Latest news
May 7, 2012
Twenty Reasons to Visit Perth
March 30, 2012
Rottnest gets some good karma
February 29, 2012
Rotto history gives food for thought
February 27, 2012
Lawford wins Rottnest Swim
February 4, 2012
Riding to school on Rotto
February 14, 2012
New developments on Rottnest Island
A number of new developments on Rottnest Island have been recently announced. A $750,000 campground upgrade will include new toilets/showers, landscaping and camp kitchen, which is in addition to the new barbecue facilities and changes to the tent sites already in place. As well as the campground upgrade, a new boardwalk has opened at Rottnest Island's West End, which has been built mostly from recycled material and will allow better access for holiday-makers. Finally Rottnest Island's existing golf course is set to undergo a major facelift, with Melbourne-based company Davey Shearer being awarded the contract to undertake a redesign. Construction is expected to be completed in November 2012. For more information read the media releases.
January 3, 2012
Guides the 'heart and soul of Rotto'
January 1, 2012
The reinvention of Rottnest Lodge
December 29, 2011
Rottnest gets new ambulance for busy summer season
December 28, 2011
Search for some hammock heaven in 2012
December 28, 2011
Rottnest not too dear, say traders
December 27, 2011
Record numbers holiday in Bali
December 27, 2011
Illuminating tales of WA lighthouses
December 27, 2011
New Rotto markers to aid night skippers
December 27, 2011
New sponge species name in honour of WA's Chief Scientist
December 24, 2011
Weekend interview: Rotto's holy order
December 23, 2011
New ambulance for Rotto
December 23, 2011
December 23, 2011
Title: New ambulance for Rottnest
Date: 23-Dec-2011
Portfolios: Health
$180,000 ambulance delivered to Islands nursing post
New ambulance for Rottnest
December 22, 2011
IOTA News from the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club
Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton 2011
Due to adverse wind conditions forecast for the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton kite surfing race on Saturday 3 December, the organisers have decided to postpone the event. For more information please see the press release below, issued by the organisers of the event.
http://www.rottnestisland.com/docs/default-document-library/rb-lighthouse-to-leighton-postponed.pdf?Status=Master
November 24, 2011
RESPONSE TO: THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
Statement from Mr Laurie O’Meara Chairman of the Rottnest Island Authority.
“What’s wrong with Rotto”
It was unfortunate that the “West” chose this heading for the article which appeared in today’s The West Australian (Thursday 24 November 2011).
The article talks about the worrying downturn in visitor numbers and that the Authority is taking an unprecedented step in commissioning a comprehensive research project in an endeavour to establish why this downturn is occurring. The research that has been commissioned is part of our ongoing strategic planning and will look at a wide range of factors affecting our markets. The downturn in our winter visitor numbers is most definitely due to the unprecedented number of rainy days we experienced this year, and whilst summer ballot numbers may be down, we have still received more than twice the number we are able to accommodate. Our Easter ballot numbers are up by 15%.
The Island has never looked as good and the services offered have never been as comprehensive. Recent visitor research shows that there has been an increase of 8% in perception that Rottnest provides value for money and that 98% of our visitors would recommend the Island as a place to visit. This is a great vote of confidence!
Another vote of confidence from our peers in the industry has resulted in Rottnest being named a Finalist in the forthcoming Tourism Awards. This position is not gained lightly and reflects the hard work and ongoing investment into the Island by our business community and staff.
November 22, 2011
Leavers no longer blotto on Rotto
October 20, 2011
Brierty to push the Limit in Fremantle to Geraldton Race
October 20, 2011
Brierty pushes the Limit
October 13, 2011
Melissa George's big secret to find WA roots
October 10, 2011
World's best kitesurfers to race from Rottnest Island to Perth
September 22, 2011
French rally champion falls in love with Rotto
September 22, 2011
Dakar champion discovers WA ahead of Australasian Safari
September 20, 2011
Rottnest convoy coming up
RESPONSE TO: SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ARTICLE
In relation to reports on the ABC network today (Wednesday 31 August 2011), the Rottnest Island Authority would like to advise that none of the 87 people who were underpaid were employees of the Authority.
August 31, 2011
Dozens of pay breaches uncovered at Rottnest Island
August 26, 2011
WA's best walking tracks
July 4, 2011
RESPONSE TO: SUNDAY TIMES & PERTH NOW ARTICLE
Statement from Mr Laurie O’Meara Chairman of the Rottnest Island Authority.
“I was very disappointed to read the article today, and whilst I am not able to fully comment on it because we are in process of a legal claim, I would like to state the following.
“In Rottnest Island’s hundredth year as a tourism destination, the RIA is fully committed to a flourishing tourism industry on the Island, including the delivery of Indigenous tourism products.”
“The RIA is very aware of the sad history of Aboriginal men arising from when the Island was used as a prison. During my time as Chairman of the RIA, serious attempts have been made to acknowledge this painful past and to progress towards a reconciled future”.
“Ground probing radar exploration has been carried out to establish the boundaries of the Burial Ground on the Island, which resulted in the closure of the previous camp ground. Work is also being undertaken in an effort to establish the Burial Ground as a significant place of reflection for all people”.
“In 2004, the RIA developed a Reconciliation Action Plan in consultation with Indigenous groups and t from the elders from across Western Australia. The Plan has been substantially progressed”.
“Prominent Jetty signage on the Island tells the story of Aboriginal custodianship of the Island, and we have recently introduced a Wadjemup Dreaming component into our curriculum-based Educational programs. Interpretation of the six Noongar seasons has been erected at the “Quokka” shelter, and work is being undertaken on a “Welcome to Country” initiative”. These have been developed with input from our Aboriginal staff.
“The RIA developed, promotes and subsidises the highly successful Wadjemup Cup football match on the Island that brings together Aboriginal groups from across the State”.
“All RIA staff undertake cross cultural training that covers a very personal interactive experience on the history of Aboriginal people, not only on Rottnest, but elsewhere.
“The development of the Indigenous Tours was considered a business proposition under the Reconciliation Action Plan which sought to provide a genuine Aboriginal tourism business opportunity. The RIA approached the market through a tender process and entered a contract for the provision of an interpretive Indigenous tour. Considerable funds and resources were invested by the RIA into the venture, including the purchase of a dedicated bus”.
“The RIA attempted to negotiate an extension for the continuation of the contract however resolution could not be found between the parties. Unfortunately, the venture proved to be unsustainable and accordingly the contract was brought to an end at the conclusion of the agreed term”.
“The RIA is very committed to reconciliation with all Western Australian Aboriginal people and continues to explore initiatives to progress its reconciliation action plan.
May 21, 2011
My love affair with Rotto
May 5, 2011
Travel guides rates Perth fourth best
May 4, 2011
Whale migration begins along WA coast
May 4, 2011
Humpback whales begin annual migration to warmer waters
14th April 2011
A first for Rottnest Island, the inaugural UWCT Cycling Time trials will take place on Thursday 14th April 2011.
The time trial will commence at 10:00am. All riders will be able to travel over on the 7:30 am Rottnest Express ferry departing from B shed Fremantle and arrive two hours before the first rider is off.
The time trial course is simply fabulous. The roads are in great shape and Rottnest Island can expect very fast times to be set on the 19.3km course. It is a clockwise lap of the Island, undulating (but certainly not hilly, just some rolling bumps) and with good protection from the winds (which are generally very light in April). If you can afford to put your head up, the views are spectacular! There is no vehicular traffic on the island apart from authority vehicles, you just need to watch out for the Quokkas!
Rottnest Ferry Packages
Rottnest Island Authority are pleased to announce that friends at Rottnest Express will be providing free return travel on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 April for all time trial entrants and their bikes. Please note travel times below and make your ferry booking direct with Kirsty Knox from CIC Events Management. The island landing fee is included in the TT registration fee.
Perth-Rottnest
Wednesday 13 April
Fremantle to Rottnest departing 2pm ex North Port Ferry Terminal Rous Head
Thursday 14 April
Fremantle to Rottnest departing 7am ex North Point Ferry Terminal Rous Head
Rottnest-Perth
Thursday 14 April
Rottnest to Fremantle departing 2:30pm returning to North Port Ferry Terminal Rous Head
Rottnest to Fremantle departing 4:00pm returning to North Port Ferry Terminal Rous Head
If you have already arranged ferry travel direct with Rottnest Express, please cancel this booking and inform Kirsty Knox so we can rearrange this on your behalf free of charge.
FERRY CONTACT
Kirsty Knox, Events Manager
CIC Events Management
Email: manager@cicevents.com.au
Phone: 08 9284 3522
Rottnest Accommodation Packages
The Rottnest Island Authority has a range of accommodation options available on Wednesday 13 April for UWCT participants including:
Caroline Thompson Cabins (caravan style, kitchenette and bathroom - bed linen not included) - $96 per night
Small house (sleeps 4-6, 2-3 bedrooms plus kitchen and bathroom) - from $177 per night (an economical option if travelling in a group)
Villas (2-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom with ocean views) prices from $230 per night (an economical option if travelling in a group)
ACCOMMODATION CONTACT
To book these options, please contact:
Melissa Grier, Groups Co-ordinator
Email: groups@rottnestisland.com
Phone: 08 9432 9118
Rottnest Accommodation Packages
The Rottnest Lodge is also providing special discounted rates for UWCT participants.
The Rottnest Lodge offers you a choice of quality hotel style apartments, suites with private facilities and lower priced rooms. To view the range of accommodation available visit.
To make a booking please call 9292 5161 and mention you are with the UCI World Cycling Tour Event to receive the discounted rates. Rates include a full cooked and continental breakfast.
UWCT Time Trial Entrant Prize
Rottnest Island Authority and Rottnest Express have been very generous to the UWCT Time Trial, offering a prize for one lucky time trial entrant of a holiday on Rottnest Island. This prize will be awarded at the UWCT Official Awards Ceremony on Saturday 16 April at the Event Village (Perth foreshore, Riverside Drive).
30th March 2011
Equipment Upgrade in Rotto Facelift - The West Australian
26th March 2011
Once Upon an Island - The Australian
15th March 2011
Families to Play Free-Range on Anzac Day - The West Australian
23rd Feburary 2011
Rottnest: showcasing sustainability (pdf 868 KB)
7th December 2010
Rottnest Island celebrates century of tourism (pdf 16KB)
8th October 2010
It was reported in the Post Newspaper dated 2 October 2010 under the headline of “Mooring rule angers”, that “A Caribbean 40 was recently towed from Thomson Bay to Transit Reef: it was not displaying a mooring sticker”.
The RIA provided information to our media management company CPR to enable a response to be prepared to questions raised on this matter by the journalist Mr David Cohen. Unfortunately this information was not conveyed to Mr Cohen. The following statement has been based on the detail provided to CPR:
In the last year, no vessels have been moved by Rottnest Island Authority Rangers without the express permission or request of the owner/operator of a vessel.
Although the RIA is authorised under the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 to “take possession of the vessel and deal with it as if it were abandoned” this power has not been invoked during at least the last 4 years.
Should the Regulations be invoked, standard operating procedures would apply, which include issuing a Warning Notice, Section 30 Notice and Infringement Notice as required. At each step in the process, Rangers will make contact with the registered owner to advise what actions are required by the owner/operator of the vessel.
However, even under these conditions, the Rottnest Island Authority has not been involved in the movement of any vessel during at least the last 4 years.
The RIA was also requested to provide a response to questions relating to the refurbishment of the Thomson Bay General Store. Due to the commercial nature of the questions, the RIA requested CPR to advise Mr Cohen to discuss these matters direct with the Lessee of the business, Mr Greg Brindle. This matter also was not communicated to Mr Cohen by CPR.
12th July 2010
Ferry cancellation - Media Release
Rich in Rotto Resort Rort (pdf 17KB)
Joe Spagnolo, The Sunday Times, June 20, 2010
Locals Rort Rotto Ballot (pdf 64KB)
David Cohen, Subiaco Post, June 21, 2010
The facts:
Read theRottnest Island Authority's response (pdf 15KB) and make an informed decision. Accompanying the response are the summer ballot figures (pdf 17KB) broken down by suburb.