First look: The all-new Lodge at Wadjemup revealed

A new era of island luxury has arrived on Rottnest.

Big news for fans of Rottnest Island: The Lodge Wadjemup has just unveiled 46 brand-new Poolhouse rooms and a stunning guest pool, marking the next chapter in this ambitious island accommodation project.

Soak up the magic of Rottnest in The Lodge Wadjemup’s Poolhouse room. (Image: Shot by Thom)

The new rooms feature high ceilings, spacious layouts and a choice of pool, lake or island views – creating the perfect base for couples, families or groups keen to soak up the magic of Rottnest.

This latest reveal builds on the success of the refurbished 63 Courtyard and Lake rooms that opened in January 2025, bringing the total number of rooms to 109. It’s a much-needed boost for the island’s limited accommodation options, and a sign that Rottnest is ready to take its place as a world-class holiday destination.

The Lodge Wadjemup Poolhouse room bathroom

Relax in the bath after a big day by the pool. (Image: Shot by Thom)

In fact, the global spotlight is already on this all-Aussie project. Just three months after opening its doors, The Lodge Wadjemup was named on TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2025’ list – a huge achievement for the team behind the development.

Spend hours poolside at The Lodge Wadjemup. (Image: Shot by Thom)

It’s a project that blends heritage and modernity – celebrating the island’s history while offering contemporary comforts like onsite restaurants, luxe rooms and now, the sparkling new pool. And the timing couldn’t be better. With the new Poolhouse rooms open, there’s never been a better reason to book a trip to Rottnest and experience this new side of Wadjemup.

The Lodge Wadjemup Sunsets food dishes poolside

Enjoy gourmet dishes in between swims. (Image: Shot by Thom)

For those planning a visit, The Lodge Wadjemup’s vibe is all about laid-back luxury: think casual coastal elegance, friendly service and a setting that feels worlds away – yet just a short ferry ride from Perth. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a coffee by the pool, spend hours exploring the island’s beaches and wildlife, then return for sunset drinks overlooking the lake.

Whether you’re watching the sun dip over the water, spotting a quokka or two or unwinding in the guest pool, The Lodge Wadjemup is redefining what it means to stay on Rotto.

The Lodge Wadjemup is redefining what it means to stay on Rotto. (Image: Shot by Thom)

Feeling peckish? Discover Rottnest Island’s best restaurants.

We have cherry-picked a few of our favourite places to stay when you’re visiting Wadjemup / Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Many West Australians have nostalgic memories that revolve around Rottnest Island. For those of us daydreaming about the barefoot luxury of an island getaway and the emotions it evokes, a visit to Rottnest Island or a stay near the ferry departure point in Perth offers the perfect opportunity to soak up some vitamin D at its beautiful beaches and bays.

Here are some of the best Rottnest Island accommodation options that will make for a memorable visit.

The Lodge Wadjemup

The Lodge Wadjemup bathroom

After a $40 million refurbishment, The Lodge Wadjemup has just opened its doors to guests, offering idyllic lakeside relaxation to all. The resort has 63 refurbished rooms with a mix of heritage and 1970s bones, but come April, another 46 sleek poolside rooms will open. Rottnest Island has been short of delivering delicious food, but the Mediterranean fare at the onsite restaurant Sunsets Bar & Dining serves fresh WA produce in the form of XO prawns, heirloom tomatoes and squid ink linguine and Rottnest swordfish with mussels, sauce vierge, and bottarga.

Discovery Resort – Rottnest Island

Discovery Resort accommodation on Rottnest Island

Glamp by the water at Discovery Resort – Rottnest Island. (Image; Tourism Western Australia)

If you’re after a relaxing beach break, or want to create a multitude of memories with the family, you can do so in comfort at Discovery Holiday Parks Rottnest Island. From deluxe tents nestled in the dunes, to standard family tents with a private ensuite and outdoor deck, to superior family tents with kitchenettes, the holiday park located just 300 metres from Garden Lake and 200 metres from the beach has just 83 eco tents and gets the thumbs up for treading lightly on the land.

Heritage Cottages

Rottnest Island Bathurst Lighthouse Keepers Cottage

Bathurst Lighthouse Keepers Cottage comprises two units. (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

The majority of the original Heritage Cottages on Rottnest Island are located at the southern end of Vincent Way, in North Thomson, one of the oldest intact streets in Australia. Be transported back to the 1840s when you book a stay in one of the heritage-listed cottages which all share the same ochre hue that has become iconic on the island. Two of the charming Heritage Cottages are located close to Bathurst Lighthouse, while others with historical significance from the Second World War are to be found at Kingstown Barracks, a short bus ride from the main settlement. While they offer a historical experience, they do offer a more rustic accommodation in comparison to some of the island’s other stays.

Samphire Rottnest

Samphire Rottnest is the first luxury resort on Rottnest.

Samphire Rottnest is the first luxury resort to spring up on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) and it takes just 30 minutes on the ferry from Freo to get there. The 80-room boutique hotel feels like a hidden corner of Canggu without the crowds: it has a restaurant, beach club, lounge, lagoon-like pool and bar and landscaped gardens that make it irresistible as a hide-away-from-it-all hotel. Open up the doors to your suite and invite the sea breeze in or kick back with your toes in the sand for sunset cocktails at the Beach Club.

This article was originally written by Chloe Cann and updated by Rachael Thompson

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