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Event Planning Guide

Important information to consider before applying to hold an event in a public space on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.
Things to know when planning your event on Rottnest Island

Events play a significant role in increasing visitation to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. They draw in crowds, boost local businesses, and shine a spotlight on the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This increased visitation helps sustain the island’s economy and ensures its preservation for future generations.

We’ve endeavoured to make the planning process as easy as possible with these event guidelines. Whether you’re planning a festival, sporting event, or cultural fair, we’re here to help.

Included on this page

Event locations available for hire

There are a variety of designated outdoor event locations available to plan your next event on Wadjemup.

Location

Space

Capacity

Non-Commercial Hire

Facilities

Wadjemup Oval11,500 m2Depends on layout:
300 to 5,000
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 10 amp 

Water: No potable water on site 

Toilets: No toilets on site
Thomson Bay Lawn1,450 m2Depends on layout:
300 to 1,450
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 32 amp 3 phase and 10 amp 

Water: Potable water on site 

Toilets: 60 m — Female 8 / Male 4 / Urinals 5
Heritage Common1,400 m2Depends on layout:
1,400 maximum
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 10 amp 

Water: Potable water on site 

Toilets: 120 m — Female 5 / Male 3 / Urinals 2
Oliver Hill750 m2150 maximum
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 10 amp 

Water: No potable water on site 

Toilets: Female 1 / Male 1
Wadjemup Museum
Garden
1000 m2500 maximum
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 10 amp 

Water: No potable water on site 

Toilets: 30 m — Female 5 / Male 3 / Urinals 2
Additional Locations275 – 380 m2TBC based on area
Full Day: $2,658.50

Half Day: $1,861

Bump in/out days: $797
Power: On location 10 amp 

Water: Not available on location 

Toilets: 55 m — Female 5 / Male 3 / Urinals 2

 

Additional consultation required

For any event held in a public space on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, there are a wide variety of groups and organisations that may need to be consulted during your planning process.

Island businesses

If your event is likely to impact businesses on the island, you’re required to consult with them and gain the necessary approval. We can provide you with information on the best way to do this.

Emergency services

You will need to consult and supply event plans to the Rottnest Island Police Station, Nursing Post and Rottnest Island Emergency Services.

For events over 500 people

All events over 500 people must be registered with the Department of Health. This is to ensure that the proper public health and safety protocols are in place, which include:

  • Correct crowd care
  • Accessibility
  • First aid
  • Sanitation
  • Disaster response (including infection control)
  • Use of drones
  • Use of lasers and pyrotechnics

Register your event with the Department of Health

For events held on the water

If any part of your event is going to be held on the water surrounding Wadjemup, you may need approval from the Department of Transport. This is to ensure that boat traffic in the waters surrounding the island isn’t disturbed.

Gain approval from the Department of Transport

For events featuring fireworks, lasers, and other pyrotechnics

While fireworks are exciting, they can also be dangerous and cause disturbance to the surrounding area. Any events that include pyrotechnics or laser lighting displays use must be registered with the Department of Mines, Industry, and Regulation.

Register your event with the Department of Mines, Industry, and Regulation

Further considerations

Getting event equipment to the island

Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries, and SeaLink Rottnest Island offer crate hire to transport smaller items over to the island. Larger items need to be booked with Pelagic Marine Services to be transported to the island on the barge.

Equipment hire

Rottnest Island Authority has a small range of equipment which can be hired and delivered to your event location. Further information about what is available will be provided on approval of your event.

Marketing

All public events held on Rottnest Island can be listed on rottnestisland.com by completing a website listing submission. Further information will be provided on approval of your event.

Event Planning Guide

Simplify your event planning process with the comprehensive Event Planning Guide. From selecting your venue to managing consultations with island businesses and government agencies, the guide provides easy-to-follow steps for every stage of your planning journey.

 

Download the Event Planning Guide

Information for specific event types

Weddings

All weddings taking place on the island need Rottnest Island Authority approval to go ahead. When considering holding your wedding on Wadjemup, the Wedding Guide is the best place to start. Learn more about ceremony and reception venues, where to stay on the island, and other requirements for wedding flowers and photography.

Check out the Wedding Guide

Corporate events

Wadjemup is a memorable destination for social clubs, corporate groups, and professional events. But for the wellbeing of everyone involved, you need to gain approval to ensure the right safety measures are in place. If you’re planning a group island experience, be sure to read the Corporate Groups Guide first.

Read the Corporate Groups Guide

School events

Spending time on Wadjemup is a big part of childhood in Western Australia, and we value the contributions that schools and universities make to the island. However, for school trips both large and small, you need to seek a permit to ensure the safety of the people in your charge. Read the Education Groups Guide for more information.

See the Education Groups Guide