- Increased number of WA school children will have the opportunity to experience Rottnest Island
- New initiative by the Cook Labor Government makes overnight school camps more affordable and accessible for schools in lower-socio economic areas, potentially saving families over $80 per child for an overnight camp
- Subsidy available on accommodation, bike hire and Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association educational tours, as well as discounted fare transfers
More Western Australian school children will have the opportunity to experience Rottnest Island, with a new Cook Government initiative making overnight school camps more affordable.
Eligible public schools in lower-socio economic areas will be subsidised up to 100% of accommodation fees to visit the island during Term 3, 2024, as well as receive a discount of up to 100% on ferry transfers.
They will also be able to access discounted bike hire from Pedal & Flipper and educational tours delivered by the Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association, potentially saving families over $80 per child for an overnight camp and more than $150 per child for a 3-night camp.
Over 550 public schools are eligible for the subsidy and can apply to be part of the program from today for Term 3 next year.
The subsidies are in addition to those available to all school groups throughout the year, which includes a 40 per cent accommodation discount for school group bookings, discounted rates on bike hire, and waiving of island admission fee.
For more information and to apply, visit www.rottnestisland.com/campsubsidy
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti
"Rottnest Island is an iconic Western Australian tourism destination, attracting thousands and thousands of people from around the world each year.
"This fantastic initiative will make Rottnest Island more affordable for Western Australian students, potentially saving families over $80 per child for an overnight camp, and more than $150 per child for a 3-night camp.
"We want to ensure students have the opportunity to enjoy all that Rottnest Island has to offer, and we are really proud that we're making it accessible for more schools across the State.
"The island itself is an incredible experience with great education opportunities and will give students lifelong memories to reflect on in years to come."
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Camps and excursions are a very exciting part of being a school student and are a fantastic way to provide students with new learning experiences outside the classroom.
"Rottnest Island provides a great hands-on teaching environment for lessons on conservation, culture, military history and the natural environment, so I hope eligible schools get on board with this wonderful initiative."
