Sun, Smiles & Selfies: Mark and Shaun’s Rotto Adventure
“I had a good time at Rottnest, yes I did.” - Mark
Spending a summer’s day at Rottnest is a must in WA.
Mark and Shaun, who have lived together for 23 years, recently enjoyed a trip over to the stunning island for a day of sun, sea, sand and of course quokka selfies!
The Housemates have enjoyed annual trips to Rottnest over the past few years; an idea that came up when Shaun asked to go using his AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device.
The 2026 trip was made all the more special following a tough year for Shaun, who was really looking forward to seeing the beauty of Rottnest.
Mark and Shaun, along with their two support workers, Scott and Eamon, boarded the Rottnest Fast Ferry and following the short crossing, landed at Thomson Bay, ready for a day of adventure.
Like most visitors to the island, the duo’s first stop off was at the bakery, where Mark enjoyed a coconut raspberry jam slice and coffee, while Shaun chose a rainbow lamington for his snack.
While tucking into their morning tea, Mark and Shaun also got the opportunity to take a selfie with the island’s cutest residents – much to their delight.
Following treats at the bakery and the quokka selfies, the friends and their support workers took the bus to the western point of the island, where they got to watch seals playing around in the sea before taking a dip themselves.
“After lunch, I went and dipped my feet in the water near where the reefs are,” said Mark.
Shaun, who loves the water, joined Mark but went the full way in for a swim.
“There was nothing stopping Shaun getting in the sea. Both guys splashed around for a good half hour and had a ball,” explained Scott.
To top off their perfect day, Mark and Shaun enjoyed Simmo’s ice cream before heading back to Perth.
Mark said: “The last destination, I went to the ice cream shop Simmo’s and I had a rum and raisin. And I had a good time at Rottnest, yes I did.”
Community Living manager, Nana, who was the driving force behind making sure the trip went ahead, said: “Mark and Shaun used to holiday together, and this is something they really enjoy doing.
“They are like any other family going out on a day trip. They go to Rottnest to relax and enjoy themselves. It’s a great opportunity for them to recall memories of previous family trips and make new memories together.”
With a taste for day-tripping, Mark and Shaun are now planning their next day trip, with Nana hoping they will do many more throughout the year. For next year’s trip, Mark and Shaun hope to turn their Rottnest outing into an overnight stay.
Check out Mark and Shaun’s Rotto adventure in pictures.
