After a $40 million redevelopment, the newly-revitalised resort is open to guests.

Most people visiting Rottnest Island think it’s all about spotting quokkas in the wild (and yes, scoring the obligatory selfie). But locals know better.

They’re the ones still lounging on beaches as the day’s final ferry departs, whisking salt encrusted daytrippers back to Perth. For east coasters and internationals, cracking the sleepover code has been akin to getting a table at Vue de Monde – everything is, seemingly, always booked out. But, halleluiah, with the opening of The Lodge Wadjemup it’s now easier for anyone to experience the magical exhale that happens as the day’s buzz shifts to a hush.

I was one of the first to stay at Rotto’s flash new accommodation, which was the only Australian hotel in TIME magazine’s 2025 World’s Greatest List  – here’s what to expect.

The Location

The Lodge Wadjemup is a three-minute walk up an easy hill from the Rottnest ferry terminal. Sidestep sweaty bag hands and sore shoulders with a local tip: the ferry will deliver bags to your accommodation for $3 a piece. When booking online, select where you’re staying and how many pieces you’re bringing. At departure, collect airport-like bag tags and let ferry staff do the rest.

The Lodge Wadjemup invites a new view: of sunset over salt lakes, rather than the ocean. At arm’s length from Rottnest’s pedestrian mall, bakery scents may waft but noise does not. Quokkas are everywhere.

With no cars on Rotto, the island bike hire and bus terminal are a minute or two’s wander. Thomson Bay’s beaches are a similar distance, or stroll about 10mins to local favourites, The Basin and Pinky’s.

Fremantle is a 30-minute ferry ride away, or 1.5 hours to reach Perth CBD.

Style and character

A cluster of 1950s-era sun umbrellas in sage and white set a casually cool vibe, where sand between your toes is as welcome as flowy resort wear and statement sunglasses. Passing through the swing gate (a common way to keep curious quokkas out) and entering the whitewashed, heritage stone walls, an unpretentious vibe emanates via an info board that asks, “What day is it?". It lists the sun’s rise and fall and which beach is best, given the current wind direction and speed. It’s the sort of intel that makes a big difference to the Rotto experience.

Beach grass tones colour the long bar and plush restaurant armchairs on polished concrete. Bi-fold glass doors are pushed aside to allow the outdoors to spill into the airy eatery, which leads to a large lounge of plump cushions and distracting coffee table books. Rooms are just beyond.

Facilities

Reception stocks everything a traveller is likely to forget: sunscreen, towels, USB cords, international adaptors and natural deodorant. Clever.

There are fireplaces and underfloor heating throughout the restaurant, primed for cosy winter escapes.

With nature Rotto’s main draw, there’s little need for other facilities; activities from Segway tours to sunset sails to skydiving are available around the island, and an old-school cinema, mini golf and games zone is nearby. The Lodge Wadjemup opened a pool and cultural gathering ground in mid-May.

Rooms

The Lodge Wadjemup has 63 refurbished rooms – a mix of heritage and 1970s bones – and has now opened another 46 swish Poolside rooms.

From the 1970s inventory, the splurge option is the Lake View rooms with a balcony. Vast floorspace and flooding natural light meet a minimalist, bone-on-white renovation. Textured floor tiles are particularly beautiful, edging a King bed, a wooden bar with a very-mini fridge and a bathroom. The balcony’s chic colourway of burnt orange couch and baby blue ottoman faces salt lakes. This side of The Lodge Wadjemup allows direct access to nature walking trails leading to quokkas in the wild – not those scavenging at the bakery.

The heritage courtyard rooms have a similar style and smaller size (and price), and while the absence of air conditioning is noticeable, it’s not a deal breaker. Fling open doors upon arrival to welcome in the breeze. By night, leave glass doors open, knowing the secondary, louvred wooden French doors are unopenable from the outside.

Wadjemup is what the traditional Whadjuk Noongar people call Rottnest, and subtle nods to the Aboriginal heritage are dotted throughout, via artwork and welcome cards; there’s more to come once stage two opens.

Food and drink

Good food was once rare on Rotto, making overnight room rates feel extortionate. Sunsets Bar and Dining sets a new standard, along with a few other relative newcomers. Its relaxed but flavourful dishes can be shared or hogged; all exhibit a fresh lightness that matches the island’s esprit. A sunset deck is dotted with circular dining tables and overhead heaters, should the wind be blowing (it can get surprisingly chilly). Order the XO prawns, heirloom tomatoes and squid ink linguine. A wide selection of all the usual drinks is set at WA prices (read: upper end); of the house wine on tap, go for the rosé.

Outside, Pelican kiosk has casual sandwich and baguette options, plus excellent coffee, that can be enjoyed under umbrellas or taken away for a beach picnic.

Does The Lodge Wadjemup have access for guests with disabilities?

The Lodge Wadjemup has three rooms for travellers with reduced mobility, with two more to come.

Is The Lodge Wadjemip family-friendly?

It sure is, with additional single rollaway beds available for Lakeside rooms at an extra $100 per night, eight interconnecting rooms and three bunk bed rooms, sleeping four. Once stage two opens, there will be a pool edged by 46 brand-new rooms, 44 of which can be interconnected, some with a bath. The Sunsets lunch and dinner menu has five kids’ meal options and two ankle-biter desserts; at the breakfast buffet, tin lids adore the soft serve frozen yoghurt and self-serve toppings (watch out!) of mini marshmallows, choc drops and more. Pelican kiosk sells traditional soft serve ice creams – with Ice Magic! – and pimped bowls.

Details

Address: Boreham Wy, Rottnest Island WA

Best for: Families, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a relaxed getaway.

Cost: From $359 Courtyard King, $468 Lake and $509 Lake View.