.tmb-hero_l.webp?Culture=en&sfvrsn=bc69ca0_1)
Works and Service Notices
Works and service improvements are conducted periodically across Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
A range of projects are also currently underway to refresh and revitalise the island facilities. These works aim to enhance the visitor experience and to preserve the island long term.
Please refer to this list for updates on works taking place and how they may impact your visit.
For information on projects that are transforming the island, visit Significant Projects.
For further information on planning your visit to the island, visit rottnestisland.com.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Commencing: 17 August 2024
Completion: 28 March 2025
The electrical network capacity on the island is being increased to support the expansion of the desalination plant and future developments.
Cabling and electrical infrastructure works are part of the island-wide electrical network upgrades. Noise and heavy traffic will impact the fenced-off work areas.
Commencing: February 2025
Completion: April 2025
Due to landscaping works, public access to Garden Lake will be affected until April 2025.
This is a part of The Lodge Wadjemup Stage 2 site completion. Temporary site fencing will denote where public access is possible.
Commencing: 24 March 2025
Completion: 11 April 2025
Urgent works to remove asbestos in the ceiling space of the Quod will take place at nighttime to reduce impact on island operations and visitors.
Signage will be in place, and the removal process will follow strict asbestos removal requirements, including a third-party on-site auditor to monitor the works.
The works will require an exclusion zone extending into Kitson Street and result in a road closure. Kitson Street will be closed between 8 pm and 5 am as follows:
- 24 March - 28 March 2025 (4 nights)
- 31 March - 4 April 2025 (4 nights)
- Possibility of extending into the following week if the weather is poor
Commencing: 8 August 2024
Completion: 24 April 2025
As part of the Main Jetty refurbishment project, the jetty pavement will be reconstructed and sealed with asphalt.
The reconstruction of the pavement will be undertaken in eight different phases to ensure visitor access to the jetty will be maintained for most of the time.
The new barge gate installation is scheduled to be completed between 12 and 17 March 2025 and may cause some disturbances to the routine barge operations.
Commencing: 12 May 2025
Completion: 23 May 2025
Groundwork will commence to prepare the site of a new Wadjemup Cutural Space with the installation of concrete, seating, fencing, signage and landscaping.
Signage will be in place to notify visitors that stair access from North Thomson Beach will be closed for two weeks.
The Wadjemup Cultural Space is designed to provide a contained, culturally safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors, staff and contractors at Wadjemup. The Cultural Space will acknowledge the rich cultural and natural heritage of Wadjemup and provide a space for Aboriginal visitors to reflect and carry out cultural practices. The space will honour the Whadjuk Noongar people as Traditional owners of Wadjemup, and also the connection that all Aboriginal people feel to the island.
Commencing: 5 May 2025
Completion: 5 June 2025
New concrete will be created around the H1 gun turret at Oliver Hill due to deterioration at the current site and to ensure public safety. Approval has been provided by the Heritage Council to protect the integrity of the asset.
The Oliver Hill H1 gun will be fenced off during the works with noise expected from the demolition of concrete.
The entire Oliver Hill site will be closed to the public from 3 June to 5 June 2025 (weather permitting) to pour the new screed and restore the site for visitor access.
Commencing: 16 June 2025
Completion: 27 June 2025
To ensure a stable dune environment at Kingstown Barracks, the sand dunes will undergo re-shaping works and revegetation will occur to ensure sand dune health.
There is little to no impact on visitors.
Commencing: 3 March 2025
Completion: 7 June 2025
The new Worker Accommodation development that is underway includes the provision of new sewer headworks to service the construction of new staff housing for Place Developments and any other approved developments. The headworks will serve the future Worker Accommodation site on Parker Point Road and future developments at South Thomson, Kingstown Barracks and the Light Industrial Area.
The sewer headworks project will involve construction of a gravity sewer collection system to provide service connections for the worker accommodation developments.
There will be short power disruptions with timeframes to be advised, and overall minimal impact on visitors.
Commencing: June 2023
Completion: September 2025
New food and beverage, accommodation and conference facilities for The Lodge Wadjemup are in progress.
Redevelopment includes new accommodation and refurbishment of 109 rooms including 46 new rooms and refurbishment of 31 Boys Reformatory rooms and 32 Lakeside Villas.
In addition, new food and beverage facilities including a kiosk, conference and event facilities, pools and amenities are under construction.
Stage 1
Completion: Late December 2024
New restaurant and kiosk open and refurbishment of the Courtyard rooms and Lakeside Villas.
Stage 2
Completion: September 2025
New poolside villas and conference facilities.
- Noise and additional vehicle movements may occur during The Lodge Wadjemup redevelopment.
- To ensure minimal disruption to visitors and the environment, Boreham Way will be closed with access only to contractors.
- Public access remains open on Kitson Street and Digby Drive and partially closed at the surrounding Garden Lake.
- Increased traffic is expected along Digby Drive, Brand Way, Parker Point Road and surrounding the aerodrome.
- Vehicles involved in the works will need to travel during construction hours, Monday to Saturday.
Commencing: 21 November 2024
Completion: January 2026
Wadjemup was used as an Aboriginal prison and forced labour camp between 1838 and 1931. State records indicate that 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys from Western Australia were imprisoned on the island, including in the Quod. Heritage conservation works will conserve the building. Aboriginal monitors will be on site throughout the works.
Conservation works are being undertaken to ensure the stabilisation of the buildings ahead of decisions on future use.
The Quod will be fenced off during works and there will be some noise during the works.
Works to remove asbestos in the ceiling space of the Quod will take place from 10 February to 17 March 2025. Signage will be in place and the removal process will follow strict asbestos removal requirements, including a third party on-site auditor to monitor the works.