Subsidy helping more WA schoolkids enjoy camp at Rottnest

Under the initiative, eligible schools in low-income areas receive a subsidy for an overnight camp, saving Western Australian families over $150 per child for a three-night trip.

The subsidy applies to accommodation at Kingstown Barracks, bike hire from Pedal & Flipper Hire and Rottnest Island Voluntary Guides Association educational tours. Rottnest Island Authority also waives the island admission fee.

A total of 35 schools from across Western Australia are taking part in the program in 2026 with students traveling from around Perth and regional areas including Bunbury, Dongara, Gingin, Jerramungup, Kalgoorlie, Moora, Morawa, Mount Barker and Nannup.

The Overnight School Camp Subsidy is in addition to the subsidies open to all school groups throughout the year, including a 40 per cent accommodation discount for school group bookings, discounted rates on bike hire and waiving the island admission fee.

The initiative is in keeping with the Rottnest Island Management Plan (RIMP) 2023-28 by making a stay on the island more accessible for government schools in lower income communities, supporting the goal to ensure everyone can access, enjoy, and participate in the unique experiences Rottnest Island has to offer.

School camps on Rottnest Island have been a tradition for generations of WA school children and are one of the highlights of a student’s time at school.

Rottnest Island is an ideal destination for overnight camps because it offers the opportunity to balance outdoor activities with learning about the island’s history and unique environment.