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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.
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 Oval | 11,500 m2 | Depends 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 Lawn | 1,450 m2 | Depends 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 Common | 1,400 m2 | Depends 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 Hill | 750 m2 | 150 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 m2 | 500 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 Locations | 275 – 380 m2 | TBC 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.
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.
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.