West End is located on the westernmost point of Rottnest Island. It is a rugged piece of coastline, where you can gaze out across the vast Indian Ocean and view the magnificent waves forming.
The West End of the island is known as "Kooranup" to the Whadjuk Noongar people and is said to connect this world and the next. A section of the Wadjemup Bidi trail which leads down to Cathedral Rocks tells the Nyitting (Dreamtime) story of Kooranup, through interpretive artwork and audio yarns.
West End is renowned for scuba diving and for some shore fishing, but is not for the faint-hearted, as this area has no protection from the elements of the ocean. Visitors can also view sea creatures in their natural habitat if they are lucky enough. dolphins, whales and New Zealand Fur seals are known to frequent the area and may come out to say hello, so make sure you have your camera ready.
West End is a long way from the Thomson Bay Settlement area, so if you are not up for a lengthy bike ride, jump aboard one of the bus tours to explore this secluded part of the island.
