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Education Groups

A unique learning experience that re-engages students and ignites curiosity away from textbooks, desks, and tests.

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.

 

 

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. 

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 offers, stunning beachfront rooms with peaceful decor and an on-site restaurant.

 

 

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.



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.

 

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). 

 

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 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

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.

LocationKingstown

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.