Plans to revitalise Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island will be rejuvenated with a major expansion of Rottnest's main resort being approved and the West Australian government announcing a wave of projects for WA’s favourite island getaway.

The plans will see Hotel Rottnest nearly doubling in size as part of the redevelopment, with an extra 80 rooms to be constructed. The expansion will increase the resort's size to almost 18,000 square metres with the $40 million redevelopment creating more "top-end" rooms as well as additional "affordable" accommodation, along with four pools, a restaurant, function room, gym and a rooftop bar.

The hotel will be rebranded as the Hotel Rottnest Resort.

The pricing of the rooms has not yet been finalised.

At the same time, there will be work at the Karma Group’s Rottnest Lodge with the construction of a day spa, to be located in the heart of the resort.  Control of the island golf course will be allocated to the Karma Group.

The plans will also see the WA Government taking control of Karma Resort’s units at The Rottnest Quod next month.

The Quod is the site of the former jail where about 300 Aboriginal prisoners died and hundreds more were tortured.

Leased by the Karma Group, it has been used for holiday accommodation for more than 100 years.

But now, as part of the lease extension for the resort, the Quod will be excised from the lease area.

WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia has also announced the Pinky Beach Eco Retreat site.

It will open late this year and will offer “eco tents” costing visitors up to $350 a night.

The new resort will include a beach club consisting of a tented pavilion with daybeds and a sand floor.

“Whether it is premium eco-tent accommodations or the exclusivity of a day spa or golf in glorious surrounds, we are bringing more variety to Rottnest,” Mr Papalia told the West Australian.

“The island is changing, and with each new offering creating jobs and opportunities, we are ensuring Rottnest Island remains a world-class, must-visit tourism destination.”

Leon Gettler - 20th April 2018