Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground Memorialisation

A key initiative of the Wadjemup Project to respectfully memorialise the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.

Overview

The memorialisation of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground (WABG) is a key part of Stage Two of the Wadjemup Project. Aligned with the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28, this project aims to respectfully honour the Aboriginal men and boys who died in custody on Wadjemup between 1838 and 1931.

In 2024, statewide consultation with Aboriginal communities guided the approach to memorialisation, and ground penetrating radar surveys were completed to confirm the Burial Ground’s extent. Detailed design and delivery will commence in 2025.

Key benefits

Honours those buried on Wadjemup

Supports cultural healing and respect

Guided by Aboriginal-led consultation

Raises awareness of prison history

Delivers a lasting memorial

Ground penetrating radar

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is an established geophysical method that transmits radio wave pulses into the ground to stud what is subsurface. It does not disturb the ground and is a useful method of identifying utilities such as pipes, cables, and potential burials.

The boundary for the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground (WABG) has been mapped over multiple decades through collaboration between Aboriginal representatives, state government agencies and professional heritage practitioners (including anthropologists, historians and scientists).

In 2023, further ground penetrating radar assessments were conducted in proximity to the existing boundaries of the Aboriginal Burial Ground and Quod. These scans revealed anomalies within the soil that indicate additional burial sites.

In January and July 2024, RIA carried out additional surveys to reconfirm the extent of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground, as requested by the Wadjemup Project Steering Group. Confirming the boundaries of the Burial Ground is a key milestone of the Wadjemup Project.

Further GPR was undertaken in the second half of 2024 following the demolition of intrusive houses abutting the Burial Ground.

Download the reports

Location

Location map

Frequently asked questions

It is the Burial Ground for at least 373 Aboriginal men and boys who died in custody on Wadjemup between 1838 and 1931.

It ensures those buried are respectfully honoured and that the site’s cultural and historical significance is acknowledged and protected.

In 2024, extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities across WA was undertaken, and ground penetrating radar surveys were completed to confirm the Burial Ground’s boundaries.

Detailed design and delivery of the memorial commenced in 2025, informed by Aboriginal community input and survey findings.

The memorialisation is part of the Aboriginal-led Wadjemup Project, facilitated by the Rottnest Island Authority and supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

It is a key component of Stage Two, which includes commemoration of former prison sites and conservation of the Quod building.

Contact and further information

You can reach us on the following details to find out more about this project. Our contact lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays

(+61 8) 9432 9300

[email protected]

Funding

This project was made possible by funding from the State Government of Western Australia.

Related news

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11 November 2024

Wadjemup Wirin Bidi: A landmark ceremony for healing and reconciliation

Aboriginal people from across Western Australia have gathered on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for a ceremonial week to carry out Sorry Business and commemorate the Aboriginal men and boys who were imprisoned on the island between 1838 and 1931.

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Wadjemup Project Steering Group Wins 2025 NAIDOC Award

The Wadjemup Project Steering Group (WPSG) was awarded the Caring for Country and Culture Award at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony held in Boorloo / Perth on Saturday 5 July 2025.

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