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Construction works

Works and Service Notices

An update on the works taking place on the island and how they may impact your visit.

Works and service improvements are conducted periodically across Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

A range of projects are also currently underway to refresh and revitalise the island facilities. These works aim to enhance the visitor experience and to preserve the island long term.

Please refer to this list for updates on works taking place and how they may impact your visit.

For information on projects that are transforming the island, visit Significant Projects.

For further information on planning your visit to the island, visit rottnestisland.com.

Last updated: 14 October 2024

The existing 3G mobile service will be deactivated at Geordie Bay from Tuesday 15 October 2024, to be replaced with 4G mobile service from Tuesday 22 October 2024. Telstra advises that there will be intermittent coverage in the Geordie Bay area during this time.

To facilitate works the Geordie Bay tennis courts will be closed on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October 2024.

Rottnest Island Authority is progressing the Ablution Facilities Upgrade Program, with facilities across the island scheduled to be upgraded over the coming years as part of the island’s capital works program.

Digby Drive, Settlement Mall Ablutions Upgrades

Commencing: Mid-April 2024 
Completion: Mid-October 2024 

Ablutions will be closed while works are in progress. Alternative ablution facilities are nearby.  

Upgrades will include the following: 

  • New universal accessible toilet facilities
  • New family room with baby change facilities and lounge area
  • New energy efficient fixtures and fittings
  • Upgrade of existing building with new finishes to wall, floor and ceiling
  • Improvements to entrance and definition to pathways
  • Shade shelters, bike racks and bin enclosures

Narrow Neck Ablutions Replacement and Precinct Upgrade 

Commencing: Mid-April 2024 
Completion: Mid-October 2024 

The new Narrow Neck Precinct and ablutions will include: 

  • Construction of new ablution block with hybrid septic system 
  • New bin enclosure area with vehicle turnaround
  • Bus stop improvements
  • Recreation area with bitumen stabilised limestone hardstand, shelters and picnic tables, and new vegetation.

Note: Demolition of old toilets will not commence until new toilets are operational.  

Commencing:  June 2024  
Completion:  October 2024  

The portable ablutions at Parakeet Bay have closed over winter for maintenance. The nearest ablutions are located at Geordie Bay.

Commencing: 10 June 2024 
Completion: 30 November 2024 

To extend jetty life and enhance visitor safety and customer experience, the Main Jetty pavement will be resurfaced, while berths 1 to 3 are being replaced. 

Reconstruction will improve jetty access due to long term erosion, removing inconsistent ground levels and unsafe access to the island.  

Berth access for ferry operators will be staggered with one berth closed at a time and ferry times re-scheduled to suit construction.  

For updates and information, refer to schedules on ferry operator websites, and signage on the Main Jetty and at the Visitor Centre. Fencing of works may also restrict visitor access with requirements to follow directions for safety at all times. 

Note: Boarding times may be reduced to accommodate fluctuating berth access.

Commencing: 11 October 2024
Completion: 29 October 2024

The Barge landing will be closed for resurfacing works between:
12 pm Friday 11 October until Sunday 13 October
12 pm Friday 25 October until Tuesday 29 October 2024

No barge services will be operating during closures.

Commencing: June 2024
Completion: November 2024

The stairs between Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse are closed for repairs. A detour from the Gabbi Karniny Bidi Walk Trail is available as it passes next to the lighthouse.

Commencing: Late October 2024
Completion: Early November 2024

To improve the golfing experience, pathways at the Rottnest Island Golf Club and golf course will be repaired to create a smooth surface for buggies, carts, and golfers.

Improvements will also include the installation of concrete and artificial turf on the 8th tee.

The golf course will remain open for limited bookings and alternative paths will be signposted.

Commencing: 15 October 2024
Completion: 24 October 2024

To improve the structural integrity of the 6.1-kilometre heritage Oliver Hill Railway Track, the Captain Hussey Historical Train Tours will be out of service from 15 to 24 October.

Train replacement bus service will run during the works.

A section of road at the airport will be narrowed during works to allow the removal of sleepers, with vehicle and bikes access still permitted.

Commencing: Mid-April 2024
Completion: 14 October 2024

A new pedestal mounted pump control station will be installed at the Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf to meet current Australian Standards. 

Areas will be fenced off to the public to enable removal of the old pump house and upgrade equipment. 

Commencing: August 2024   
Completion: October 2024  

To support truth-telling and the future memorialisation of the Burial Ground, the removal of residential buildings located near the Aboriginal heritage site at the Wadjemup Burial Ground is required.

Stage 1: Completed May 2023

Demolition of residences adjacent to the Wadjemup Burial Ground.

Stage 2: August to October 2024

Demolition and removal of residences located beside the Wadjemup Burial Ground at 8 and 10 Boreham Way, and 8,10 and 12 Bovell Way.

Given the important Aboriginal history and cultural connection to Wadjemup and ongoing investigations, works will be conducted under strict processes, with the utmost care and cultural sensitivity.

Two Aboriginal Monitors will be onsite at all times during demolition works.

During works:

  • Sites will be fully fenced with no public entry.
  • Increased traffic and noise will impact the area with trucks, heavy machinery, and power tools in operation.
  • No impact is expected on heritage buildings located near The Quod.

Commencing: 14 October
Completion: 28 October

As part of upgrades to the Telstra network from 3G to 4G across the island, the antenna at Geordie Bay is being replaced and the 3G network will be closed.

The Geordie Bay tennis courts will be closed from 15 to 16 October to facilitate the antenna replacement.

Commencing: 26 August 2024   
Completion: 28 October 2024  

As part of upgrades to the Telstra network from 3G to 4G across the island, optic fibre cable is being installed from the Telstra Exchange to Geordie Bay. 

All access roads to Geordie Bay will remain open with work areas fenced off to the public.

Commencing: 7 October 2024  
Completion: 24 October 2024  

Essential maintenance to preserve integrity of timber furniture and decking in the shopping mall precinct. Access to furniture will be fenced off while these works are underway. 

Commencing: Mid-October 2024  
Completion: 24 October 2024 

Essential turf replacement to enhance functionality of gateway areas and preserve irrigation systems. 

Commencing: 17 August 2024   
Completion: 17 November 2024  

A new electrical substation and high-voltage cable pathway will be installed at Parker Point to connect to South Thompson. 

All site works will be fully fenced off to the public with increased construction noise due to heavy machinery and traffic impacting the area.

Commencing: 17 August 2024   
Completion: 1 December 2024  
 
The electrical network capacity on the island is being increased to support the expansion of the desalination plant and future developments. 

Cabling and electrical infrastructure works are part of the island-wide electrical network upgrades. Noise and heavy traffic will impact the fenced-off work areas. 

Commencing: June 2023

Completion: September 2025

New food and beverage, accommodation and conference facilities for The Lodge Wadjemup are in progress.

Redevelopment includes new accommodation and refurbishment of 109 rooms including 46 new rooms and refurbishment of 31 Boys Reformatory rooms and 32 Lakeside Villas.

In addition, new food and beverage facilities including a kiosk, conference and event facilities, pools and amenities are under construction.

Stage 1
Completion: November 2024
New restaurant set to open and refurbishment of the Boys Reformatory and Lakeside Villas.

Stage 2
Completion: September 2025
New poolside villas and conference facilities.

  • Noise and additional vehicle movements may occur during The Lodge Wadjemup redevelopment.
  • To ensure minimal disruption to visitors and the environment, Boreham Way will be closed with access only to contractors.
  • Public access remains open on Kitson Street, Digby Drive and surrounding Garden Lake.
  • Increased traffic is expected along Digby Drive, Brand Way, Parker Point Road and surrounding the aerodrome.
  • Vehicles involved in the works will need to travel during construction hours, Monday to Saturday.