Rottnest Island opens new West End Transport Hub

Significant improvements have been completed at West End, further enhancing the experience for visitors venturing to the most western point of the island.

The upgrades form part of the Commonwealth’s National Tourism Icons Program, with Rottnest Island being one of five destinations across Australia to receive Commonwealth funding.

West End, located on the westernmost point of Rottnest Island, is a well-known spot to gaze out and spot marine life across the Indian Ocean, while hikers on the walk trails are treated to a trek taking in the island’s rugged coastline and rolling surf breaks.

Key features of the recent upgrades include visitor shade shelters, bathroom facilities and a bus hub, as well as interpretative Aboriginal artwork which share stories about the cultural significance of West End.

Major vegetation planting will occur at the West End following on from the completion of the construction program.

This investment ensures West End continues to meet the demand of increasing visitor numbers while also preserving the natural environment and respecting the site as a place of spiritual importance for Aboriginal people.

The $5 million upgrade to West End forms part of a $33.35 million package to enhance Rottnest Island, jointly funded by State and Commonwealth Governments, with $17.2 million committed from the Commonwealth’s National Tourism Icons Program and the State contributing $16.15 million to upgrade the island’s marine infrastructure.

The West End Project marks the completion of the National Tourism Icons program. Previously completed projects include:

• Gateway – Welcome Statement sculpture, Settlement Mall upgrades and Wadjemup Museum redevelopment
• The Basin – upgraded amenities including new bathrooms, shade structures and landscaping
• Oliver Hill – transport hub, shaded areas and refurbished bathrooms.

Complementing these projects is the suite of improvements funded by the State through the marine infrastructure upgrade program, including the replacement of the Fuel Jetty, upgrade of the Main Jetty Berths 4 and 5, and construction of a new seawall in South Thomson Bay.

Acknowledging the interpretative Aboriginal artwork featured at West End by artists Tjyllyungoo / Lance Chadd and Trish Robinson

Rottnest Island features in Noongar culture as Wadjemup. Whadjuk Noongar have a strong spiritual connection to Wadjemup. Noongar Dreaming stories from Koora Koora (long ago) are passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years and are living knowledge culture. Noongar families will have their own cultural narrative associated with Wadjemup as it is passed down from generation to generation.  

Kooranup (West End)

Bibbulmun Whadjuk people have a strong spiritual connection to the land as explained through ancient Noongar Dreaming stories passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years. One such story explains the significance of the west end of Wadjemup, which is regarded as a particularly significant site, likened to a heaven. The site is referred to as Kooranup, the place where the spirits of Noongar people come home after death.  

The Noongar beliefs concerning death and the island is variously interpreted as a stop on the way to Kooranup (the home of the dead) or as being part of Kooranup. There are also other cultural narratives associated with Wadjemup which are held by particular families in the community, though not all are universally accepted.  

The idea of Kooranup is the overriding story for the West End artworks.  

Artist

Tjyllyungoo / Lance Chadd

Tjyllyungoo / Lance Chadd is a Bibbulmun Noongar / Budimia Yamatji man, born in the south-west of Western Australia. His work emphasises Aboriginal spirituality with its deep connection and unity of land, people, animals and plants. His work offers an easy access to reflect on how each of us belong and connect to all that is around us.  

Artist

Trish Robinson

Trish Robinson has worked as a co-manager, designer, and artist partner with Tjyllungoo for over 13 years. She has worked in an arts practice for over 38 years, working with Indigenous artists and communities for over 20 years. Trish is inspired by her life in nature and love of culture.