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Living life her way: Helen’s story
This World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re celebrating Helen, a much-loved...
Marissa Webb & Jackie Wates
For Marissa and Jackie, a recent trip to Rottnest Island was more than just a holiday, it was a chance to explore somewhere new, build confidence, and create lasting memories together.
The pair, both supported accommodation customers of Rocky Bay, spent three nights on the island for their first-ever Rottnest experience, accompanied by two support workers who were also visiting for the first time. Armed with ginger beer and ginger biscuits to help ease the ferry crossing, they arrived ready to make the most of everything the island has to offer, and they certainly did.
For Jackie, the trip also marked an important milestone.
“It was my first holiday without my family,” she shares. “It was really good, relaxing.”
The story continues...
From the moment they arrived, Marissa and Jackie embraced the adventure. One of their highlights was exploring the island by train, taking in sweeping views of the bushland, trees and coastline.
“I loved the train ride,” Jackie says. “And going into the tunnels and spinning the big wheel.”
The tunnels are part of Oliver Hill, Rottnest’s historic coastal defence system, where visitors can see the 9.2-inch naval gun and travel through the tunnels to the ammunition storage and engine room. The wheel is the crank on the replica of the Ghost Engine that powered the guns, which you can spin to hear the roar the engines would’ve made when they were in use!
It was a standout experience for them both and gave them a chance to step back in time while trying something completely new.
Their itinerary was packed with activities. They visited the island’s West End by bus, enjoyed a scenic sunset walk to The Basin, spent time wandering between the village and their accommodation and even managed to sneak in a movie night at the island’s indoor cinema (Devil Wears Prada 2 was the movie of choice!). They also dined out at the local restaurants and cafés, sharing meals and soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere.
A game of mini golf was also a highlight especially for Marissa, as she won! “That was my favourite!” she says, “I love mini golf!”
How we helped
One of the most memorable moments came from meeting Rottnest’s famous residents, the quokkas. The excitement to meet the locals seemed to be mutual, with one following them to the pub for dinner one night and jumping into Marissa’s lap!
While the friendly little animals were a highlight, both Marissa and Jackie are quick to point out the importance of respecting the rules, keeping a safe distance and not feeding or touching the animals.
“There are rules to protect them so I told him, ‘Sorry quokka, you can’t eat with us’!” Marissa explains. “You’re just meant to look and be gentle.”
By the end of the trip, it was clear the getaway had made a lasting impression, and they made sure to get a souvenir each to remember their time away, Marissa chose a white quokka t-shirt, and Jackie chose a little quokka toy to commemorate their new local friends.
“It was great, we had a lovely time,” Marissa said.
For Jackie, the experience has opened the door to more independent travel in the future, including a potential trip over east to see her sister, while Marissa is already thinking about her next destination.
“I’d like to go to Mandurah next,” she said.
This trip to Rottnest Island was not just a holiday, it was a celebration of independence, friendship and new experiences. And for Marissa and Jackie, it’s one they won’t soon forget.
A few words
“It was great, we had a lovely time!”
“It was really good, relaxing.”
- Marissa Webb & Jackie Wates
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