New tourism experiences & infrastructure enhancements for summer 2025

The six new tourism businesses were selected through a recreational expression of interest process which was released in March 2025 and encouraged new and experienced tourism operators to bring innovative and exciting new experiences to the island. 

The new experiences are:  

• Aboriginal art workshops, cultural walks, smoking ceremonies, and language classes for groups by Dooga Waalitj Healing; 
• immersive Aboriginal cultural activities for children with Koorda's Crew; 
• interactive Aboriginal cultural workshops and yarning sessions for visiting schools delivered by Mirliny; 
• pickleball courts and hire equipment on the redesigned Bathurst tennis courts through Rotto Rackets Sports; 
• hire of beach essentials including shade and water equipment from Rotto Rentals; and 
• guided island tours by rickshaw with Rotto Rickshaws. 

Recent infrastructure upgrades have also increased Rottnest Island's appeal, including a new boardwalk in South Thomson and improvements to the Rottnest Island Airport. The new The Lodge Wadjemup poolside rooms and the refurbishment of 52 Stay Rottnest accommodation units in Longreach Bay and Fay's Bay featuring modern kitchens, bathrooms, and improved outdoor areas have also been finished ahead of the summer season. 

Late-night ferry services will operate through April 2026, giving visitors more flexibility to travel to and from the island after dark. 

The new offerings and improvements support the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 by enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring Rottnest Island remains a world-class destination, attracting new visitors and helping diversify the visitor economy. 

Together, these experiences and upgrades support the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy by encouraging new visitors to Rottnest Island, increasing valuable tourism dollars, and providing a significant boost to local businesses and local jobs.