Hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Western Australia's Rottnest Island each year will be welcomed by improved facilities at the island's West End.
The significant upgrades, which will further enhance the Rottnest Island visitor experience, are part of the Commonwealth's National Tourism Icons Program.
Located on the westernmost point of Rottnest Island, the West End, is a well-known location to spot marine life across the Indian Ocean, and hikers on the walking trails are treated to spectacular views of the island's rugged coastline and rolling surf breaks.
Key features of the recent upgrades include visitor shade shelters, bathroom facilities and a bus hub, as well as interpretive Aboriginal artwork sharing stories about the cultural significance of the West End.
These improvements will help ensure the West End continues to meet the demand of increasing visitor numbers, while also preserving the natural environment and respecting the site as a place of spiritual importance for Aboriginal people.
The $5 million upgrade to West End forms part of a $33.35 million package to enhance Rottnest Island, jointly funded by State and Commonwealth Governments, with $17.2 million committed from the Commonwealth's National Tourism Icons Program and the State contributing $16.15 million to upgrade the island's marine infrastructure.
The West End Project marks the completion of the National Tourism Icons program for Rottnest Island. Previously completed projects include:
- Gateway Welcome Statement sculpture, Settlement Mall upgrades and Wadjemup Museum redevelopment;
- The Basin upgraded amenities including new bathrooms, shade structures and landscaping; and
- Oliver Hill transport hub, shaded areas, and refurbished bathrooms.
Complementing these projects is the suite of improvements funded by the State through the marine infrastructure upgrade program, including the replacement of the Fuel Jetty, upgrade of the Main Jetty Berths 4 and 5, and construction of a new seawall in South Thomson Bay.
As stated by Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
"Rottnest Island is an iconic Australian destination, drawing tourists from near and far to experience its spectacular coastline and natural attractions, and the West End upgrades will provide a welcome boost.
"Perth is the Western Gateway to Australia for international visitors, with important aviation connections into Europe and Asia, and Rottnest Island provides a convenient day or overnight experience for visitors seeking an iconic experience."
As stated by Western Australian Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Watching the whales and seals or viewing the elegant osprey at the West End is an experience that international visitors are looking for when they visit our iconic Rottnest Island, so we're really pleased to have supported the upgrade of these facilities, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
"We've seen Rottnest Island become more popular than ever for tourists, with a record near 730,000 visitors by ferry last year, so it's important we're making sure our tourism infrastructure remain world-class.
"We continue to invest and focus heavily on Rottnest Island as one of our premier tourism destinations, with commitments to upgrade the island's Main Jetty and electrical and water infrastructure, plus other fantastic initiatives like expanded summer services and activities."
As stated by Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson:
"This investment in Wadjemup is particularly welcome because the strong focus on Whadjuk-Noongar culture responds to the strong interest from international visitors for engaging with Australia's most precious heritage, the stories and knowledge of the oldest continuous culture on earth.
"After some challenging years, tourism in Western Australia is rebounding strongly. The Albanese Government will continue to work with Australia's tourism sector, so the island and Western Australia remains a destination of choice for visitors."
As stated by State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk:
"Rottnest Island is one of the jewels in our State's tourism crown, so it's vital we continue to invest in the infrastructure to support its growth and popularity.
"These brand new facilities, along with artwork telling the story of the West End's cultural significance will add to visitors experience, with the added benefit of protecting the natural environment."
