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Education Groups

A unique learning experience that re-engages students and ignites curiosity away from textbooks, desks, and tests.
Rottnest Volunteer Guides walking tours
Rottnest Voluntary Guides Walking Tours

Engaging activities creating fresh perspectives

Give your students a unique and memorable learning experience that’s all around doing, seeing, experiencing and connecting. Your students can stand in the places where history was made and walk in the wilderness where native flora is regenerating. The various educational tours and activities on the island are designed to re-engage students and ignite curiosity that they can take back with them.

It’s only a short ferry trip to Wadjemup from Perth — a small journey for the wealth of experiences available on the island. 

Download our Education Excursion Guide

Plan your visit

1. Decide on the length of your excursion 

Will you come for the day or stay overnight?

Even though Wadjemup is close enough for day trips, overnight or multi-day excursions give students the time to open their minds and immerse themselves in a new world of knowledge. 

The more time you take, the more valuable experiences your students can have.

 

2. Select your dates

Remember to check the Rottnest Island events calendar to see what's coming up.

 

Quokka Birthday
Kids playing at the Quokka Birthday event
Kwop Wirin
Kwop Wirin Exhibit at the Wadjemup Museum

 

3. Make an excursion plan 

Use our helpful guide to plan your visit, and get inspired by some suggested itineraries.

Once you've begun planning, you can review our Excursion Management Plan to assist with completing your school excursion plan. 

Events in Public Spaces
Prior approval is required from Rottnest Island Authority for all events held in a public space on the island. Visit the Rottnest Island Authority website for more information.

The perfect preparation for your next trip

If you are planning an overnight excursion, Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms and selected Stay Rottnest Self-Contained accommodation are available to book 12 months in advance. Bookings for other Stay Rottnest Self-Contained and Campground accommodation opens the first Wednesday of the month, nine months out. 

To book glamping or hotel accommodation, contact Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island and Samphire Rottnest directly. 

Book your transport, both return ferry travel and any transport to get around on the island including bus, bicycles or train. 

Confirm availability and book tours and activities you plan to take. For tours with the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association, book online here. 

If you are planning to do something different such as a triathlon, email [email protected] to check if any approvals are required.

Contact island food and beverage businesses to book meal and food requirements for your trip.

Prepare students, staff and helpers with a briefing session. Remember to cover important information such as interaction with wildlife, protection of the environment, emergency plans and safety protocols, as well as anything outlined in your excursion plan.

Confirm all your bookings and ensure prepayments or deposits are finalised.

Check the weather and ensure students, staff and helpers come dressed ready for the conditions.

Download or print maps and itineraries. Provide staff and helpers with emergency and key contacts. 

If you’re planning to ride bicycles, ensure the class is aware of road rules including wearing helmets and keeping to the left of the road and pathways.

Educational experiences for every season

Schools can come to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island at any time of year, as the mild climate and combination of indoor and outdoor activities make the island a versatile destination. Wadjemup is usually a few degrees cooler than Perth in summer and slightly warmer in winter.

Beyond the natural world, there are meaningful indoor activities that explore the historical and cultural significance of the island; so, whatever weather you’re faced with, Wadjemup has enriching experiences on offer.

 

Activities to beat the heat

Activities for the milder months

Activities for a rainy day

Choose the right home base

Staying on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for more than a day ensures a truly impactful experience for your school group. There’s a wide range of accommodation options for whatever type of trip you’re creating, including variations on budget, location, and style.

Stay Rottnest Self-Contained

  1. Self-contained cottages near Kingstown Barracks, fitting 9-13 people — makes for a comfortable, more private stay.

  2. Cosy cabins sitting under the shade of peppermint trees, and located close to the main settlement. Each cabin fits up to six people and there’s a fully fitted-out kitchen

Stay Rottnest Hostel & Dorms 

  1. Affordable dormitory accommodation in historic WWII barracks – less than 2 km south of the settlement. Ideal for school camps, with plenty of rooms and a friendly, communal atmosphere.
  2. Also at Kingstown Barracks is the hostel with 50 beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge.

Stay Rottnest Camping 

Take your group back to nature and into the peaceful outdoors. There are 43 non-powered sandy sites, a communal camp kitchen, and an ablution block.

Learn more

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island 

Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island’s 83 eco-tents are connected with nature and feature private en-suites and outdoor decks.

Learn more

Samphire Rottnest  

Samphire Rottnest is another option for students to experience Rottnest Island’s newest accommodation offering 80 luxury beachfront rooms with peaceful decor and an on-site restaurant.

 

 

Stay Rottnest Kingstown Heritage Cottages
Stay Rottnest Caroline Thomson Cabins
Stay Rottnest Dorms
Stay Rottnest Hostel
Stay Rottnest Camping

Getting here

For school excursions, the ferry is the most convenient way to get to the island and the island admission fee is reduced for Australian school-age students.
By ferry
Travelling to Rottnest Island by ferry is the most popular way to get to the island.
Luggage & equipment
Know what to pack, how much and how to get it here.
Practical Tips
Expert advice and tips to make your visit a safe one.

Getting around

Nearly the entire island is accesible by bike and foot. School excursions can be short on time, so if your group needs a more efficient mode of transport, you can just take the bus.
By bike
Discover Rottnest Island via a network of roads and bike paths.
By foot
Slow down, enjoy the moment and open up to the spaces that welcome you.
By bus
Take advantage of the comfort and convenience of a bus and see more of the island in less time.

Catering for groups

The dining experiences available are just as varied as the island landscape. You can discuss group catering with each venue, and the options to dine-in or even have the catering delivered to other locations around the island.  

There’s the iconic Rottnest Bakery and other, more casual spots like Geordie’s Café and Art Gallery, The Lane Café, Subway and Dome Café. West Australian Caterers service those staying in Kingstown Barracks, offering packed lunch or delivered lunch options and options for a range of dietary requirements.  

With so many options available, you can curate your group’s dining or catering experiences to match (or contrast) the day’s activities.



Rottnest Bakery
No trip to Rottnest Island is complete without a visit to the Rottnest Bakery.
The Lane Cafe
Get your day off to a great start. The Lane is a favourite for fresh coffee and gourmet food.
Subway
Grab a bite to eat that’s familiar and friendly on your holiday budget. Items are made to order, just the way you like.
Dome Cafe
Feast your eyes on the sights of Thomson Bay as you dine alfresco on your favourite dishes and drinks.
Geordie's Cafe & Art Gallery
Meander away from the hum of the main settlement and enjoy this charming cafe further afield.

Keep students entertained and engaged

Wadjemup / Rottnest Island has many valuable experiences, not only tours but other outdoorsy or educational activities as well. Sometimes the students will need a break from learning or a cooling swim to refresh their minds on a hot day, and when they do there are countless recreational options.

Begin with a trip to the fascinating Wadjemup Museum and Wadjemup Museum for Children, break up the day with barefoot lawn bowls at the golf club or mini golf, and spend the evening in the cosy Rottnest Movies, where the students can rest up for the next day’s activities.

 

Wadjemup Museum
Wadjemup Museum is a gateway to history and culture. Discover exhibits that tell the island’s story.
Wadjemup Museum for Children
Visitors of all ages can journey on an educational adventure and engage with the stories of the island.
Rottnest Island Golf Course
Tee off on a green with gorgeous views or roll up for a relaxed round of lawn bowls. All island visitors are welcome.
Rottnest Movies & Mini Golf
Create carefree memories and unlock childhood ones. This is a destination for entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Gain some historical or cultural understanding of the island with a Go Cultural Aboriginal Tour or a trip to Oliver Hill on the Captain Hussey Train Tour. If you're looking for tours to ignite curiosity and re-engage interest in each person who walks (or rides) the paths, be guided through eco-marvels on an educational tour by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association (RVGA). 

 

RVGA Walking Tour
Rottnest Volunteer Guides Walking Tours
Be intrigued by stories of the past and discover more about Wadjemup / Rottnest Island on a free guided walking tour.
Captain Hussey Historical Train
Captain Hussey Historical Train Tour
Experience stunning scenery and breathtaking views while discovering the vital role the island played during war times.
Koora-Yeye-Boordawan-Kalyakoorl
Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences
Experience a unique Aboriginal perspective as your Noongar guide reveals the history and significance of Wadjemup.
RVGA Walking Tour
Rottnest Volunteer Guides

Rottnest Volunteer Guides

Be guided through the history, sustainability, and eco-marvels of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. These tours are designed to ignite curiosity and re-engage interest in each person who walks (or rides) the paths.  

The island encourages groups to stay present and focused, taking in the fresh air, and interacting with the guide’s stories. Their narratives turn historic figures (and even star constellations), into characters who travel with you back to the classroom. 

Capacity, locations and availability varies by tour. All tours can be booked online. 

Book online now
Surfing, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
Surfing at Wadjemup

Surfing WA Surfing Lessons

Take your students out of the classroom and into the surf with Surfing WA’s Rottnest program. These surfing lessons are a great introduction to the sport or a fantastic way to progress students who already have some skills.

Location: Meet at Salmon Bay

Duration: Minimum of 1 hour

Maximum capacity: 24 people

Seasonal availability: Available Terms 1 and 4

Learn more
Travelling T-shirts

Travelling T-shirts

Create a unique momento of your camp experience with Travelling T-Shirts who offers group workshops for students to create a unique hat or t-shirt to take home.

Location: Kingstown

Availability: Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4

Recommended workshop length: 1.5 hours (flexible)

Ideal group size: 20 (flexible to a maximum of 40)

Learn more

Looking for venues for school events on the island?

  1. Main Hall at fits groups of 100 to 150 and includes a smart TV.

  2. The video room is suitable for 15 to 30 people and includes multimedia equipment.

  3. The Peacock Inn caters for 25 to 40 people and includes tables, chairs, a small kitchenette, and a whiteboard.

The Rottnest Island Picture Hall is a historic, nostalgic space that can fit large groups. It’s a venue for movies located in the main settlement and includes tables, chairs, a small PA system, and a projector and screen.
This well-equipped space is a short stroll from the settlement, perfect for larger groups and d includes WiFi access and audio-visual equipment.

Helpful Downloads

Need more help?

Visitor Information
Important information to help you enjoy your time on the island.
Contact us
Have a query or comments about your visit? Get in touch.
Guides & Tips
Lace up your boots and let us be your guide.