The growing number of visitors to Rottnest will have the chance to participate and enjoy a range of new Island offerings this summer.
The new activities, which were launched today by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, are a direct response to the Island’s increasing popularity.
They are also an important part of the Rottnest Island Authority’s focus on enhancing and diversifying the Rottnest experience for its hundreds of thousands of visitors. The new offerings include:
- A daily seaplane commute to the Island
Travelling in a state-of-the-art Cessna turbo-prop seaplane, you can take off from the Swan River on one of several daily flights on a new commercial service;
- A new skydive and transfer package
For the first time, visitors can catch a plane at Jandakot Airport and skydive on to the Island. Visitors can then spend the day there before returning on a ferry;
- Two new sunset cruises, including one on a 12.5m catamaran
Enjoy a glass of bubbles and antipasto, while you watch Rottnest’s stunning summer sunsets on board the luxurious Capella catamaran;
- A ‘Hooked on Rotto’ fishing cruise
Hooked on Rotto is a fun two-hour tour where you get to experience one of Rottnest’s favourite pastimes -fishing. Everything is provided on board a premium charter boat, with instruction from expert fishing crew, making it ideal for kids, families and anyone wanting to learn how to fish;
- A new refreshments caravan at the West End
A new vintage caravan will be located at the West End of Rottnest to provide refreshments for visitors who venture out to this spectacular part of the Island;
- A new one-stop shop and concierge service at the Salt Store
The Salt Store will offer visitors the opportunity to enrich their stay on the Island by discovering the great range of recreational and dining opportunities on offer. The Salt Store will provide an opportunity to take home quality locally made products;
- New aquatic playground at North Thompson’s
Aquaplay will introduce a guided one-hour sea-bike tours, pedal-board and stand-up paddle board hire and a Kids Zone with a giant inflatable roller.
Rottnest recorded its biggest ever year in 2018-19, with 785,001 visitors to the Island.
And in the 12 months to the end of October, visitor numbers were already 12 per cent higher than the previous year.
In October alone, visitor numbers were up 28 per cent to 53,840 people.
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of Hotel Rottnest is continuing, with the new conference facility (suitable for up to 250 people) due to open later this month.
Hotel Rottnest Executive Chef Quim Hernandez has collaborated with consultant chefs Jesse Blake and Kate Christou to construct a new menu, which is inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean and the relaxed Western Australian lifestyle.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“The growing popularity of Rottnest is showing no signs of abating and it is important that we focus on supporting the visitor experience through a new concierge service in the historic Salt Store.
“This service will also promote new and existing businesses on the Island.
“The McGowan Government is committed to diversifying the recreational offerings on Rottnest to ensure there is something for everyone who visits the Island, no matter their age, preferences or budget.
“All these new activities will give returning visitors a chance to try something different, while new visitors will find something to keep them entertained beyond sun, surf, beaches and quokkas.
“These new offerings will also create more than 25 new jobs.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5600
