenery.
Pinky’s Rottnest Island Menu
The team at Pinky’s Rottnest Island pride themselves on a menu of top local produce, delicious cocktails and a regional wine list, all served with world-class views. You’ll find staples like fish and chips, steak sandwiches and seafood from the surrounding waters, supported by some very quaffable wines and cocktails.
Cocktail Menu
We settle into our seats with a Grazing Board (AUD 65) and icy-cold cocktails. The platter is a hearty mix of prosciutto, salami, fontina, fior di latte mozzarella, black and green olives and fat slices of ciabatta. It’s perfect pickings for slow sipping and conversations. And, it’s more than enough for two – I’d say four people could happily have this as a starter or bites with afternoon cocktails.
Both of our bevvies, Grapefruit Negroni (AUD 21) and Pinky Beach Spritz (AUD 19), are based on Malfy Rosa Gin and Grapefruit Pampelle. The first includes Aperol and Cinzano, giving a bittersweet finish, and the second is lighter with a bit of sparkle topped up with Dalz Otto Prosecco.
All-day Menu & Wine List
Australia is known for fresh seafood. Our favourite way to eat it is usually chilled, and a brilliant example is found in Pinky’s Chilled Prawns (AUD 36) where local produce shines. They’re deep pink-orange, plump with a nice bounce and served alongside nduja yoghurt and thick slices of toasted ciabatta. We quickly deshell and attack the crustaceans, but don’t dismiss the bread and spread on the side; they’re equally tasty.
Pinky’s Rottnest Island has two wines on tap. Stored in airtight kegs, oxidation is prevented, and flavour is preserved. It’s also more sustainable with the reduction of packaging, and the lower shipping and production costs mean better prices for consumers. The Swings & Roundabouts Rosé from Margaret River, Western Australia (AUD 12.50) is fresh, fruity, light and refreshing. It’s not only a good partner for our prawns but also for the summer heat.
More classic seaside fare, the Soda Battered Fish + Chips (AUD 34) is a hearty portion with three big eye cod fillets in a light and crispy batter sided with a mountain of chips and salad. It’s great with a good squeeze of lemon. Also fine drinking on a warm day, our glasses of Alkoomi Riesling from Frankland River, Western Australia (AUD 14) cut through the batter and fries with vibrant acidity and hints of citrus.
For something hearty yet still casual, the Steak Sandwich (AUD 34) is a good pick. Turkish bread holds a juicy Scotch fillet with pesto, rocket, tomato, aioli, and lots of sweet caramelised onions. There’s also a mound of chips on the side, plenty to share if you’re a small eater. The intense dark fruit aromas, well-integrated oak and lively, juicy palate of the Stormflower Cabernet Shiraz from Margaret River (AUD 13.50) are a suitable match.
Pinky’s Rottnest Island Review
While the quokkas enticed us to Rottnest Island in the first place, Pinky’s ensured we were well-fed and well-hydrated. With pretty views and friendly staff, our time at Pinky’s was the gourmet topping to our day trip.
Reasons to visit Pinky’s Rottnest Island: world-class views, friendly service, fresh uncomplicated menu of local produce, Western Australian wine list, and tasty cocktails.
Pinky’s Rottnest Island
Strue Rd, Rottnest Island, WA 6161, Australia
Link to Pinky’s Rottnest Island on Google Maps
+61 8 6350 6170
www.pinkysrottnestisland.com.au
“From the pier, head right through the centre of the historic settlement, then turn right up Kelly Street and then left onto Strue Road. You’ll find Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island just past the campground and adjacent to the football oval.”
Pinky’s Rottnest Island Opening Hours
Daily: 11 am – 8 pm
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