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The Lodge

The Lodge Wadjemup

The Lodge Wadjemup redevelopment enhances tourism on the island with over 100 rooms, plus dining and cultural spaces, while respecting the area's Aboriginal heritage.

Overview

The Lodge Wadjemup redevelopment, driven by RLR Holdings Pty Ltd, is a significant initiative under the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28. This $40 million+ project aims to re-envision the Lodge in harmony with its natural and cultural setting, bringing a new tourism offering to the island.

The development includes over 100 accommodation rooms, a dining yard and bar, a function centre, a guest pool and a coffee and gelato kiosk, among other amenities. Emphasising respect for the Aboriginal history of the area, the project includes a 'Gathering Ground' for cultural events.

Public consultation and a thorough development assessment process have been integral parts of this redevelopment to ensure community interests and heritage preservation are addressed.

Key benefits

A broad range of new accommodation options.
Enhanced visitor experience with new amenities including a function centre and pool.
Emphasis on respect for the site's Aboriginal history.
Generation of significant construction and hospitality jobs.
Contribution to Rottnest Island's appeal as a tourist destination.

Key dates

2020: Expression of interest held

Mid 2021: Preferred proponent appointed

September 2021: Public consultation held

Mid 2022: Site handover and forward works commenced

Mid 2023: Construction and refurbishment commenced

December 2024: Completion of construction for Stage One, which includes a restaurant and bar, and a coffee and soft serve kiosk, courtyard rooms and lakeside villas refurbishment

July 2025: Completion of construction for Stage Two, which includes a function centre and poolside villas construction

Location

Thomson Bay Settlement Area

Frequently asked questions

The project is a key initiative of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 to facilitate new private developments and specifically to re-create the Lodge in harmony with its natural setting, while respecting the Aboriginal history of the area.

RIA called for expressions of interest to redevelop the Rottnest Lodge site in March 2020. Six respondents were shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals against specific selection criteria including design, cultural and commercial factors. The submissions were assessed by an expert panel including representatives from RIA, Office of Government Architect, a representative of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG) and a Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owner.

The site is located between the Thomson Bay Settlement and the salt lakes on the corner of Kitson Street and Digby Drive.

Tenat: The Lodge Wadjemup Pty Ltd (previously referred to as RLR Holdings Pty Ltd)
Development Manager: Place Development Australia

The redevelopment includes over 100 accommodation rooms, a dining yard and bar, a coffee and gelato kiosk, a function centre, guest pool and service areas. The ‘Gathering Ground’ is a dedicated space that acknowledges the important cultural history of the island - accommodating a series of public and private events, including ceremonies and cultural sharing with the Noongar community. More details about the development are available on The Lodge Wadjemup's website.

Formal community consultation of the proposed development plans for The Lodge redevelopment was undertaken from 6 to 27 September 2021, with all submissions presented and considered. RIA conditionally approved the development in December 2021, subject to a suite of conditions.

Redevelopment of the Lodge commenced in August 2022 with final stage completed in July 2025.

More details about the development are available on  the developer’s website.

The Lodge is situated next to the former Aboriginal prison building known as the "Quod". 

The Quod is not included within The Lodge redevelopment site.

Whadjuk Noongar people will lead consultation on a proposal for the future of the Quod as part of The Wadjemup Project.


Contact and further information

You can reach us on the following details to find out more about this project. Contact lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays.
Start date
-
End date
2020
July 2025
Status
Complete
Location
Thomson Bay Settlement Area