This family-oriented stay integrates with Rottnest Island’s landscape and heritage, offering a laidback vibe with year-round appeal.
As the ferry speeds toward Rottnest Island, a pang of nostalgia hits me. I haven’t been here since I was a child, when my family spent sun-soaked days splashing in the crystal-clear waters, licking ice creams, and eagerly spotting quokkas. This time, I’m here for a different reason: to stay at the much-talked-about The Lodge Wadjemup. And I couldn’t have been more excited.
Now that the entire resort is officially open, after a phased rollout, here’s what you can expect.
Where is The Lodge Wadjemup?
The resort sits next to one of the island’s lakes.
The Lodge Wadjemup sits beautifully on the western end of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), the traditional land of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The island is one of Australia’s most striking destinations, with impossibly clear waters and white sand beaches – I’d argue they are some of the best in the world. The main ferry terminal is just a few minutes’ walk away, along with the island’s restaurants, cafes and beaches. There are no beach views from the resort, but there are lovely lake views.
The best way to explore Rottnest Island is by bike, and Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper Hire – just a couple of minutes’ walk away – is the go-to place to pick up your wheels, whether you prefer electric or traditional bikes (make sure to get a basket attachment to carry your belongings). Some of my favourite beaches and bays I cycled to were Salmon Bay, Shark Bay Beach and Lovers Cove. It’s also worth going the extra mile to Cathedral Rocks where you can view the resident long-nosed fur seal colony from the viewing platform.
The island is filled with thousands of resident quokkas, and visitors will be pleased to find there are plenty of them hopping around the resort who will happily let you take a selfie if you are gentle and respectful of their space.
What is the style and character of The Lodge Wadjemup?
The building's exterior is light and bright.
The design blends old and new. (Image: Shot by Thom)
On an island with as much significance as Rottnest, design decisions shouldn’t be made lightly, so it’s pleasing to see the resort respects the island’s history and rugged coastline. The development was guided by Cultural Heritage consultant David Collard (Wardong) and Nyungar elders, who helped establish a cultural heritage framework.
Comprised of multiple buildings, including a 143-year-old heritage structure and a sleek, contemporary structure, The Lodge Wadjemup seamlessly blends old and new and is considered a low-impact development.
Designer Anna Fogarty and interior designer Lauren Tarrant of Laurent Tarrant Design sensitively took cues from the island to inform the resort’s interior design, styling and branding. The overarching aesthetic is breezy, coastal chic with Wadjemup’s native flora, limestone cliffs and salt lakes reflected in the colours, materials and finishes.
The contemporary wing of the hotel features a sleeker design.
Cork, light timber joinery and natural stone are complemented by soft greens, coral pinks, sand and bleached blues, creating a calm, beach‑inspired atmosphere that welcomes sandy feet. Furniture from high-end brands such as MCM House and tiling and stone from Surface Gallery bring an elevated feel, while artworks by First Nations artists add depth and cultural meaning.
Climate-responsive architecture was at the forefront, executed through large bi-fold doors and open layouts that maximise natural ventilation, and a two-level building height maximum to preserve the island’s sightlines.
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AI Prompt
What are the rooms like at The Lodge Wadjemup?
A Poolhouse Room with lake views. (Image: Shot by Thom)
Some of the Poolhouse Rooms feature freestanding baths. (Image: Shot by Thom)
Poolside rooms offer direct access. (Image: Shot by Thom)
Neutral tones prevail, creating a calm atmosphere.
Lake Rooms afford peaceful views.
Courtyard Rooms feature stylish bathroom.
The Lodge Wadjemup offers a variety of room styles to suit all types of guests, whether you’re a young family needing extra room or a couple looking for peace and quiet. There are three distinct sections to the property’s accommodation offerings: Courtyard, Lakeside and Poolside. The 31 Courtyard rooms are fully equipped and situated within a refurbished 143-year-old heritage building. The 32 Lakeside rooms are contemporary and offer stunning lakeside views, while the 46 Poolside rooms are part of a brand-new build.
My room is located in the new Poolside wing and boasts a lovely view of the pool. The light-filled space is relaxed and neutral-toned, fitted with a minibar (Nespresso machine included) and a balcony with seating – I spent a significant amount of time here wrapped in the room’s blue linen dressing gown. Many of the poolside rooms come with baths and can be interconnected, making them perfect for families or groups.
What facilities does The Lodge Wadjemup have?
Indulge in poolside snacks from the onsite restaurant. (Image: Shot by Thom)
Spend your days relaxing poolside. (Image: Shot by Thom)
Enjoy refreshing dips. (Image: Shot by Thom)
While it’s tempting to spend every moment on Rottnest’s white-sand beaches and in its turquoise waters, The Lodge Wadjemup is equally well equipped for guests who choose to stay put, and I enjoyed just relaxing at the resort. The heated swimming pool exudes beach club vibes with orange and cream striped sun loungers and parasols.
Chef Mat Powell (Il Lido Cottesloe, George Calombaris Group Melbourne) oversees the onsite dining, including the relaxed Pelican Deli – part coffee spot, part soft serve kiosk – and Sunsets Bar & Restaurant. The latter serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the late afternoon and early evening offering sparkling views as the sun sets over the island.
I recommend grabbing a few spritzes and relaxing in the large outdoor area before heading inside to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast – Albany rock oysters, burrata with peach and basil, linguine with Shark Bay crab, and, of course, a decadent banana split with soft serve, cherries, candied nuts, and caramel. The menu caters for fussy little ones, and there’s live music every Saturday and Sunday from midday to 6pm.
Enjoy relaxed bites in the Sunsets courtyard.
Sunsets Bar & Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired fare. (Image: Shot by Thom)
A central courtyard with relaxed seating acts as a communal outdoor space for guests staying in the Courtyard Room wing.
A special area of The Lodge Wadjemup is the Gathering Ground, a dedicated space for events and ceremonies that acknowledges the significant cultural history of Rottnest. Here, you will find artworks created by Aboriginal artists Kaedisha Westberg, Tjyllyungoo, Lance Chadd, Nigel Chadd and Trish Robinson, evocative of the island’s natural beauty, wildlife and Nyungar stories.
Reception is stocked with items travellers may have left at home, such as sunscreen, towels, USB cords, international adaptors and natural deodorant, as well as cute souvenirs to take home.
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Does The Lodge Wadjemup have access for guests with disabilities?
The aptly named Sunsets Bar & Restaurant offers breathtaking views of the sunset.
Rottnest Island is considered an accessibility-friendly island, and The Lodge Wadjemup has accessible poolside rooms available. Note that ferries from Perth CBD are not accessibility friendly, but certain voyages from the terminal at North Fremantle are (approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Perth Airport).
Is The Lodge Wadjemup family-friendly?
The Lodge Wadjemup is, at its core, designed for families, and during my stay, I can’t help but reflect on how ideal it would have been for my own family if it had been open during our visits.
Details
Best for: Families
Address: Boreham Wy, Rottnest Island WA 6161
Price per night: From $359
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
With its prime position on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, lush tropical surrounds and exceptional dining, wellness and leisure experiences, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Kimberley region
For many travellers, Broome is the gateway to the wild grandeur of the Kimberley – a launch point for epic 4WD journeys along the legendary Gibb River Road, rugged outback tours and expedition cruises tracing the remote coastline. Whether you’re arriving dust-covered from the red dirt or preparing to venture deep into the region’s untamed landscapes, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa offers the perfect place to begin or end the adventure. The only fully integrated resort in Broome, the property unfolds along meandering pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens, past tranquil lily ponds and hand-carved timber sculptures that subtly guide guests towards reception.
Location
Let friendly staff help you book a camel ride on Cable Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA/ Matt Deakin)
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa lies just steps from the famed Cable Beach, where the silhouettes of camels crossing the shoreline at sunset have become one of Australia’s most enduring tourism images. The only beachfront resort in Broome, it’s also just a few minutes’ drive to the centre of town, where guests can wander through Chinatown and peruse its pearl stores and galleries or catch a movie beneath the stars at the heritage-listed Sun Pictures.
The friendly team at the resort’s tour desk can also help tailor your stay, whether that’s an iconic camel ride along the beach, a visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm to discover how the gems are harvested or a guided tour to see the ancient dinosaur footprints revealed among the rust-red rocks of Gantheaume Point at low tide.
Style and character
Walk into an eclectic blend of influences and eras.
Few resorts capture the essence of their surroundings quite like Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. First opened in 1988, the resort is a celebration of Broome’s rich multicultural past from its Japanese pearl divers to Chinese merchants. The result is an eclectic blend of influences and eras. The resort features wide timber verandas, corrugated iron walls and tin roofs designed to temper the tropical climate. To keep it breezy, Brrome’s signature lattice (a distinct painted timber lattice detailing iconic to the tropical architecture of the Kimberley region) has been used across the resort with two functions – allowing a breeze through while mainting privacy.
Scattered throughout the manicured gardens is an impressive collection of rare Asian and international artefacts. Chinese bluestone lions stand sentinel at the entrance, while terracotta warrior horses, vermillion Japanese torii gates and traditional Shishi (lion-dog) statues lend an air of quiet grandeur. Fragrant with frangipani blossoms and shaded by century-old boab and mango trees, the grounds are also a haven for native wildlife. Birds provide a constant soundtrack, while wallabies and tiny lizards rustle through the foliage.
Rooms
Sleep in comfort and style.
The extensive accommodation options span studios, bungalows, club apartments, villas and suites. Family bungalows draw inspiration from the grand homes of Broome’s pearl masters, translating that heritage into generous layouts, high ceilings and verandahs that open to the gardens. Studios and suites are designed for couples and longer stays, pairing soft coastal tones with private balconies or terraces. While club apartments and suites offer multiple bedrooms, kitchen facilities and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Food and drink
Tuck into an Asian fusion menu at Kichi Kichi.
The dining scene at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa reflects Broome’s position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and Asia, where coastal produce meets a tapestry of multicultural influences.
Contemporary Asian fusion dishes – from crisp fried pork belly and roast Peking duck breast to Burmese lamb curry – deliver bold, vibrant flavours at Kichi Kichi. While the handmade tortellini filled with pearl meat and prawn served at atmospheric Italian restaurant, Cichetti, is the kind of dish that you will remember long after the final bite. Elsewhere on the menu, find effortless flair across dishes like Wedge Island octopus, market fish crudo and silky goat’s milk panna cotta.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, Sunset Bar & Grill becomes the place to be. Here, guests gather over freshly shucked oysters, cured meat platters and buckets of sweet Exmouth prawns. Or, for a quieter evening in, guests can retreat to the comfort of their room and order from Cable Eats, the resort’s in-room dining service.
Pools
Relax by the adults-only Ocean Pool.
Two distinct pool settings invite guests to shape their day exactly as they please. Drift into the calm of the adults-only Ocean Pool, where attentive service delivers dishes such as grilled prawn skewers and salt-and-pepper calamari straight to your cabana or sunbed well into the afternoon.
The mood at the family-friendly Kimberley Pool – framed by a cascading waterfall, the heart of the resort’s recreational precinct – is decidedly more playful. Here, younger guests are catered for with a dedicated kids’ menu of familiar favourites including chicken nuggets, fish and chips and ham-and-cheese toasties, while parents can graze on more refined poolside fare, such as fried squid, soba noodle salad and gourmet burgers.
Chahoya Spa & Salon
Book a treatment at Chahoya Spa.
Chahoya Spa brings a refined sense of indulgence inspired by its Japanese name, meaning “pamper”, with signature treatments including the Kimberley Dreamtime ritual and Chahoya Pearl Massage designed to soothe tired bodies and quiet busy minds. There is also an on-site salon providing personalised cuts, colour services and restorative hair care, ensuring guests leave feeling polished and renewed.
Other facilities
Join a yoga class at the Buddha Sanctuary.
Wellness continues at the Buddha Sanctuary, a serene open-air pavilion just beyond the main resort grounds, where yoga classes are held six days a week amid ornamental gardens and a striking 3.5-metre hand-carved crystal Buddha statue. Beyond the sanctuary, the resort caters to every pace of stay, with a children’s playground, mini golf, tennis courts and a fully-equipped gym. Guests can also browse the resort’s boutique gift shop, home to Allure South Sea Pearls – the brand behind Broome’s first dedicated pearl boutique in Chinatown.
