Access for the mobility impaired

Access to Island facilities

Within the Thomson Bay settlement there is ramp access to the Vistor Centre and Museum Gift Shop.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are located near the shopping precinct, on Henderson Street, and also close to Aristos Waterfront Rottnest and Hotel Rottnest on Bedford Avenue.

Aristos Waterfront Rottnest and the Dome Cafe, situated in Thomson Bay with beautiful views back to Fremantle and Perth, cater for people with a mobility impairment. Access to Aristos Waterfront Rottnest is at the same level as the footpath and the Dome Cafe is accessed by a ramp from the footpath. The Hotel Rottnest beer garden is on street level, making it accessible for everyone. There is an access ramp to the Main Bar when entering through the main gates, Bedford Avenue.

There is ocean access via a ramp into the water at Thomson Bay, north of the Visitor Centre. At Geordie and Longreach Bay there are steps leading down to the beach and no ramp. Beach access in general is difficult for people with mobility impairment, however the Authority is continually implementing planned improvements over time.

Beach wheelchairs and electric motorised buggies are available for hire from Rottnest Bike Hire and can be booked in advance on +61 8 9292 5105.

Transport and tours

If you use a wheel chair and would like to go on one of our bus tours, or travel to one of the outer bays, please email the Visitor Centre or call +61 8 9372 9732 in advance to confirm the availability of the bus with wheelchair lift. The train to Oliver Hill Gun Battery is accessible for people in wheelchairs, but the tunnels below the guns have many stairs in a narrow stairway. The beautiful view from the top of Oliver Hill and the Rottnest Voluntary Guides' commentary can still be enjoyed.

Visitors wishing to use auxilary powered bicycles on Rottnest Island must apply in writing to:

Chief Executive Officer
Rottnest Island Authority
PO BOX 693 FREMANTLE WA 6959

or email a request.

Motorised wheelchairs are available to hire from Rottnest Bike Hire, phone +61 8 9292 5105. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Centre, phone +61 8 9372 9730.

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are of course welcome on the Island and any assistance or further information you require can be obtained from the Ranger Services on 08 9372 9788 or 08 9372 9797.

Accommodation

Six units have been renovated for ease of access for people with mobility impairment. Two units are in the Geordie and Longreach Bay areas and four units are in the Thomson Bay area. Full details of facilities in these units can be emailed or faxed to you upon request. Please call the Customer Contact Centre on +61 8 9432 9111 (1800 111 111 for WA Country callers) or email your enquiry.

Further accommodation is available at Kingstown Environmental Education Centre. Please call +61 8 9372 9780.

Accommodation bookings may be made up to a year in advance for unit accommodation and six months for Kingstown Barracks, and to avoid disappointment it is suggested that bookings be made no less than three months in advance of the date required.

Ballot period

Requests for accommodation over the ballot periods during school holidays should be submitted during the ballot application period. A ballot form is not required, although this form may be useful to specify preference for a particular location. Each case will be assessed on its merits and units allocated accordingly. A written request must be lodged, specifying:

·         Type and degree of mobility impairment

·         Facilities required

·         Preferred location

·         Date of stay, and

·         Number of beds required

 This can be sent to:

Chief Executive Officer
Rottnest Island Authority
PO BOX 693 FREMANTLE WA 6959

or email a request.