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
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. 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 are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.
Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:
1. East Perth Power Station
See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)
Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station, located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.
A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel. Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya.
2. St Mary’s Cathedral
Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)
Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.
The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda, an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth, break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.
3. Lotterywest Films
Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)
One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.
4. The Embassy
Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)
Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall, serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.
5. Unusual locations
Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)
We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial, has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.
Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence. Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.
6. A View From A Bridge
Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.
Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver, share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.
What else to do in Perth
Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.
Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.
